Cutrera will retire from Port of Morgan City post

The Board of Commissioners of the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District formally adopted a resolution Monday commending Economic Development Manager Cindy Cutrera, who has announced her retirement effective Oct. 30.
Prior to joining the Port of Morgan City in August 2008, Cutrera served as executive director of the St. Mary Industrial Group from 2006 to 2008, following a 22-year career in banking.
In her final report to the board Monday, Cutrera reflected on her more than 18 years of service to the port.
“For a little over 18 years, I’ve been helping to tell our story to a variety of audiences — from Morgan City to D.C. and cities across the U.S. — stressing the significance of the Atchafalaya River.
“After many years of hardships, partnerships, and coordination, we have a channel being dredged to its authorized width and depth; a new dredging concept that’s proven to be a more efficient way to manage fluff in the bar channel; and an industry-building project that supports the economic safety and security of the nation.”
Port of Morgan City Executive Director Raymond “Mac” Wade credited Cutrera for her dedication and persistence in working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to secure funding for dredging a channel 20 feet deep and 400 feet wide through Bayous Boeuf, Black and Chene to the Atchafalaya River and the Gulf .
“We persevered through this thing. When you see something moving through the Port of Morgan City, it's worth millions, many millions of dollars,” Wade said.
“And it took a long time, but Cindy was right there every step of the way. We accomplished that. We changed the dynamics, and that's why the Corps gives us lots of funding. Cindy would come in dejected, sit in my office. I'd come in dejected. This is just terrible. But we never gave up. We persevered through it, and that's why the port's here today.”
Throughout her career, Cutrera has served on numerous community, regional, state and national committees and boards. Her involvement includes the Louisiana Economic Alliance for Development since 2010, the South Louisiana Community College Young Memorial Campus Advisory Board, the Board of Directors of the St. Mary Chamber of Commerce, and the Board of Directors of Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals from 2013 to 2023, including seven years on the Executive Committee and president 2018-2021.
IRPT Executive Director Aimee Andres said, “Cindy led the Industry’s Association through the historic Covid and whereas many associations lost their footing during that time, Cindy’s leadership led to extraordinary growth instead. Many of the online resources we offered were because of her leadership. Cindy has made a huge impact on the river transportation community for many generations to come.”
In 2011, Cutrera completed a three-year course of instruction in community development at the University of Central Arkansas. In 2012, she completed all academic requirements to earn the Certified Louisiana Economic Developer designation and has continued to meet all recertification requirements. In April 2021, Cutrera completed the course requirements for the Inland Maritime Port Executive Designation through the International Association of Maritime & Port Executives.
Cutrera and her husband, Chip, have three grown daughters, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. In retirement, she looks forward to spending more time with her family.