Port Director Stepping Down

New Bedford Port Director Jeffrey Stieb is stepping down.

Mayor John Mitchell's Office says Stieb made the announcement during a meeting of the New Bedford Harbor Development Commission on Thursday.

Stieb has has overseen the port of New Bedford since September 2012 and in his letter to the HDC Board Stieb noted successes during his tenure including improvements in fiscal and operational management, the securing of $72 million in state bond authorizations working in close coordination with the local legislative delegation, and the successful hosting of the whaleship Charles W. Morgan that drew tens of thousands to the waterfront in 2014.

Following that announcement the seven-member HDC board voted to appoint Deputy Port Director Edward Anthes-Washburn as Acting Port Director on a transition date to be decided.

The Harbor Development Commission plans to revisit the selection and appointment process for the Director position at the conclusion of the boating season in the fall.

Stieb, a former U.S. Coastguard officer and Massport executive, cited the challenges of a long-distance commute from his Weymouth home as reason for his decision.