Charles D. Tillotson has resigned as executive director of the Louisiana Gateway Port in Plaquemines Parish the port announced Tuesday.
Tillotson is stepping down effective immediately after leading the port through a period of significant infrastructure development. He will pursue new opportunities, according to a port press release.
The port commission will meet in the coming weeks to discuss a transition plan and the process for selecting a new executive director.
Louisiana Gateway Port, located at the mouth of the Mississippi River, handles a diverse range of cargo. It also owns and operates the ferry system in Plaquemines Parish. Port operations, including the Belle Chasse and Pointe-a-la-Hache ferry services, are continuing without interruption, the port said.
During his tenure, Tillotson advanced several major capital projects and secured federal funding, including a $7.4 million RAISE grant for the Peters Road Bridge and Extension and an $8 million federal earmark for the Peters Road Rail Bypass. His leadership also included completion of the Phase I Navy Business Case Analysis, which outlines integration of Port operations with national readiness goals at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. In addition, Tillotson led the 30% design submission to the Surface Transportation Board for the 11-mile Louisiana Gateway Terminal Mainline Rail Extension.
"We appreciate Mr. Tillotson's dedication to the Louisiana Gateway Port's mission," said Llyod "Ronnie" Newsom, chairman of the port. "The strategic milestones achieved over the past two years, particularly the groundbreaking Navy Business Case, have laid a robust foundation for the Port's future as a global intermodal hub. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors."
