Ventura Port District Welcomes New Commissioner Bill Anderson & Announces Reappointment of Commissioner Chris Stephens

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October, 2025

Ventura Port District Welcomes New Commissioner Bill Anderson

& Announces Reappointment of Commissioner Chris Stephens

VENTURA, Calif. – Ventura Port District is pleased to announce the appointment of new commissioner, Bill Anderson, and the reappointment of Commissioner Chris Stephens to the Ventura Port District Board of Commissioners.  Both appointments were confirmed by the City of Ventura City Council and reflect the City’s commitment to strong leadership and continued progress at Ventura Harbor.

Bill Anderson

“We are thrilled to welcome Commissioner Anderson to the Board, as his unique perspective and dedication to public service will help guide the Harbor’s continued growth.” said Mike Blumenberg, Chair of Ventura Port District Board of Commissioners. “We also congratulate Commissioner Stephens on his reappointment and his continued commitment to maintain a strong foundation of experience and leadership. Together, our Board is well-positioned to lead with vision and purpose,” Blumenberg added.

Commissioner Anderson holds a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, as well as a M.S. in Green Technologies from USC, an MBA from Claremont Graduate University, a M.S. in Civil Engineering from UC Berkeley, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from VMI. Presently, Anderson is a licensed Professional Engineer and has conducted microgrid studies in remote islanded communities throughout Oceania, Europe and Antarctica, and often guest lectures at Stanford and the U.S. Naval Academy. He is passionate about green energy and his work in Micronesia. Anderson is the Department of the Navy’s Microgrid and Energy Resilience Senior Subject Matter Expert, driving strategic initiatives to improve energy resilience of critical infrastructure through cybersecure renewable energy microgrids. He formerly was a management consultant with McKinsey & Company, and previously a career U.S. Naval Civil Engineer Corps Officer leading SEABEEs in support of Special Forces (SEALs). Beyond his service, Anderson enjoys meaningful travel, surfing, historical fiction, chess, and time with family.

“Being selected to the Ventura Port Commission is a real honor, and I am pleased to serve with an intent to help shape a resilient blue economy—one that balances economic development with environmental stewardship, while protecting our coastal environment,” said Anderson, who will serve a four-year term from September 2025 to June 2029

Commissioner Stephens has served on Ventura Port District Board of Commissioners since 2017 and has played a pivotal role in advancing several strategic initiatives. His continued leadership, for another four years, will provide valuable continuity as the Port District moves forward with key capital improvement projects and harbor development goals, according to Ventura Port District.

“The Ventura Port District initiatives focus on providing a safe, sustainable, and vibrant harbor that benefits residents, visitors, and the maritime community,” said Brian Pendleton, General Manager of Ventura Port District. “I look forward to working with both commissioners as we advance our strategic goals and shape the future of Ventura Harbor.”

Ventura Port District Board of Commissioners consists of five volunteer members appointed by the Ventura City Council to serve four-year terms. The Board provides policy direction and oversight for Ventura Port District, which manages and operates Ventura Harbor Port District, one of Southern California’s most scenic and active working harbor communities.

Ventura Harbor is home to a thriving visitor economy with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, commercial fishing fleet, resident housing, recreational marinas, boatyards, and many opportunities for locals and travelers to enjoy the harbor’s amenities and coastal access both on and off the water.

For more information about Ventura Port District and Board of Commissioners meetings, marinas and amenities, please visit www.venturaharbor.com.

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