News

Kazura Joins North Carolina State Ports Authority

November 2, 2015

Wilmington, N.C. – Industry veteran Alherd Kazura has been named North Carolina State Ports Authority Chief Financial Officer.

“Alherd brings a wealth of experience to North Carolina Ports,” Chief Executive Officer Paul J. Cozza said.  “His key leadership roles within the industry will provide further knowledge and direction to our organization.”

Kazura has over three decades of experience in the transportation field having worked in the container shipping, terminal management and cruise industries. Prior to his role as Chief Financial Officer, Kazura served as the Senior Vice President Corporate Business Development at Horizon Lines. During his time with Horizon Lines, he provided leadership on key financial and operational decisions. After spending the first six years of his career working for Cunard Line and Scandinavian World Cruises, Kazura joined Sea-Land Service, Inc. Upon the sale of Sea-Land Service, he transferred to the newly formed unit of CSX Corporation, CSX World Terminals, where he served as General Manager of European Services and in the financial planning group.  Kazura joined Horizon Lines in 2004, holding positions in corporate strategy, finance, business development and operations.

“The Authority is known for its service to global and local business while attracting new companies to the economic development centers of the State,” Kazura said.  “This is a tremendous opportunity for me and I cannot wait to capitalize on the positive momentum created by its banner year.”

N.C. Ports closed its most recent fiscal year with its best results in the Authority’s 70-year history. The Port of Wilmington had an overall increase of 18 percent in container volumes, making it one of the fastest growing ports on the U.S. East Coast. In addition, N.C. Ports finished the year with its most profitable year on record.

About North Carolina Ports

North Carolina’s Ports in Wilmington and Morehead City, plus inland terminals in Charlotte and in Greensboro, link the state’s consumers, businesses and industry to world markets, and serve as magnets to attract new business and industry while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. Port activities contribute statewide to 76,000 jobs and $700 million each year in state and local tax revenues.