Ballinger|Leafblad is proud to present the following information on behalf of our client, the Saint

Paul Port Authority and a retained search for the President.

Presents.
President

www.sppa.com

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PRESENTING OUR CLIENTSAINT PAUL PORT AUTHORITY

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Saint Paul Port Authority is an industrial redevelopment organization, using creative and productive
methods to expand the tax base and create quality job opportunities in the East Metro area. The
organization was formed as a direct result of a decision by the U.S. Congress in the 1920s to dredge a 9foot channel in the Mississippi River between Saint Paul and New Orleans. The U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers dredged the channel and the lock and dam system was born. The Minnesota Legislature
established the Saint Paul Port Authority (SPPA) as a nonprofit government agency in 1929 to manage
the Saint Paul Harbor.
The city transferred Terminal 1 to the Saint Paul Port Authority in 1932 and the Port began managing the
commodities transfer throughout 2.1 miles of the Saint Paul Harbor. The Port continues to manage four
Mississippi River terminals that serve as a commodities hub for grain, oil seeds, fertilizers, scrap steel,
coal and gravel, among other things. In 2012 for example, more than 5 million tons of commodities
passed through the Saint Paul harbor. Minnesotas inland water transportation industry directly
generates more than 1,200 jobs and nearly $5 million in payroll taxes to the federal and state
governments.
In 1955, the Legislature authorized the Port to engage in economic development activities inland. Today,
the Port has 21 business centers, including four terminals.
Riverview Business Center, built in 1962, was the first redevelopment project inland under expanded
powers from the Minnesota Legislature to redevelop industrial lands for economic development
purposes, with 18 more to follow. A year later, the first industrial financing plan was established,
allowing then to acquire recreational property. And, in 2002, the Port Authority received legislative
approval to purchase land when the end use is open space.
For the majority of its inland business centers the Port cleans up the land, installs infrastructure and then
sells 4 to 6-acre parcels of land to expansion-minded businesses.
Over its nearly 83-year history, the Port has redeveloped more than two square miles of Saint Paul into
productive and prosperous jobs centers. Thats 3 times the size of downtown Saint Paul. For their
part, private businesses have invested nearly $200 million in Saint Paul neighborhoods since 1995 as a
result of Port Authority redevelopment projects.
Today SPPA projects generate more than $33 million a year in real estate and personal property tax
revenue. To be sure, the Port Authority is a redeveloper of land, but its projects provide good-paying
jobs throughout the city. At this time, 555 companies employing nearly 24,000 people operate in the
Ports 21 inner-city business centers.
While the Saint Paul Port Authority maintains their historic roots in promoting commerce along the
Mississippi River, the organization also works to create livable wage jobs. The organization does this by
cleaning up polluted land, providing expansion financing and providing job training.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE SAINT PAUL PORT AUTHORITY

The Saint Paul Port Authority takes public input and provides the following services:
Create development districts within the area of jurisdiction and make public improvements.
Acquire and lease or sell land and buildings for industrial and other economic uses.
Construct, lease or sell industrial, commercial and other revenue-producing projects.
Enter into revenue agreements for financing, and issue revenue bonds.

MISSION
Create quality job opportunities, expand the tax base, and advance sustainable development.

VISION & VALUES

To be the premier economic development entity in the country.
The Values of the Saint Paul Port Authority are
To Be:

Fiscally Sound
Socially Responsible
Collaborative
Risk-Taking
Innovative

And To Act With Integrity

ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE
Staff members at the Saint Paul Port Authority say that they are proud to work at the organization
because of its mission, its people and the difference the Port Authority has made in the City of Saint
Paul. Together, they say, this small group accomplishes big things! With creative new programs and a
visible role in Saint Pauls most prominent development projects, the Port Authority is a fast-paced place
where important things get done.
The organizational culture at the Saint Paul Port Authority is one of its great assets. One staff member
described the culture as private sector energy mixed with public sector passion for service. Other
staff descriptions of the organizational culture include: a fun place to work, stable but dynamic, energy,
vibrancy, collegial, a positive buzz, confident and competent, staff members are valued, friendly and
approachable. The organization is continuing to work on minimizing boundaries to allow for the
maximum sharing and collaboration.
A leader who will fit best in this culture is transparent, respectful, a listener, encouraging of new ideas,
valuing of multiple perspectives, collaborative, high energy, engaged.

PRESENTING THE POSITION OF PRESIDENT

As the chief executive of the organization, the president is responsible for a full range of
activities to ensure the Ports success in meeting its goals and objectives as identified in its
strategic plan. The President manages the 20-member Port staff made up of talented and committed
associates. The senior team consists of a Chief Financial Officer, a Senior Vice President of Real Estate
and Development, a Senior Vice President of Business and Intergovernmental Affairs, a Senior Vice
President of Administration, and a Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications.
The Port is managed by a 7-member Board of Commissioners. The Commissioners are appointed by the
Mayor of the City of Saint Paul to six-year terms. Two members of the Saint Paul City Council sit on the
Board.
The position is open due to the retirement of President Louis Jambois.

THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE:

The President is responsible for the following essential functions:

Establish and implement the strategic direction for the Port Authority, focusing on advancing its
mission and ensuring long-term organizational health and viability.

Oversee all operational, human resources and financial aspects of the Port Authoritys affairs.

Serve as Chief Executive Officer of a wholly owned 501(c)(3) corporation, Capital City Properties
(CCP), which serves to support the mission and activities of the St. Paul Port Authority.

Manage and control expenditures, investments, new business programs based upon past,
current and future business conditions. Maintain a sound financial position for the St. Paul Port
Authority, Capital City Properties, and stakeholders in the City of St. Paul.

Uphold and enhance a positive culture of teamwork, support and collaboration among staff,
contract service providers and other partners.

Build and maintain long-term relationships with various stakeholders, including businesses,
elected officials, community leaders, labor leaders, policymakers, non-profit organizations,
media and others.

Be active in community outreach and external relations on behalf of the Port Authority.

Maintain a positive image and high profile in the public policy and business communities.

Support the Saint Paul Board of Commissioners and work with the Board Chair to ensure
effective Board engagement in the work of the Port Authority. Ensure that the Board is kept
abreast of significant emerging trends, developments and solutions.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Essential skills and experience required for this position include:

Extensive experience in leadership of teams and large-scale initiatives, preferably at the senior
executive level. This experience might be in government, private sector, civic or non-profit
organizations, or a combination.

Depth of knowledge and experience in the East Metro and a passion for and commitment to the
areas success.

Knowledge and experience in using tax-exempt and taxable structured financing;

knowledge of private real estate financing, underwriting practices, and loan structuring.

Direct experience overseeing real estate development projects, including a thorough

knowledge of the commercial real estate market in the East Metro area.

Understanding of Minnesota statutes governing municipal development or redevelopment

activities, particularly TIF (tax increment financing).

Working familiarity with accounting and finance principles, with desired experience in both
GASB (Government Accounting Standards Board) and FASB (Financial Accounting Standards
Board) environments.

A proven track record of success in a professional service environment, with an eye to

assuring successful relationships and outcomes for multiple stakeholders.

External relations and broad communications know-how. Comfort in being a strong

ambassador for the organization in various settings and able to successfully navigate complex
political situations.

The following qualities would be exemplified by the ideal candidate:

Reputation: The ideal candidate will be a person of reputation and stature in the region. He or
she will have background and experience that will garner immediate credibility with the
organizations stakeholders.
Experience: Demonstrated experience in organizations similar in size and scope to the Port
Authority and a demonstrated civic/community leadership experience. Must possess
understanding of overall principles and practices within a port authority and a knowledge of the
role of a port authority in the broader context.
External Relations: The candidate must have demonstrated experience with public speaking,
effective presentations, and a desire to seek out opportunities to be visible in the community.
Effective communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills that demonstrate an
ability to motivate others to action through positive influence.
High level of cultural competency: Respect, interest and demonstrated leadership related to
diversity and inclusiveness, and experience building community-based partnerships.

Leadership: Proven ability to develop and lead a superior performing, collaborative professional
organization that has a passion and commitment to delivering the highest quality services to the
community and stakeholders. This is done through influencing, inspiring, mentoring, recognizing
and development of staff and volunteers. It is critical that the candidate be able to create
consensus and engage a diverse group at all levels and work toward common goals.
Management and Administrative skills: Experience leading and managing complex projects,
collaborative efforts, or community initiatives. Includes strategic planning, Board of Directors
coordination, organizational development, marketing, program and financial management.
Financial Acumen: It is highly desired that the candidate has considerable operations experience
in a complex and dynamic organization with demonstrated financial acumen including the ability
to use financial data as an aid in problem solving.

Additional desired personal attributes desired include:

Impeccable judgment, discretion, diplomacy
Results orientation: strong bias for action, can-do attitude, focus on meaningful goals
Well organized with a detail orientation
A strong desire to innovate and encourage growth and improvement
Preference for transparent, collaborative interactions and decision making
Exceptional presence and relationship-building skills across a broad range of constituents
Cross-cultural sensitivity and fluency

PRESENTING THE TWIN CITIES OF SAINT PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

The Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis are a unique blend of small town and major cosmopolitan
hub. Both urban cores boast a thriving business atmosphere. Saint Paul, as the state capital, is home to
state government and has a more historical vibe. Minneapolis is the larger and more commercial of the
two cities. Outside of the central downtowns, however, both cities have many distinct neighborhoods,
and many residents identify more with their individual neighborhood than with the larger city as a whole.

Both cities share a common root of being river towns, and the outdoors is still a major attraction for
residents and tourists alike to this day. In addition to the mighty Mississippi River, there are more than
100 lakes (over 900 including the suburbs), over 250 parks, and miles of biking and walking trails.
The active lifestyle of Twin Cities residents doesn't lie dormant during the winter. There are miles of
cross-country skiing trails, several downhill ski areas within an hour drive, ice skating, snowmobile riding,
sledding, and--of course--ice fishing.

For those who prefer activity of the spectator variety, the Twin Cities are home to the major sports
teams: Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Lynx,
Minnesota United FC (soccer), and Minnesota Swarm (lacrosse). There is also a minor league baseball
team, the Saint Paul Saints. The Twin Cities have hosted the World Series, Super Bowl, NCAA Basketball
Finals, the USGA U. S. Open, the PGA Championship, Baseballs All-Star Game and the Special Olympics.
In 2016, the beautiful Hazeltine Golf Course will host the Ryder Cup, and in 2018, the Super Bowl will be
played in a newly built state-of-the-art stadium.

But the Twin Cities have more to offer than participatory and spectator sporting events. There are
countless arts and culture offerings here. The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra has a
reputation as one of the top orchestras in the world. The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra is regarded as
one of the finest chamber orchestras in the world. Since the early 1960s, the Guthrie Theatre has staged
A-plus shows from the classical to the contemporary. Popular national shows and performers also tour
through the Twin Cities year round at stages in both Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and at the University.
There are over 30 theatre venues, 10 dance companies, and 30 classical music groups in the cities of Saint
Paul and Minneapolis alone.

For the museumgoer, there are over 60 museums in the Twin Cities. The Science Museum of Minnesota
and the Minnesota Children's Museum (both in Saint Paul) are highly interactive learning and fun
experiences for the entire family. The Minnesota History Center is an interactive museum for all ages
with permanent and changing exhibits, lectures and events.
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts has a collection of over 100,000 pieces. The Walker Art Center has been
called "possibly the best contemporary art museum in the U. S." by Newsweek.
Beyond the outdoor, sports, entertainment, and culture, perhaps the biggest attraction for the Twin
Cities is the lifestyle. Forbes hailed Saint Paul and Minneapolis as the nation's healthiest cities. USA Today
named Saint Paul as North America's "Most Romantic City.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
The compensation package is commensurate with experience and competitive with similar
governmental agencies. It includes participation in the organizations comprehensive benefits plan.

BALLINGER|LEAFBLAD WELCOMES YOU TO CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Marcia Ballinger, PhD

Co-Founder/Principal
651-341-4840
marcia@ballingerleafblad.com

Lars Leafblad, MBA

Co-Founder/Principal
612-598-7547
lars@ballingerleafblad.com

Civic Search. Reimagined.

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Saint Paul Port Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer