New Oxnard Harbor District President, Celina L. Zacarias. Courtesy photo.
PORT HUENEME — On January 16, 2024, the Port of Hueneme welcomed new leadership as the Board of the Oxnard Harbor District voted Celina L. Zacarias to serve as President for 2024.
“It is truly an honor to serve as the President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Harbor Commissioners,” said Commissioner Zacarias. “From the beginning of my time as a commissioner, it has been and continues to be my commitment and the commitment of my fellow Commissioners to strengthen our community through educational and workforce opportunities both now and in the future. I will continue the Port’s mission to support our customers, provide impactful community outreach, and serve as an economic force in Ventura County.”
President Zacarias’ goals for the year includes promoting regional economic prosperity, supporting the local workforce and business community, building strategic partnerships to create economic opportunities for the region, and protecting the environment through sustainable practices.
President Zacarias has held the position of Senior Director of Community and Government Relations for California State University Channel Islands, the 23rd campus in the California State University System since 2007. As Director of Community and Government Relations Celina is responsible for advancing California State University Channel Islands’ positive presence and goodwill at all levels throughout the culturally diverse service region, the state, the nation and internationally by planning, directing, and implementing a comprehensive proactive program of community and government relations.
Celina is also responsible for establishing and maintaining strong relationships with local elected officials, Sacramento state legislators, and U.S. Congressional representatives in Washington D.C. and their staff members to communicate positions on issues and obtain support for resources on behalf of the campus.
President Zacarias is joined by Commissioner Jess Ramirez, who will serve as Vice President; and Commissioner Jason Hodge who will serve as Secretary for the next year. Celina has served on the Oxnard Harbor Commission Board since February 2020. Commissioner Herrera is a retired longshoremen from the Port of Hueneme and has served on the Board of Harbor Commissioners for 30 years.
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