Governor Appoints Barkerding to Board of Commissioners
President of Admiral Security Services Joins Port Governing Board
NEW ORLEANS — Robert “Rusty” Barkerding Jr., was sworn in as the newest member of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans, Friday, Feb. 8. He joins the Board with 47 years of experience in the maritime industry and will serve a five-year term, succeeding Valerie S. Cahill.
Barkerding is President and CEO of Admiral Security Services, a maritime-focused security firm that works in conjunction with the U.S. Government to provide armed guards to vessels and ports on the Lower Mississippi River in Louisiana and in ports in Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Prior to Admiral Security, he enjoyed stellar careers as a member of the U.S. Navy submarine service and an active duty and a reserve member of the New Orleans Police Department.
“Mr. Barkerding’s record of service, vast knowledge of the maritime industry and his steadfast support for the Port of New Orleans will serve the Board well,” said Gary LaGrange, Port President and CEO. “We are excited to welcome him aboard.”
A graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans, Barkerding’s knowledge of the industry is rooted in his entrepreneurship and work history that spans from vessel operations to terminal operations and cargo movements. He has acted as a consultant and served in administrative capacities in U.S. Gulf of Mexico ports as well as ports in New York and New Jersey.
“I am looking forward to working with my fellow board members, whom I have the utmost respect for, to improve the Port and cargo movements,” said Barkerding.
Recognizing the importance of civil service from his time in law enforcement, Barkerding has been an active member of the Covington, La. Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board for the past two years. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus. In his down time he enjoys life with his five children and 10 grandchildren. Barkerding’s father, the late Robert R. Barkerding Sr. served as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans eventually becoming CEO of the Port before retiring in 1970.
Commissioners are unsalaried and serve five-year staggered terms. The governor appoints Board members from a list of three nominees submitted by 19 local civic, labor, education and maritime groups. The Board reflects the three-parish jurisdiction with four members from Orleans Parish, two from Jefferson Parish and one from St. Bernard Parish. Other Board members include Chairman Joseph F. Toomy, Vice Chairman Daniel Packer, Secretary – Treasurer Gregory Rusovich, Scott Cooper, William T. Bergeron and Michael W. Kearney.