Executive director of Duluth Seaway Port Authority Deb DeLuca will retire on May 15, 2025.
DeLuca first joined Duluth as its government and environmental affairs director in 2014, before becoming the executive director in 2018.
“It has been an honour, a privilege and lots of fun working with the Port Authority staff, board and partners,” said DeLuca. “The Port Authority team is in race shape, strategic in nature and not afraid of hard work or tough tasks. I’m proud of all we have accomplished together, and I’ll be eager to watch where the organisation goes from here.”
Under DeLuca’s leadership, there has been port-related capital projects which have generated more than USD35 million for the port, increasing transport capacity and efficiency along the way.
During this time, DeLuca – together with Jonathan Lamb of Lake Superior Warehousing – oversaw the expansion of Duluth Cargo Connect, producing supply chain cost savings to regional industries competing in the global marketplace.
“Her leadership knows no bounds,” said Yvonne Prettner Solon, president of the Port Authority board of commissioners. “She assembled a multi-talented team operating in synchrony to support a bold vision for the port.”
DeLuca has also served as chairperson of the Minnesota Freight Advisory Committee, president of the Minnesota Ports Association, vice president of the American Great Lakes Ports Association, as well as serving on the board of directors for the American Association of Port Authorities.
Duluth will begin its search for a successor soon.
