Oxnard Harbor District’s Leadership Looks Toward Expanding Exports and Strengthening Community Relationships in 2018

March 13, 2018 — The Port of Hueneme welcomes new leadership as the Board of Harbor Commissioners named officers for the 2018 year. Mary Anne Rooney was unanimously voted to serve as President, marking the second time she has led the Board in this capacity.

Rooney was first elected to the Board of Harbor Commissioners in November 2010, and became the first woman serve as President of the Board in 2014. She is an active member of the community serving on the Board of LAFCO, past President of the Association of Pacific Ports (APP); Economic Development Committee Member for the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA); Executive Director of the World Affairs Council, California Central Coast Chapter; Delegate on a Leadership Mission to Taiwan in 2013, past Secretary of the Ventura County Special District Association, and member of the Oxnard/Ocotlán Sister City Committee. In addition to her other roles, Ms. Rooney is an independent strategic business consultant, working with the Ventura County Civic Alliance, the Oxnard Union High School District Linked Learning program, and private clients.

When asked about her new role Rooney stated, “I am honored to be the President of the board and am focused on strengthening our relationships with our neighboring cities, the Navy, and the county for the benefit of all. Also, I am looking toward continuing to increase economic vitality for our region, with a focus on increasing exports.” The Port currently exports produce commodities from Ventura County and the Central Valley of California. These commodities include grapes, peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, almonds and walnuts.

President Rooney is joined by Jess Herrera, who will serve as Vice President; and Jess Ramirez who will serve as Secretary for the next year. Both are longshoremen at the Port, and have served on the Board of Harbor Commissioners for 24 years. Jason Hodge and Dr. Manuel Lopez will continue to serve as Commissioners this year.