Following a competitive national recruitment effort led by a sub-committee of the Port Commission, a new Executive Director has been appointed to lead the Port of Redwood City. Succeeding the retirement of Michael Giari, who successfully led the port since May of 1995, the Port Commission appointed 25-year port, maritime and commercial real estate veteran, Kristine A. Zortman, who comes to the Port of Redwood City from San Diego as the vice president of Civic San Diego, a non-profit economic development corporation.
“Following an extensive recruitment effort, the Port Commission is thrilled to announce the selection of Kristine A. Zortman to further the Port’s successful economic development and maritime trade growth. Kristine’s experience and leadership in maritime commercial growth and expansion and maritime related commercial real estate were key assets advancing her as our top candidate,” said Richard Dodge, chair of the Port Commission. “Kristine’s successful collaborations with boards, strong community and business partnerships, and experience managing successful internal teams will elevate the Port’s success as we continue as a leader among California and U.S. ports and focus on economic development, transportation and community building initiatives and priorities.
Prior to her involvement with Civic San Diego, Zortman was a principal with the Port of San Diego for eight years as she worked on commercial real estate where she negotiated leases focused on cargo and maritime trade growth.
“I am grateful and thank the Port Commission leadership for their confidence in me to lead the Port of Redwood City. I look forward to working with an outstanding internal leadership team, to develop strong partnerships with the Redwood City community, and local, national and international business leaders, and to partner with local, state and federal port leaders to further the important work of ports nationwide,” said Zortman. “As an economic engine, the Port’s strategic alliances and business partnerships will facilitate it truly becoming the region’s partner of choice in multi-national maritime trade and industry.”