The Ports of Indiana named Matt Smolek as port director at the Port of Indiana-Jeffersonville, effective Aug. 17. Smolek most recently served as sales manager for Consolidated Terminals and Logistics Co. (CTLC) based at the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor on Lake Michigan.
“Matt has demonstrated his ability not only for developing ocean-going cargo, but also for developing business on the inland river system,” said Rich Cooper, CEO for the Ports of Indiana. “His experience in advanced manufacturing, agribusiness and maritime commerce will allow him to hit the ground running as he begins working closely with our port companies and prospects in Jeffersonville.”
CTLC, a division of CGB Enterprises Inc., provides handling and transportation services for bulk commodities and logistics operations domestically and around the world. Prior to joining CTLC, Smolek worked with SPX Corp. in Minnesota, Ford Motor Co. in Michigan and Smolek Farms in North Judson, IN.
“I am really looking forward to this challenge,” Smolek said. “I have had a great opportunity to work with the Ports of Indiana in a business development role for the past two years and now I am excited to be able to take on a leadership role in Jeffersonville. I just hope to build on the tremendous success that port has already experienced and help port companies increase their business so that we continue to grow the local economy.”
Born in Lafayette, IN, Smolek earned his bachelor’s from Purdue University with a dual major in industrial management and manufacturing. He also earned a certificate in international business from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. Smolek replaces Brian Nutter who resigned as Jeffersonville port director in April. Matt, his wife Haylee and son Haydyn currently live in San Pierre, Ind., and will be relocating to the Jeffersonville area in the near future.
The Ports of Indiana is a statewide port authority, created by state legislation in 1961, charged with “promoting the agricultural, industrial and commercial development of the state” through the establishment of modern port facilities. Indiana has three ports in Burns Harbor, Mount Vernon and Jeffersonville that handle as much as $1.89 billion in cargo shipments per year. Opened in 1985 on the Ohio River, Jeffersonville is the youngest of Indiana’s ports.
