New Bedford Port Authority Director Named

Updated (4:02 p.m.) — This article has been updated to include Poulsen's start date.

NEW BEDFORD — The new Director of New Bedford's Port Authority has been named: Justin Poulsen, Vice President and Executive Director of PortNYC, will take on the role starting July 30.

The announcement came from Mayor Jon Mitchell's Office Thursday afternoon. Mitchell serves as the chair of the Port Authority Commission.

Poulsen will replace former Port Director Ed Anthes-Washburn, who resigned in February for a private sector position with Crowley Maritime.

In a statement, the office noted that Poulsen was chosen from among 75 applicants for the Port Authority's Executive Director role.

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According to the mayor's office, he has nearly two decades of experience in maritime transportation, logistics, and economic development.

Poulsen currently manages assets for the New York City Economic Development Corporation's PortNYC.

These include Manhattan and Brooklyn’s cruise terminals, rail, aviation, freight, offshore wind assets, and the DockNYC program.

Previous roles include working as Vice President for pricing and planning at Silversea Cruises, and pricing and planning for sectors of the Holland America Line as well as managing towboat operations in Seattle.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Transportation from the California Maritime Academy and an executive MBA from the Graduate School of Business of Politecnico di Milano in Milan, Italy.

“I’m pleased to welcome Justin Poulsen to the Port of New Bedford,” said Mitchell. “He will bring broad and deep experience in maritime transportation, planning, and economic development that will enable him to hit the ground running as Port Director.”

Poulsen said that he is "thrilled" to join the city's Port Authority.

“I want to thank the Commissioners for their trust, and I am excited to get to work with the dedicated team to ensure the Port continues to attract business from across the globe by offering world-class services and infrastructure," he said.