Governor Martin O'Malley announced the appointment of James J. White as Executive Director of the Maryland Port Administration (MPA). Mr. White returns to a position in which he enjoyed tremendous success as head of the Port of Baltimore from 1999 through 2005. For the past two years he has served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of New Jersey-based Ceres Terminals Inc., a stevedoring and terminal operations company with major port operations in North America and Europe. Mr. White brings with him more than three decades of maritime experience, much of it developed during 12 years serving in executive positions with the MPA.

'When Jim entered the private sector two years ago, he left the Port of Baltimore in the best shape in its 300-year history,' said Governor O'Malley. 'He had compiled an impressive list of newly signed long-term contracts, a solid strategic business plan and a great working relationship with every side of the maritime industry from labor to shipping interests around the globe. Jim has a proven track record and will hit the ground running as we work together to build a more competitive and stronger port.'

Mr. White served as the Executive Director of the Maryland Port Administration for six years from January 1999 to February 2005. Following the events of September 11, 2001, he worked with federal, state and local law enforcement in overseeing the development of a port security program focused on deterring terrorism at the Port of Baltimore. Mr. White also served as MPA's Deputy Executive Director and Director of Operations responsible for the general operation of the Port and running its six public facilities. In this position he played key roles in the planning and implementation of the Port's short- and long-term infrastructure needs. In addition to his work with steamship lines, he worked with regulatory authorities and labor leaders and served as the Director of Operations and Executive Vice President of Maryland International Terminals (MIT), the former terminal operating and stevedore subsidiary.

Some of the key milestones achieved under Mr. White's tenure as MPA Executive Director include:

  • Development of a 20-year agreement with Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics to establish the Port of Baltimore as the shipping line's North Atlantic Hub for Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro) units, automobiles, and project cargo. The agreement is the largest in the history of the Port of Baltimore.
  • Reached additional long-term agreements with Evergreen, Amports, Mercedes,
  • UPM-Kymmene, Mediterranean Shipping Company and Atlantic Container Line;
  • Development of the 55-acre Masonville vehicle processing facility;
  • Construction of new warehouse sheds for forest product customers;
  • Development of a new dedicated cruise terminal to improve cruise operations and free needed space for cargo at Dundalk Marine Terminal;
  • Development of a security program that transitioned from a focus on the prevention of traditional port-related crime to the prevention of terrorism following 9/11; and
  • Added funding for critical dredging projects;

Mr. White began his maritime career in 1975 with Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc. (PRMMI) where he rose to the position of General Manager for North America. He served in management positions with other maritime companies as well, including Vice President of Operations for Concorde Nopal, and North Atlantic operations manager for Sea Train - New York. Mr. White is a former president of the North Atlantic Ports Association, Inc. He is a graduate of Wagner College in Staten Island, NY, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Economics. Mr. White and his family live in Harford County.

Mr. White rounds out the senior transportation management team under Secretary John D. Porcari. Others include: Deputy Transportation Secretary Beverley Swaim-Staley, Assistant Secretary Karen Williams Gooden, Maryland Transportation Authori