Governor
Ehrlich Appoints James F. Ports, Jr.,
as Deputy Secretary of Transportation
ANNAPOLIS (Oct. 28, 2004)--- Maryland Governor Robert L.
Ehrlich, Jr., on Thursday appointed James F. Ports, Jr., as Deputy Secretary of the
Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). Prior to his appointment, Ports served as
MDOT’s assistant secretary for administration. In this new capacity, he will be the
chief operating officer overseeing the 9,300-employee department that operates
Baltimore/Washington International Airport, the Port of Baltimore, an extensive mass
transit and highway network, as well as the Motor Vehicle Administration. MDOT has an
annual budget of $3 billion dollars.
“Jim Ports has a ‘can do’ attitude that is
invaluable when dealing with the wide range of transportation challenges that the State
faces,” said Governor Ehrlich. “His years in the legislature and the private
sector have provided him with a keen ability to cut to the core of an issue and work with
others to develop positive solutions.”
In his role as assistant secretary of administration, Ports
oversaw the offices of: Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Engineering &
Procurement, Human Resources, Real Estate, and Facilities Services. Prior to joining the
Department of Transportation, he served for twelve years in the Maryland General Assembly
as a member of the House of Delegates. Ports was a member of the Ways and Means Committee
and numerous subcommittees. In 2003, he was elected by his peers to serve as the House
Minority Whip.
“As assistant secretary, Jim has served as the point
person on key homeland security and transportation issues,” said Transportation
Secretary Robert L. Flanagan. “With his unique ability to get things done, I am
confident he will help us develop a transportation system that is innovative, safe and
meets the challenges of not only today, but tomorrow as well.”
While serving in the House of Delegates, Ports worked for
the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BG&E). During his twenty-one year career he
held various positions with BG&E including Supervisor of the Industrial and Commercial
Gas Field Operations. Ports also served in the United States Marine Corps.
“Under the direction of Governor Ehrlich and Lt.
Governor Steele, MDOT has been given tremendous freedom to explore innovative new ideas to
address our transportation needs across the State,” said Ports. “This is an
exciting time in Maryland and I will assist Secretary Flanagan in every way possible to
make the Ehrlich-Steele Administration’s progressive transportation vision a reality.”
