Vanta E. Coda II
The Duluth Seaway Port Authority's new director, Vanta E. Coda II brings more than 20 years of transportation experience to the post.The Duluth Seaway Port Authority has announced its new executive director – transportation executive Vanta E. Coda II.
Vanta will take over from outgoing director Adolph Ojard, who announced in May that he would retire this year.
The 46-year-old Vanta "brings to this leadership post over 20 years of experience in multi-modal transportation and logistics," according to the Port. He started his career with the Illinois Central Railroad and later worked in management positions for the Canadian National Railway, the Westlake Group and American Commercial Lines. Most recently he was the director of fuel transportation for Dynegy in Houston.
"This is such a wonderful opportunity," he said in a news release. "What has preceded me here has been done extremely well. The Port Authority has been so well managed … the board and current director have been able to accomplish a great deal during what has been a difficult economic environment. Now, particularly with the $10 million TIGER grant, we have an opportunity to solidify that real estate for economic development, to funnel in opportunities to grow the port even further.”
Vanta is only the seventh director the Port Authority has had since 1957. Previously the Port was led by: Adolph N. Ojard, 2003-13; Davis Helberg, 1979-2003; Paul Pella, 1977-79; C. Thomas Burke, 1969-77; David W. Oberlin, 1967-69; and Robert T. Smith, 1957-67.
In the October/November issue, just off the presses, Editor Konnie LeMay talked with retiring director Adolph Ojard about his family history and maritime career as well as his decade at the port's helm.