Jim Cooper – Chief Executive Officer

Jim has worked at the Port of Portland since June 2006, and has focused on the development of new business, including new infrastructure for the export of plantation woodchips and mineral sands.  He was appointed Chief Executive Officer on 1 October 2010.

Prior to joining the Port of Portland, Jim was a corporate lawyer for 15 years working for a number of ASX listed Australian public companies.

Jim holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Laws (with Honours) from Monash University.

Jerome Coleman – Chief Financial Officer

Jerome was appointed as Chief Financial Officer in July 2008.  Prior to this appointment he worked with Alcoa Australia for 7 years in both the Point Henry and Portland Smelters.  In this period he had a number of financial roles including Business Advisor and as Senior Accountant.

His previous experiences were in finance and leasing with Britz / Maui rentals both in Australia and New Zealand, the commercial tyre industry working for South Pacific Tyres in Australia and Kwik-Fit in the UK in operations management roles.

Jerome, a CPA, has a Bachelor of Commerce and MBA from Deakin University, Geelong.

Alan Byers - General Manager Operations

Alan commenced at the Port of Portland in August 2010.  Prior to this, Alan worked on or around the waterfront since 1988.  During this time he has managed a private port, set up and operated stevedoring companies, operated a major container park plus a warehousing and distribution company and worked with a shipping agency and survey organisation.

Having worked for a number of years in a safety, health and environment role at a major smelter, he brings a strong focus in these areas to the Port of Portland.

Alan has a Diploma in Business Management, Associate Diploma in Safety Management plus trade qualifications.

Kara Neil - Company Accountant

Kara commenced at the Port of Portland as Company Accountant in January 2011.  Prior to this, Kara worked in varied roles within government and commercial organisations.  These positions included Executive Recruitment Consultant for the Hudson Highland Group, Business Analyst at Airservices Australia and European Tour Manager for The Travel Corporation.

Kara holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Masters of Professional Accounting. 

Malcolm Geier – Business Development Manager

Malcolm was appointed Business Development Manager in November 2010.  He started at the Port of Portland in June 2006 in the role of Company Accountant. 

For the 6 years prior to joining the Port of Portland Malcolm worked in public practice accountancy firms in Western Australia and Victoria providing taxation and business services.

Malcolm holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University and is a Certified Practising Accountant.

Mark Kamphuis – Port Engineer

Mark commenced at the Port of Portland in January 2010 in the role of Port Engineer.  Prior to working at the Port Mark worked in local government for over ten years where his most recent position was Works and Enterprises Manager.  He has also held positions in engineering design and project management, managed a commercial livestock saleyard, two regional Victorian airports (Portland and Hamilton) and project managed road and bridge construction projects worth several million dollars.

Outside of work Mark and his wife Abby run a horse stud and beef cattle business.

Mark holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering with Honours from Monash University, a Graduate Certificate of Literature from Deakin University and a Master of Business Administration from the Chifley Business School.

Peter Gracias – Marine Manager / Harbour Master

Peter is a Master Mariner with 28 years experience in the shipping industry including 10 years experience in port management at the Port of Portland. He was appointed to his current role in October 2009. Prior to this, he held management roles in business development, safety and environment at the port. Previously, he was a Marine Surveyor with SGS International, responsible for managing its marine survey business in South Australia.

Peter had 17 years of seagoing experience including 4 years commanding large vessels engaged in international trade.

Peter holds a Diploma in Applied Science (Shipmaster) with a Distinction from the Australian Maritime College, Launceston.

Altaf Hussain – Deputy Harbour Master / Port Security Officer

Altaf is a Master Mariner with 30 years experience in the shipping industry. He has more then 10 years command experience in modern bulk carriers and container vessels and also served as marine surveyor for various organisations in Australia. Before joining Port of Portland as Marine Pilot and Assistant Harbour Master on 1 October 2006 he was working as Search and Rescue Officer for AMSA in Canberra.

Altaf holds a Diploma in Management from the Nautical Institute, U.K. and a Diploma for Harbour Master with a Distinction from Lloyds Maritime Academy, U.K.

Milinda Gammune – Deputy Marine Manager / Pilot

Milinda is a Master Mariner with 26 years seagoing experience and over 9 years commanding ships in international trade. During his seagoing career he served on general cargo vessels, tankers, containers, reefers and bulk cargo vessels.

Prior to joining the Port of Portland in October 2007, Milinda worked for Intertek in Melbourne as a marine surveyor.  During this period he undertook various surveys such as damage to vessels, cargo, container, on/off hire, P & I club, etc. Milinda also worked as a Ship Planner/Port Captain in Port of Colombo for 12 months in 1994. Milinda is one of the Assistant Harbour Masters of Port of Portland.

Rodney Schack – Operations Manager

Rodney was appointed as Operations Manager in February 2012. Rodney commenced at the Port of Portland as an Apprentice in 1978. During his time with the Port of Portland Rodney has held roles such as Carpenter and Operations Supervisor in which he was involved in major construction projects within the port. Rodney has over 30 years experience in the port industry managing trades, contractors and stevedoring employees as well as the development of many high risk work procedures to above industry standard.

With a solid understanding of the legislative requirements for the Port industry, Rodney has a strong focus on safety, environment and quality.