Port CEO & Director – Woman of the Year

Port CEO & Executive Director Kristin Decas was named Oxnard’s Woman of the Year by the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s 67th annual Community & Business Awards Luncheon today.  Ms. Decas who arrived in Oxnard just two years ago became the 54th woman so honored.  Former Chamber of Commerce Chairman Steve Buenger introduced Ms. Decas as a tireless worker who since arriving in Oxnard has worked with Port customers to achieve new records in the Port of Hueneme’s total cargo volumes and revenue generation.  But it’s not just about the finances when reinvigorating one of the region’s most dynamic ports.

The Chamber’s award recognizes the woman who conducts business or performs community service in Oxnard and whose deeds and actions have contributed to the betterment of the community. During the last two years, the Port under the leadership of its first woman Executive Director has developed an award winning Global Trade & Logistics Class in partnership with the Oxnard Union High School District, initiated an internship program with the local university community and installed a $13 million shore power system dramatically reducing ship emissions while in port.

Under the leadership of the Port’s Board of Commissioners Ms. Decas took on the task of rebranding the Port’s 75 year old community and business image in addition to pursuing environmental and strategic partnerships.  The Port has also developed the Maritime Advanced Systems and Technology or MAST program fostering a platform for ideas and innovation for leading edge technologies for the advancement of ports and the maritime environment.  This program has resulted in increased opportunities for entrepreneurs to develop, test and evaluate solutions to relevant challenges in the maritime domain.  Ms. Decas serves on the Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Council (a two-year appointment from the US Secretary of Transportation) and on the National Freight Advisory Committee (another two-year assignment). And if there is such a thing as free time in her busy schedule Ms. Decas co-coaches her two daughter’s school volleyball team with her husband Greg.