Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners Appoints New President/CEO

Monday, 05 January 2009
Contact: Irene McCormack (619) 686-6222

The Board of Port Commissioners appointed retired U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Charles D. Wurster as President/CEO of the San Diego Unified Port District, the Board announced.

Wurster begins tomorrow.

The three-star admiral served 37 years in the Coast Guard, before retiring in May 2008 as the Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area, based in Alameda. After living throughout the country during his career, this past June he chose San Diego for his family home.

"I was impressed by the variety of businesses the Port is involved in, the work ethic there and the Port's corporate culture, which stresses teamwork, accountability and achievement," Wurster said. "I think my expertise is a good match with the Port and I look forward to continuing my career as a public servant."

Wurster has been hired to replace Bruce Hollingsworth, who announced his planned retirement several months ago. Hollingsworth served as the district's leader for almost six years, capping a 24-year career at the Port.

"Charlie is someone we can trust to take over the reins from an accomplished CEO who built an effective organization dedicated to quality public service," Board Chairman Michael Bixler said.  "Choosing someone who has the same values as the organization was paramount in our decision."

As Vice Admiral, Wurster was responsible for 11,000 personnel and a $450 million budget for Coast Guard operations throughout the Western United States, Alaska, Hawaii and the Pacific. The agency roles included the security and safety of marine transportation, law enforcement, emergency services and environmental protection throughout the Pacific Basin to the Far East. He is credited with expanding the agency's international partnerships with Russia and China.

The Port hired the search firm, Ralph Andersen and Associates, to secure applicants and review applications in the executive replacement process. Wurster was one of more than 80 people who applied for the job. Outgoing Chair Bixler, incoming Chair Stephen Cushman and incoming Vice Chair Robert "Dukie" Valderrama served as the Board of Port Commissioners search committee. The committee recommended candidates who were interviewed by the full seven-member board late last year.

Wurster will work with outgoing President/CEO Hollingsworth during a 30-day transition period. Wurster will serve as the district's sixth leader since the formation of the Port by an act of the state Legislature in 1962. The Port began operating as a district in January 1963.

"It's all about team and trust," said incoming Chair Cushman, who will be sworn in tomorrow during a regular Board meeting. "We expect that Charlie Wurster will build upon the efforts of his predecessor and work with the organization, our partners and our neighbors on the challenges that face us, and many others, during the economic uncertainty and beyond."

Wurster, 59, received a Master's degree in Civil Engineering in 1976 from the University of Illinois. He graduated with honors in 1971 from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut.  He is a 1993 graduate of the National Resource Strategy program of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He is a registered Professional Engineer and a Fellow of the Society of American Military Engineers. His recognitions include Chi Epsilon honor fraternity, the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal, and the Society of American Military Engineers' Sverdrup Medal.

Before serving as Coast Guard's Commander of the Pacific Area for two years, from 2003 through 2006 Wurster served as Commander of the Fourteenth District in Honolulu, which covered Hawaii, the U.S. Pacific Islands, and detachments in Singapore and Japan. He led the U.S. delegation to the United Nations International Maritime Organization meetings, which addressed safety, security and environmental protection in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. These meetings resulted in international cooperation that curtailed piracy and reduced maritime insurance rates.

In a long career that spanned both coasts, he also served as the Chief of Acquisition in Washington, DC; Chief of Staff for the Pacific Area in Alameda, Calif.; Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard base in Kodiak, Alaska; and Commanding Officer of the Facilities Design and Construction Center in Seattle, Wash.

Wurster is an Eagle Scout and was recognized in 2006 with the prestigious Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He currently is serving on the San Diego/Imperial Council Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America and as the National Commodore for the Sea Scouts.

Over the years, Wurster has been involved in many civic activities including Rotary Club, coaching youth sports, Scout leader and volunteer.

He resides in San Diego with his wife and has two grown children.

His annual salary is $200,000.

---