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August 19, 2020

John Henshaw picked to lead CT Port Authority

Photo | Contributed The Port Authority oversees the State Pier in New London.
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

The new leader of the Connecticut Port Authority says he sees plenty of potential for boosting the state’s maritime industry. 

On Tuesday, the Old Saybrook-based authority picked John Henshaw to be its new executive director. Henshaw starts his new position on Sept. 8, filling the vacancy created by the departure of Evan Matthews, who was placed on leave and later resigned.

Gov. Ned Lamont stepped in to overhaul the quasi-public authority last year following concerns about its finances and management. A state audit concluded the authority had spent thousands of dollars on purchases such as expensive meals, liquor and lodging, for example.

Henshaw previously led the Maine Port Authority for over a decade. 

Here in Connecticut, Henshaw will work to foster the economic development of the state’s maritime economy, and oversee growth of its harbors and three deepwater ports, which are in New Haven, Bridgeport and New London. 

“There is a tremendous amount of maritime opportunity in Connecticut right now,” Henshaw said in an announcement. “Major investments to support port infrastructure and port operations are happening in all three of Connecticut’s deepwater ports, all while there is a consistent interest in further investing in the small harbors and marinas that form the foundation of Connecticut’s coastal culture.” 

The authority’s board of directors indicated it picked Henshaw based on his experience, particularly in identifying maritime opportunities, leading large-scale capital projects and developing maritime supply chain.

David Kooris, board chairman, said the authority is “fortunate” to have someone with Henshaw’s experience to lead it.

“As we continue to build up our waterfront infrastructure and grow our ports and working harbors, we will benefit greatly from someone like John who has experience in making full use of a state’s maritime assets to leverage investment and create opportunities for supply chain development,” Kooris said. 

The board cited Henshaw’s successes in Maine as factors in the decision. For example, Henshaw oversaw the redevelopment of a derelict port terminal in Portland, Maine. He also brought rail service to that terminal for the first time in decades, which reduced highway truck traffic. 

Henshaw chairs the Board of Advisors of the International Association of Maritime and Port Executives, and previously served as president of the North Atlantic Ports Association.

According to Henshaw, Connecticut is already working on projects that are establishing it as a maritime leader. 

“Between the new energy opportunities and the already well-established aerospace and defense industries, we are looking at a period of solid growth for our maritime sector over the next decade,” Henshaw said. 

Going forward, he plans to continue initiatives like the Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program, as he said the state’s small harbors bring “tremendous opportunity” to municipalities.

Paul Mounds, Lamont’s chief of staff, said the state wanted a candidate experienced in developing supply chains, growing ports and working with federal and state agencies.

“Given his experience in Maine and familiarity with navigating both state and federal regulatory landscapes, John is well equipped to lead the Connecticut Port Authority and ensure our maritime assets are fully supporting the economic future of our state,” Mounds said. 

Melissa McCaw, secretary of the state Office of Policy and Management, said Lamont’s directive for OPM to take an active role in the authority’s financial, operational and strategic decisions has “yielded promising results, but there is more work to be done.”

According to McCaw, OPM has worked with authority leadership to create needed policies and procedures, limit extraneous costs and activities and enhance transparency.

“This work has led to a fresh start and a clean slate for the new executive director to take the reins,” she said. 

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