Gordon Carr will be the next executive director of the New Bedford Port Authority, coming on as the Massachusetts South Shore port undertakes extensive modernization to expand its fishing, processing, offshore wind energy and other maritime industries.
Currently deputy director of real estate strategy and policy at the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) in Boston, Carr has more than 25 years of experience in the public and private sectors in the areas of public policy, economic development, and enterprise strategy.
His career has already included New Bedford projects.
“As an independent consultant in 2014-15, Carr conducted a comprehensive assessment of both the New Bedford Economic Development Council and the city’s Harbor Development Commission, which has guided the strategy of both organizations in the years since,” according to a statement from Mayor Jon Mitchell’s office.
“At Massport, Carr worked in a variety of capacities and leadership roles, each of which closely involved and supported the diverse operations of the Port of Boston. Importantly, he served as the primary lead on a range of topics advocating for the working port, maritime industrial/seafood interests, and freight networks, including leading an in-depth study and analysis of the future of the seafood cluster in Boston.”
The New Bedford Port Authority commissioners chose Carr from among 39 applicants. He is expected to take over the office in late September, pending the negotiation of his employment agreement.
Carr is coming aboard at a time when city officials are pressing forward with “a transformative period in the Port of New Bedford,” according to the mayor’s office. “As the nation’s highest-value commercial fishing port and the launching pad of offshore wind development in the U.S., the port is undergoing an extensive modernization so that it can compete successfully for investment and jobs in the fishing, processing, offshore wind energy and other maritime industries.”
“Gordon’s extensive experience in maritime and economic development issues make him an ideal fit for this position,” said Mitchell. “Gordon’s deep familiarity with New Bedford will enable him to help continue the port’s momentum right from the start.”
“I’m excited about this opportunity to join the exceptional team at the NBPA and apply the personal and professional experiences I have accumulated to help continue to diversify the port of New Bedford’s commercial base, drive economic growth, and preserve and expand the port’s core industries,” Carr said.
New Bedford is the top U.S. commercial fishing port in annual landings value, and now a staging site for Vineyard Wind, the planned 800-megawatt turbine array that is on track to become the first industrial-scale offshore wind project in U.S. waters. City officials say a recent study shows the port generates more than $11 billion in annual economic activity and supports more than 6,700 jobs.
