New Bedford Port Authority 
To Undertake Executive Director Search

New Bedford, Massachusetts–The New Bedford Port Authority will begin a search for a new Executive Director, following the announced departure of current Executive Director Justin Poulsen.   

Poulsen informed the Board last week of his decision to step down, in order to attend to pressing family matters that require him to relocate from New Bedford. He will continue to serve in his position through April 15.

“This is certainly an excruciating decision, but one that prioritizes the health and well-being of my family, who have been out of the country for several months now,” Poulsen said. “It has been an immense honor to serve as steward of the Port of New Bedford, and I am genuinely grateful for the warm welcome the community has shown me in my short time here.  I want to particularly thank the Port Commissioners, Port Authority staff, partners and the City of New Bedford for their unwavering support, and Mayor Mitchell for his guidance, vision and leadership.”

Poulsen added that he’s proud of what the organization has achieved during his tenure and acknowledges the Port Authority is “poised to capture transformational opportunities,” with both “a clear roadmap and the expertise and motivation to accomplish its strategic goals.”  
Poulsen assumed the position in July 2021, having been selected from among a pool of more than 75 applicants.