ST. BERNARD PORT INSTALLS TWO NEW MEMBERS TO BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Jeanne E. Ferrer, center, was recently sworn in as secretary of the St. Bernard Port, Harbor & Terminal District’s Board of Commissioners by 34th Judicial District Judge Eric Bopp, left. Also pictured is Michael Bopp, Crescent River Port Pilots Association president.

Walter J. Cure IV, third from left, was recently sworn in as treasurer of the St. Bernard Port, Harbor & Terminal District’s Board of Commissioners by St. Bernard Parish District Attorney Perry Nicosia, far right. Also pictured are, from left: Cure’s mother, Marie L. Cure, far left, and Cure’s wife, Robin G. Cure, second from left.

The two newest members of the St. Bernard Port, Harbor & Terminal District’s Board of Commissioners bring with them a wealth of maritime knowledge and experience that spans several decades.

Walter J. Cure IV and Jeanne E. Ferrer were both installed in a ceremony held prior to the July 13 meeting of the board.

Cure, who will serve as treasurer of the Board, has more than four decades of maritime experience, mostly in lift boat operations.

A 45-year employee of Elevating Boats Inc., Cure is now co-owner and vice president of the company.

Port Executive Director Drew Heaphy said Cure will be a huge asset for the Board.

“His knowledge of maritime corporate contracts and insurance matters makes him uniquely qualified to serve on the Port’s Board of Commissioners,” Heaphy said.

Cure, who grew up in Violet and still resides there, said he is looking forward to serving his hometown.

“I’m excited about how this opportunity will allow me to learn about the advances that are coming about in our parish in the maritime industry,” Cure said.

Ferrer, the Board’s new secretary, has been involved in the maritime industry since 2006. She has sailed on various deep-sea ships for 13 years, serving as both a master and a captain. Currently, she is one of only three female river boat pilots with the Crescent River Port Pilot Association, a position she has held since 2018.  

Heaphy said Ferrer’s firsthand experiences in the maritime industry brings a dynamic perspective to the Board.

“Her wealth of knowledge will be a great asset to the Port,” he said.

Also a St. Bernard native, Ferrer said she is looking forward to helping the Port prosper.

“It’s an honor to be able to represent my community during such a pivot point of growth,” she said. “I welcome this opportunity to educate the community on what our parish provides as far as the economic impact brought by the maritime industry.”

Heaphy said members of the Board of Commissioners set policy for the Port, and are volunteers who do not collect a salary.

Each year, Heaphy said, the Port handles millions of tons of bulk, break-bulk and general cargo transfers, to and from thousands of barges and hundreds of cargo ships from around the world.

“Having dedicated individuals like Walter and Jeanne is vital to the continued success and growth of the Port, and St. Bernard Parish as a whole,” Heaphy said.