The Port of San Diego announced the appointment of John A. Bolduc as Acting Chief Executive Officer.

Bolduc, formerly Harbor Police Chief and Vice President of Public Safety, begins his new role immediately. Bolduc took the oath of office at a special Board of Port Commissioners meeting on Friday, July 25, 2014.

He succeeds Wayne Darbeau, who was appointed as CEO in December 2010.

“John excels at motivating people. He’s an excellent communicator and an inspirational leader. He brings a record of leadership to build on the Port’s strong foundation of financial sustainability and integrity,” said Chairman Bob Nelson of the Board of Port Commissioners. “We are grateful to have John at the helm during this time of transition and reflection, and we have no doubt he’s going to serve the Port well in his new capacity, just as he has so effectively served the public during his entire professional career.”

Bolduc spent the last four years serving as Chief of the Harbor Police Department where he oversaw 158 employees – nearly a third of the Port’s staff – and an annual budget of $31 million. Assistant Chief of Police Mark Stainbrook has been named Acting Chief of the Harbor Police Department.

“I’m looking forward to moving the Port of San Diego forward with the full support of its Board and executive leadership team, and providing a stable and productive work environment for all of our employees,” said Bolduc. “This is a unique opportunity to lead a public-service agency that serves as an economic engine for the San Diego region with its dynamic portfolio of maritime industry and commercial real estate development, while providing essential community services ranging from public safety and fire protection to parks and environmental services.”

As CEO, Bolduc leads an organization of more than 500 budgeted employees and an annual budget of $145 million. The Port of San Diego is an independent public agency created by the State of California in 1962 to develop and manage the public trust Tidelands along 34 miles of San Diego Bay. It serves as landlord, principal land use authority, and public steward pursuant to the California Public Trust Doctrine. It regulates and supports maritime industry and commercial real estate development; and provides police, fire, park, and environmental services. The Port’s hotels, marinas, restaurants, and tourist attractions operate side-by-side with a working waterfront of shipbuilding and repair yards, boatyards, sportfishing landings, cargo and cruise terminals.

Bolduc was appointed the Vice President of Public Safety in July 2011. In this role he oversaw the Port of San Diego’s Harbor Police Department, Homeland Security and all port security aspects. Bolduc was hired as the Port’s Chief of Harbor Police in May 2010. Prior to that, he served in municipal policing for 23 years in Minnesota. He was the Police Chief for the cities of Brainerd and Mora spanning nearly 13 years. He also served as a police officer and police supervisor for the city of Maple Grove. Bolduc holds a bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State University in Minnesota and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from National University in San Diego. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Bolduc has taught courses in leadership development and management.