Ronald Wendel, Jr. CPA, CGMA, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, leads the strategic planning, financing, accounting, and IT functions for the Port of New Orleans and Public Belt Railroad. During his eight-year tenure with the Port, Wendel has overseen an improvement in the Port’s bond rating while financing over $260 million in public and private placement bonds to fund the Capital Investment Program including the $140 million expansion of the existing container terminal. During this time, the Port and Rail have seen significant increases in revenues and profitability but also went through the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ida. He also played a pivotal role in the acquisition and integration of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, updating terminal lease structures, and the modernization of system applications and technology infrastructure. Currently, his primary focus is expanding the Port and Rail revenues and financing the development of the Louisiana International Terminal, the State’s new container terminal in St. Bernard Parish including the announced $800 million Public Private Partnership in conjunction with planned bonds and grants. Wendel is a board member of the Louisiana Asset Management Pool (LAMP), Louisiana’s $4.6 billion cash investment fund for Louisiana public entities. Wendel has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of New Orleans and is a licensed CPA; he brings extensive experience in accounting, finance, risk management, mergers and acquisitions, and human resources.