Three ports make management, governance changes

The Port of Portland has named Keith Leavitt chief commercial officer to succeed Sam Ruda, who plans to depart the Oregon port later this month to pursue other interests.

Leavitt most recently was the port’s general manager of business development and properties. He now will oversee business and economic development activities, such as by managing, enhancing and and marketing the port’s diversified industrial real estate portfolio.

Leavitt joined the port in 1999 as state government affairs manager and later served as development project manager. He previously was division manager and economic development representative for the Oregon Economic Development Department.

"Keith brings a strong background in business and economic development and commercial property management to this critical leadership position," said Bill Wyatt, the port's executive director, in a press release.

Meanwhile, the Port of Los Angeles has appointed Tom Gazsi deputy chief of police. He will be responsible for planning and managing resources for emergency events and disasters, and overseeing emergency preparedness for the port’s 43 linear miles of waterfront and 7,500 acres.

Gazsi was chief of the Costa Mesa Police Department for three years, and prior to that served the Newport Beach Police Department for 32 years, including a stint as captain.

In Florida, the Manatee County Port Authority has elected Carol Whitmore to a third one-year term as chair. A registered nurse, Whitmore formerly served as a city commissioner and mayor of Holmes Beach, Fla.

Port Manatee's governing board also elected the following officers to one-year terms: Vanessa Baugh, first vice chair; John Chappie, second vice chair; and Betsy Benac, third vice chair.