Commissioner Jess Herrera Takes Helm as Oxnard Harbor District President in Historic 7th Term

On January 14, 2019, the Port of Hueneme welcomed new leadership on Monday evening, as the Board of Harbor Commissioners unanimously voted Jess Herrera to serve as President for 2019.

President Herrera sworn in by his wife, Dr. Cynthia Herrera

President Herrera was first elected to the Board in 1994, and has been the longest consecutively serving Commissioner in Port history with 2019 as his 25th year of service. Herrera has a long history of serving his community including 10 terms as Executive Officer of the Internal Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), as well as serving 8 terms as Chairman of the ILWU’s Southern California Regional Jurisdiction Committee; which in addition to the Port of Hueneme, also includes the Ports of LA, Long Beach, and San Diego. For 53 years, President Herrera has worked on the waterfront at the Port of Hueneme, and currently serves as a marine clerk coordinating the flow of ships and cargo in and out of the commercial Port.

During his tenure on the Board, President Herrera has overseen the generation of over 13,600 good paying jobs, the creation of the Port’s 2020 Strategic Plan to direct sustainable Port growth, creation of the Joint Use Agreement (JUA) with NBVC for access to additional berths in the harbor, and the expansion of the Port’s global reach. For example, in 2015, President Herrera led the Port of Hueneme’s delegation to create a sister Port relationship with the Port of Ensenada, Mexico. To date, this relationship has proven beneficial increasing trade between the two nations and cultivating the biotech opportunities in both Ensenada and the Port of Hueneme. Furthermore, the JUA has ensured additional revenue streams for NBVC and the commercial Port, while mandating that the monies received be kept local for projects of mutual benefit. A win-win for the immediate surrounding communities.

When asked about his goals for the next year, Herrera stated, “In a time with unprecedented political strife in our nation, we have the opportunity to lead locally by prioritizing goals that are both socially responsible and in the best interests of all our stakeholders. Our shared future prosperity is dependent on our ability to expand port facilities and infrastructure.” Herrera continued, “I look forward to working closely with my fellow elected officials and community stakeholders to create greater access to economic opportunity, a District free from the woes of crime and poverty, and a sustainable environment where all can succeed. It is a privilege to serve as President of the Oxnard Harbor District for a seventh term.”

Oxnard Harbor District Secretary Jason T. Hodge, President Jess Herrera, Vice President Jess Ramirez, Commissioner Mary Anne Rooney

President Herrera is joined by Jess Ramirez, who will serve as Vice President and Jason Hodge who will serve as Secretary for the next year. Mary Anne Rooney and Dr. Manuel Lopez will continue to serve as Commissioners this year.