Paul Lydiate, from left, Financial Analyst; Julie Johnson, Fiscal specialist; Robin Campos, HR Manager; Jaime Constantino, Fiscal Technician; Gabriella Sabo, Director of Finance; Eliana Gonzales, Fiscal Specialist; Edward Chung, Accounting Manager; and Austin Yang, Chief Financial & Administrative Officer. Courtesy photo.
PORT HUENEME — Founded in 1906, The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) represents public finance officials all throughout the United States and Canada who aim to advance excellence in public finance. For the fourteenth consecutive year, the Port of Hueneme was selected to receive the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting—the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
“It is an honor to receive this recognition from the GFOA for the 14thconsecutive year,” said Austin Yang, Chief Finance & Administration Officer of The Port of Hueneme. “This award reflects our organizations commitment to transparency and excellence in financial reporting. It is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team here at the port.”
With great pride, The Port submitted its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) to the GFOA to be evaluated for the organizations fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. An impartial panel of the GFOA reviewed The Port’s ACFR and scored it against the highest standards of their program. Not only had The Port achieved excellence in their reporting, the organization was elated to find that it had also conveyed a “spirit of full disclosure” in clearly communicating its financial story to motivate readers to take the time and review the report in full.
“Our financial goals are designed to ensure that the Port of Hueneme remains a vital economic engine for our region,” said Celina Zacarias, President of the Board of Harbor Commissioners for The Port of Hueneme. “By enhancing our revenue streams, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and engaging with our community, we aim to create a resilient and prosperous future. These goals reflect our commitment to not only financial excellence but also to the well-being of our stakeholders and community members alike.”
Recognition from the GFOA is strong indication of the Port’s ability to manage its finances responsibly through sound decision-making and resource allocation that benefit the local economy as well as surrounding communities.
About the Port of Hueneme The Port of Hueneme is one of the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast. Five locally elected Port Commissioners govern the Port. The Port consistently ranks among the top ten U.S. ports for automobiles and fresh produce. Port operations support the community by bringing $2.8 billion in economic activity and creating 24,997 trade-related jobs. Trade through the Port of Hueneme generates more than $236 million in direct and related state and local taxes, which fund vital community services. In 2017, the Port of Hueneme became the first port in California to become Green Marine certified and was voted the Greenest Port in the U.S. at the Green Shipping Summit. www.portofh.org