Indiana-Burns Harbor Port Director Announces He Will Resign May 3
After four years as port director for the Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor, Ian Hirt is resigning effective May 3, the Ports of Indiana announced January 22.
The Ports of Indiana executive leadership has begun initial work that will result in hiring a new port director.
Hirt said in a statement that he is returning to the private sector.
“It has been an honor to lead the northwest Indiana port that has an impressive 50-year history,” Hirt said. “It truly has been a pleasure to work with an outstanding executive leadership team, staff, tenants, commission and community partners.”
The Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor highlighted the following achievements during Hirt’s tenure: implementation of numerous environmental initiatives, including the adoption of its stormwater management program, authorized by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management; receiving the 2019 South Shore Clean Cities Sustainability Leadership Award for work to reduce diesel emissions throughout the port; receiving the 2019 Northwest Indiana Partners for Clean Air Industrial Award for its work to improve air quality in northwest Indiana; completing an exceptional year of handling heavy-lift cargo in 2020, including cargo for a $1 billion power plant, one of the largest shipments in its 50-year history; extending its partnership with Federal Marine Terminals, a nationally renowned stevedore company; and hosting Indiana’s first U.S. Navy vessel commissioning ceremony for the U.S.S. Indianapolis.
“We are grateful for Ian’s professional leadership and dedication to help grow Indiana’s economy through notable project cargo shipments, environmental stewardship and partnership opportunities throughout the northwest Indiana port,” Vanta Coda II, CEO of Ports of Indiana, said. “As we work through this transition, we are confident our staff will continue delivering exceptional service to our port companies. We wish Ian the best of luck in his next endeavor.”
The Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor includes nearly 600 acres of land and 30 port companies, including 15 steel-related companies and three steel mills. The port handles about 10,000 rail cars, 75 ships, 325,000 trucks, 450 barges and 200 Great Lakes vessels per year.
The port director is responsible for managing daily operations for Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor. In addition to having at least five years of experience, qualified port director candidates must have a proven record of success in marketing and sales, leading and supervising others, strong knowledge of the freight transportation on the Great Lakes and Inland Waterway shipping and commerce.
