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ANNUAL REPORT 2021

TRANSFORMATIVE PORT DIRECTOR RICHARD ASCHIERIS RETIRES

All grand voyages must come to an end, and Port Ready Island, virtually tripling the size of the Port
Director Richard Aschieris is bringing his overnight. Through Aschieris’ leadership and
successful 36-year career in the port industry to vision, this 1,400-acre former U.S. Navy base has
dock after 22 years at the helm of the Port of been transformed into the bustling “West
Stockton. And what a voyage it has been! Complex,” as it is known today.

“Rick has done a terrific job in creating thousands During Aschieris’ tenure, international trade at the
of family-wage jobs for our region by attracting Port has grown dramatically to 55 countries with
scores of businesses to the Port,” says Port more than $1.5 billion in trade annually. This

“IT HAS BEEN A TRUE HONOR TO PROVIDE LEADERSHIP FOR SUCH A TERRIFIC

ORGANIZATION THAT IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT ECONOMIC FOUNDATION OF
STOCKTON AND THE GREATER SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY REGION.”

Commissioner Gary Christopherson, who was on activity supports more than 10,000 local jobs,
the Board of Commissioners that selected generating $630 million in personal income and
Aschieris to be the next Port Director in 2000. “He more than $77 million in local taxes. Annual
has been very focused on infrastructure revenue for the Port has grown from $10 million in
development, marketing, and financial stability.” 2000 to more than $60 million last year, with
Christopherson gives a few hints on how Aschieris reserves growing to about $40 million, the
became the longest serving Port Director in the highest ever.
history of the Port: “Rick has a professional,
approachable, and friendly leadership style which “It has been a true honor to provide leadership for
will be sorely missed. His o ce door has always such a terrific organization that is such an
been open.” important part of the economic foundation of
Stockton and the greater San Joaquin County
A pivotal event came early in Aschieris’ tenure, region,” Aschieris said. “I am equally excited to
when, in 2000, the Port acquired Rough and embrace the next chapters of my life.”