New Manager to Oversee Most Port Operations

Hoping to free up its top executive for more strategic planning efforts, the Oxnard Harbor District has created a new deputy manager position to oversee much of the Port of Hueneme’s day-to-day operations.

Pete Wallace, director of operations and maintenance, was promoted to deputy executive director of maritime services effective Jan. 1. Wallace joins Judy Cofer, deputy executive director of administration, in assisting port chief William J. Buenger.

“We’ve been thinking about bringing on another person, because Bill is overloaded,” said Michael A. Plisky, president of the Harbor Commission. “And this gives us more depth in the organization.”

The district recently took two major steps to handle additional cargo. It signed a 30-year deal with the U.S. Navy for joint use of a Navy wharf, which could increase operating revenue by nearly 30%, and it began converting 11.5 acres into additional short-term storage for imported automobiles and other cargo, such as tractors and heavy machinery.

“We simply have a lot of plans in the works for future expansion of the port,” Plisky said. “We’ve got a lot of people out there who are champing at the bit to come to the port, and Bill needs to have some time to sit down and negotiate contracts with them.”

Buenger said details regarding joint use of the Navy wharf, which adds a sixth berth to the port, still need to be worked out, just as another round of military base closing activity begins nationally.

The port is also considering development of satellite properties and is looking at the feasibility of joint commercial use of the runways at Point Mugu Naval Air Station for airfreight.

“He’s got a lot on his plate, and I’m going to try to help him with that,” said Wallace, who will become the port’s primary liaison with the Navy base. He also will focus on additional security concerns at the port resulting from the September 2001 terrorist attacks.

The new director of operations and maintenance will report to Wallace, as will security and the port’s director of engineering.

Wallace, 51, began his maritime career in 1980 working for Del Monte at Port of Hueneme in several posts, including assistant terminal manager. He was employed by a rival banana importer, Turbana Corp., as terminal manager from 1987 until 1996.

The Oxnard resident then worked briefly for Metropolitan Stevedore Corp. at the Port of San Diego, handling imports of Chilean fruit.

Wallace, who joined the harbor district in July 1997 as assistant manager of operations, is an ideal choice for the new position, Buenger said. “He has an absolutely superb relationship with all of our customers.”