Search Begins for New Executive Director at Duluth Seaway Port Authority

CFO Kevin Beardsley Appointed as Interim Director

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Seaway Port Authority director’s Vanta Coda’s will resign effective Feb. 9.

They have appointed the organization’s CFO, Kevin Beardsley, as interim executive director while the search for a successor gets under way.

Coda, who became the Port Authority’s chief executive on Oct. 1, 2013, achieved some milestones in his time at the Port Authority, including completion of $24 million worth of infrastructure renewal projects.

“At my first board meeting I made only one promise,” said Coda, “to manage as a responsible steward and produce results for the Port’s key stakeholders.”

Those results speak for themselves.

“Vanta opened our eyes to new possibilities during his tenure here,” said Ray Klosowski, DSPA board president. “Coordinating operations with our terminal manager was instrumental in giving us the financial stability to take on new challenges and create growth opportunities for the Port Authority and for this region. He leaves the Port Authority in a solid position financially, well positioned for future growth.”