Port of Virginia CEO Reinhart to retire in 2021

Port of Virginia Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director John Reinhart announced yesterday he will retire from his post in March 2021.

Reinhart has served in the position since February 2014. He is the fourth person to lead the agency, which owns and operates container and multi-use commercial marine terminals on behalf of the state.

In his role, Reinhart has been responsible for business development and growth, strategic marketing, finance and operations of the state's marine and inland ports: Virginia International Gateway, Newport News Marine Terminal, Norfolk International Terminals, Portsmouth Marine Terminal, Port of Richmond and the Virginia Inland Port.

He also oversees Virginia International Terminals LLC, the port's privately held terminal operating company.

"This port has made tremendous progress during the past six years and we should be proud of what we have accomplished," said Reinhart in a press release. "Our brand is solid, our values guide us and our hard work continues to earn the respect and trust of our customers, partners and stakeholders. This port is going to be an economic force in Virginia for decades to come."

Reinhart is the "architect" behind the Port of Virginia's resurgence, port authority officials said. During the two years prior to his arrival, state officials considered an offer to lease the port's operating rights to a private entity. A year after officials decided to keep the port and its operations in state hands, Reinhart was hired and began the process to modernize the port infrastructure and rebuild the port's reputation, brand and competitiveness.

As a result of that effort, the port returned to profitability and record-setting cargo volume for six consecutive years, port officials said.

The port authority's board and a committee aided by an international consultant will conduct the search for Reinhart's successor.

The Port of Virginia's railroad links are with CSX, Norfolk Southern Railway, Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Co. and Commonwealth Railway.