Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal District Director R. Adam McBride is retiring.
He will leave the position in the first quarter of 2010, giving the Board of Commissioners time to conduct a recruitment and selection process for his replacement and allowing for an orderly transition early next year.
McBride, 55, has been involved in the maritime industry for nearly 40 years. “I joined the Royal Canadian Navy as a Reservist in 1970, and went to active regular service in 1971,” McBride says. “The oceans of the world, the ships and cargoes that sail them, and the people who work them have been an important part of my life ever since.” McBride built his maritime career in port operations, financial management, and a wide range of cargo activities while progressing through several port authorities in both Canada and the United States. McBride immigrated to the United States in 1996, becoming a U.S. citizen in 2005. He was appointed Port Director in Lake Charles in July 2003.
“I have been privileged to contribute to the growth and success of the Port of Lake Charles over the last six years,” McBride says. “It has long been in my personal plans to take retirement at a time that would allow me to pursue new opportunities and directions. My wife, Lisa, and I believe that now is that time. I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life, including travel with Lisa, continuing studies and education, time with our family both young and elderly, and contribution to our community. We plan to reside in Lake Charles in retirement as our children and grandchildren live here and we look forward to hearing regularly of the success of the Port, and to continuing our relationships with our many friends around the community and the state.”
McBride notes that the port has the resources and the ability to continue developing and attracting opportunities, with many projects announced and under way at this time, and new projects in development. “I am pleased that the Port is one of the strongest ports in Louisiana,” he says. “It is well managed and governed by its board and management staff, financially self sufficient, and is respected in the port industry.”
Members of the Board of Commissioners expressed regret that McBride is planning to retire early next year. “Adam has been a key factor in the resurgence and success of the Port of Lake Charles bringing new cargoes, new projects, new investments, and thousands of new jobs to our area. It will be tough to replace him, and the entire board wishes him well in the future,” says Chairman of the Personnel Committee Harry Hank. “The Commissioners will undertake a candidate search and selection process with a view to selecting the next Port Director in early 2010. This will allow us to continue the implementation of our Strategic Plan and business development without interruption, and maintain the significant contribution of the Port to the region and the state.”
