Port KC President & CEO, Michael Collins, is announcing his resignation. He will be leaving his position on January 2, 2018. Collins has accepted a new role
with JE Dunn.
“I am honored and truly blessed to have served in my current role for seven years. With the tremendous support and leadership of our Board of Commissioners, our internal team, as well as our partners and customers, we have been able to create additional economic vitality within Kansas City. I look forward to Port KC’s future endeavors and making our riverfront the best in the Midwest,” said Collins.
Since joining Port KC in January 2011, Collins has raised the profile of the agency through a commitment to growing the Kansas City economy through transportation, commerce and development. Some of Collins’ achievements include:
- Reopening the Port of Kansas City – Woodswether Terminal making it truly intermodal
with a new rail connection. - Achieving record occupancy at Richards-Gebaur Commerce Park.
- Bringing the first development and energy to Berkley Riverfront with the construction of
Union | Berkley Riverfront Park, lease agreement for Bar K dog park and restaurant, and
adding six sand volleyball courts. - Overseeing several development finance projects in Kansas City that brought thousands
of jobs and millions of dollars in capital investment. Some of those projects include
Corrigan Station, CVS, Sioux Chief, Three Trails Industrial Park and Northland Park.
“We are grateful to Michael for his dedication, passion and vision,” said Dana Gibson, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. “His great leadership has set Port KC on a path of success that is sure to continue into the future. The board is excited about the next chapter for Port KC and extending the positive momentum of the past few years.”
The Board has named Zoraya Rowlands the interim CEO & President. Rowlands has worked for Port KC for almost 10 years and is currently the Vice President of Operations. During her time at Port KC Rowlands has shown leadership and expertise in asset and project management which is key to many of the agencies recent accomplishments. She oversees the Diversified Contractor Growth Fund and all international trade opportunities. She serves as president of the International Trade Council.
Over the next few months the Board will be conducting a search for a new CEO & President. Any questions regarding this transition should be directed to Dana Gibson at gib@kcloft.com. JE Dunn will release more information on Collins’ new position in the next week.