One week after the abrupt departure of Thomas Bradshaw as director of the N.C. State Ports Authority, the newly appointed state transportation secretary has issued a statement concerning his successor.
In a release issued today, the N.C. Department of Transportation, which includes the ports authority, formally announced Jeff Miles, the authority’s deputy executive director, as acting director effective immediately.
The release notes Miles’ experience in ports and maritime transportation management over the past 20-plus years. He joined the authority in 2005 as chief operating officer and was promoted last year to deputy executive director, the release states.
Transportation Secretary Anthony Tata is quoted as saying the state is fortunate to have Miles overseeing operations at the ports.
“We are fortunate to have someone with the industry experience that Jeff brings to the job,” Tata is quoted as saying. “His extensive experience in the maritime transportation industry uniquely qualifies him to lead this dynamic organization.”
Earlier this week, the authority confirmed that Bradshaw was no longer serving as executive director. Appointed a year before as interim director, and named director officially in August 2012, Bradshaw oversaw operations in that role as well as his position as statewide logistics coordinator.
According to the release, a nationwide search will start in coming weeks for a permanent replacement. In the meantime, Miles, as acting director, will lead an organization of nearly 250 employees that, the release states, “contributes $500 million annually in state and local tax revenue and supports more than 65,000 direct and indirect jobs statewide.”
“This is an exciting time for North Carolina’s ports,” Miles said in the release. “With cargo volumes increasing and the pursuit of several potential new lines of business at both ports, this year promises to be one of our strongest yet. I am privileged to lead the ports and look forward to partnering with North Carolina’s businesses to strengthen the economies of our host communities and the state.”
