A proven leader, Kristin Decas repeatedly demonstrates her ability to build vision and implement strategy through open, collaborative processes that foster results.
Since beginning her tenure with the Port of Hueneme in February 2012, the Port has realized several successes. The total tonnage for FY 2013 jumped to over 1.4 million metric tons marking the Port’s most active trade year since its inception in 1937. The Port also turned a significant corner in FY2014 achieving its strongest fiscal numbers in history at over $14.3 million in gross operating revenue. The Port is now launching a Strategic Action Plan and rebranding campaign. Kristin championed the first annual Port Banana Festival, drawing over 10,000 visitors to the Port. Port of Hueneme related activities generate $1.1 billion in annual economic impact and create more than 10,200 direct, indirect, induced and influenced jobs.
Prior to serving for the Port of Hueneme, Kristin served as CEO and Port Director for the Port of New Bedford, MA, the nation’s number one value fishing port. In 2007, when Kristin took the helm as the director for the Port, she inherited a $200,000 deficit. Kristin literally ‘cleaned up’ the financial and physical landscape. During her five years at this post, she orchestrated a complete fiscal turnaround; from 2008, and every year thereafter, her prudent fiscal management generated a healthy profit for the Port. Kristin played a vital role in the development of a new terminal to support commerce and offshore wind energy projects. Under her leadership the Port also realized significant growth in cruise and recreational boating activity.
Kristin is recognized by Trade Administration officials for her impressive work in promoting economic development through international trade promotion, and for her service on scores of federal level shipping and port committees. Most recently Kristin was awarded a high-profile appointment by the U.S. Department of Transportation to both the National Freight Advisory Committee (NFAC) and the U.S. Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC).
The board of directors of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), a trade association representing more than 130 public port authorities in the US, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, elected Kristin as the association’s chair for the 2014-2015 activity year. Ms. Decas took office at the conclusion of the association’s annual convention in Houston in November.
Kristin was the first woman to run both the Port of New Bedford in its 50 year history and the Port of Hueneme in its 75 year history. She is the 4th woman to chair the AAPA in its 103 years.
She lives in Oxnard, CA with her husband and is the proud mother of two daughters.