June 13, 2018
REDWOOD CITY, CALIF.---
The Redwood City Port Commission announced today the selection of a new executive director following a competitive national recruitment effort led by a sub-committee of the Port Commission. 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.
Zortman’s appointment follows the retirement announcement earlier this spring of 30-year Port veteran and current executive director Mike Giari. Port Commission chairman Dick Dodge and vice chairman Lorianna Kastrop formed a sub-committee of the commission to lead the search process on behalf of the Port Commission.
“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 role as vice president with Civic San Diego, Zortman was a principal with the Port of San Diego for eight years focused on commercial real estate where she negotiated long-term leases focused on cargo and maritime trade growth. Other related experience includes six years with Lennar Communities focused on land acquisition and several years’ experience overseeing environmental project management.
“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 Kristine A. Zortman, Port of Redwood City’s new executive director. “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.”
Zortman holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from George Mason University and completed graduate studies work from University of Utah and the University of California Los Angeles with a focus in Hazardous Materials Management. Zortman’s community affiliations include memberships with the San Diego Military Advisory Council and the Propeller Club and former board member roles with the Boys & Girls Club and with Cares for Kids (Building Industry Association).
Zortman will join the Port of Redwood City later this summer. During the leadership transition, the Port Commission appointed Don Snaman, 23-year veteran with the Port of Redwood City and current director of operations as interim Executive Director. Well known in the maritime industry and a leader within the Redwood City community, Snaman’s experience spans all aspects of port operations including lease management, business development, capital improvement and redevelopment of Port assets, and environmental project management.
The recruitment sub-committee of the Port Commission worked with the maritime recruiting firm Shey-Harding Associates to select the new Port executive director.
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