Ports of Indiana Names New CEO
Vanta E. Coda II has been named the Ports of Indiana’s next CEO to replace Rich Cooper following his retirement, effective July 1. Cooper is retiring after 16 years with the Ports of Indiana and will assist the organization with the leadership transition through the end of the year.
Ports of Indiana CEO Vanta E. Coda II
Coda returns to the Ohio River Valley with 25 years of experience in maritime and multimodal operations on the Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico and Ohio River.
He most recently served as the executive director for the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, operating in the busiest port district on the Great Lakes. During his time at Duluth, Coda led the completion of $24 million in infrastructure renewal projects, opened the CN Duluth Intermodal Terminal and launched the Duluth Cargo Connect initiative. Originally from Kentucky, Coda previously managed sales and marketing for Indiana-based American Commercial Barge Lines.
The Ports of Indiana is a statewide port authority managing three ports — including the Port of Indiana-Jeffersonville, on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan. Established in 1961, the Ports of Indiana is a self-funded enterprise dedicated to growing Indiana’s economy by developing and maintaining a world-class port system.
“We’re excited to find someone with Vanta’s extensive experience managing operations on the Ohio River and Great Lakes to guide the continued success and future growth of Indiana’s ports,” said Ports of Indiana Commission Chairman Ken Kaczmarek in a news release. “We thank Rich for his tremendous contributions to the Ports of Indiana and we’re very appreciative that Rich and Vanta are coordinating a seamless transition for our customers and our business.”
Cooper has served as CEO of the Ports of Indiana since 2005, after being hired as chief operating officer in 2001. Under Cooper’s leadership, the organization experienced unprecedented growth and became a completely self-funded enterprise. The last four years have been the best in the organization’s 57-year history and from all indications, 2018 could easily make it the fifth. All three Indiana ports recently achieved new records for cargo shipments.
“It’s been a privilege to lead the Ports of Indiana and work alongside a great team that has made such tremendous contributions to the state of Indiana,” Cooper said. “Our success can largely be attributed to the partnerships we have developed with world-class companies that call our ports home.”
