The Port of Redwood City has appointed a new executive director — 25-year port, maritime and commercial real estate veteran Kristine A. Zortman.
Zortman was most recently the vice president of Civic San Diego, a non-profit economic development corporation. Her appointment follows the retirement announcement of executive director Mike Giari. Zortman will join the Port of Redwood City later this summer. During the transition, Don Snaman, 23-year veteran with the Port of Redwood City and current director of operations, will serve as interim executive director.
Richard Dodge, chair of the Redwood City Port Commission, said the selection of Zortman followed “an extensive recruitment effort.”
“Kristine’s successful collaborations with boards, strong community and business partnerships, and experience managing successful internal teams will elevate the Port’s success as we continue as a leader among California and U.S. ports and focus on economic development, transportation and community building initiatives and priorities,” Dodge said in a statement.
Before serving as vice president with Civic San Diego, Zortman was a principal with the Port of San Diego for eight years focused on commercial real estate, according to the Port of Redwood City. In that capacity, she “negotiated long-term leases focused on cargo and maritime trade growth.”
In the statement, Zortman said she is grateful for the opportunity “to develop strong partnerships with the Redwood City community, and local, national and international business leaders.”
“As an economic engine, the Port’s strategic alliances and business partnerships will facilitate it truly becoming the region’s partner of choice in multi-national maritime trade and industry,” she said.
Zortman holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from George Mason University and completed graduate studies work from University of Utah and the University of California Los Angeles with a focus in Hazardous Materials Management. She also has memberships with the San Diego Military Advisory Council and the Propeller Club and has held former board member roles with the Boys & Girls Club and with Cares for Kids (Building Industry Association).
