Oliver Named Interim Virginia Port Director

Rodney W. Oliver has been named interim executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, succeeding Jerry Bridges, who is scheduled to step down Oct. 31.

Oliver currently is the VPA’s deputy executive director of administration and chief financial officer.

“Rodney is a highly-respected individual, both inside and outside the organization,” Michael Quillen, chairman of the VPA board, said in a statement. “Moreover, during his 13 years with the VPA he has demonstrated a personal dedication to the organization and to the growth of this port.

“I’ll also point out his knowledge of the port’s finances, his experience in working with the other deputies and his reputation among the VPA’s employees as factors in the decision we made.”

Oliver was a member of the engagement team on the VPA’s long-term lease of the APM Terminal in Portsmouth. He also led seven debt issuances totaling $500 million; established a master equipment lease program providing an additional $100 million in capital funding for port projects; and led the transition to an outsourcing of the agency’s information technology.

Before joining the VPA in 1999, Oliver served as the chief financial officer for Commonwealth Information Services, corporate controller for the St. Charles Companies, and audit manager for KPMG Peat Marwick.

- The Journal of Commerce.