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Port of Oakland retired boss Chris Lytle gets lifetime honor
Port of Oakland retired Executive Director Chris Lytle received one of the shipping industry's top honors here this week. The Containerization and Intermodal Institute presented him its Lifetime Achievement Award for a 53-year maritime career. The recognition came during the Institute's annual Connie Awards banquet.
Mr. Lytle, 73, stepped down in July after six years at the helm in Oakland. He had previously served as Executive Director of the Port of Long Beach. Both are among the nation's 10 largest container seaports.
"I've had a long and satisfying career and this recognition makes it easier to step away," said Mr. Lytle. "I'm leaving the industry with great memories and pride in what I've accomplished alongside hundreds of wonderful colleagues."
Connie Awards are presented annually to maritime industry leaders who've had substantial impact on container shipping. Lifetime Achievement awards recognize prolonged contributions to trade and transportation.
Mr. Lytle is credited with leading Oakland to record-high cargo volume in each of the past two years. His tenure was marked by the introduction of industry service innovations that included:
--Near round-the-clock cargo pick-up and delivery for harbor truckers;
--Online transaction-time reporting at marine terminals; and
--Warehouse and distribution center development adjacent to the docks.
Mr. Lytle is serving as a consultant to the Port of Oakland through year-end.