2026 Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners Celina Zacarias, from left, Jess Ramirez, Jason Hodge, Mary Anne Rooney, Jess Herrera. Courtesy photos.
PORT HUENEME — The Oxnard Harbor District welcomed new leadership this week as the Board of Harbor Commissioners unanimously voted Commissioner Jason T. Hodge as Board President. Hodge will lead the board alongside Mary Anne Rooney, who was elected as Vice President, and Jess Herrera, who will serve as Secretary. Outgoing President Jess Ramirez will remain on the board as a Commissioner.
Hodge brings experience, institutional knowledge, and a steady leadership approach to the role. As Board President, he will preside over meetings, help set strategic priorities, and represent the Port in engagements with its partners.
“It’s an honor to be selected by my colleagues to serve as Board President,” said Hodge. “The Port of Hueneme is a critical economic engine for our region and a valued community partner. I look forward to continuing our work to strengthen the Port’s operations, promote stewardship, and ensure long-term resilience.”
With professional training in fire protection, water rescue, hazardous materials emergencies, terrorism preparedness, and major disaster management, Hodge brings deep expertise in emergency response and logistics. He has played a key role in managing disaster operations involving more than $100 million in response and recovery efforts with a strong focus on protecting both the community and the environment.
Hodge presiding at the dais as the Oxnard Harbor District’s 2026 Board President.
Hodge has also been a leading voice in advancing the Port’s decarbonization and zero-emissions goals. He has represented the Port of Hueneme at conferences and forums around the world, collaborating with global partners, sharing best practices, and helping chart a path toward cleaner, more sustainable port operations. Through this work, Hodge has helped elevate the Port as a model for environmental leadership while bringing back innovative strategies to further strengthen the Port’s efforts to reduce emissions and protect the environment.
“Our Board continues to demonstrate strong, thoughtful leadership, and each Commissioner contributes valuable insight to the Port’s success,” said Kristin Decas, CEO and Port Director. “President Hodge brings a unique blend of public safety experience, community roots, and a clear commitment to advancing the Port in a way that supports both economic vitality and environmental responsibility.”
Looking ahead to 2026, the Board’s leadership remains focused on strengthening the Port’s operational resilience, continuing sustainability initiatives, supporting workforce and economic development, and deepening partnerships with the community and global trade partners. Under Hodge’s leadership, the Port will continue building momentum toward a future that balances growth, environmental responsibility, and long-term value for the region.
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 25,000 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.