Steamship Authority Selects Operations and Communications Center Manager

Steamship Authority photo:

FALMOUTH – The Steamship Authority has selected a manager to head the newly developed Operations and Communications Center.

Joseph Russas, a 27-year employee of the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority, has been selected to serve as the manager of the newly created Operations and Communications Center.

The center is in the process of being established at the Authority’s Palmer Avenue headquarters.

Russas joined for the Steamship Authority in 1991 as an Ordinary Seaman. He quickly worked his way up the ranks, serving as an Able-Bodied Seaman, a Boatswain and a Purser before coming into the Fleet Personnel Office in 2013. There, he first worked as a Fleet Personnel Assistant before becoming the Fleet Personnel Administrator in 2014.

In his most recent role, Russas has overseen the crewing of the Authority’s vessels, including ensuring each trip meets minimum manning requirements, assigning crews for extra service and maintaining records of assignments, position changes, vacations, and leaves.

“Joe’s deep knowledge of the Authority’s operations will serve us well as we establish our new Operations and Communications Center, which will serve as a ‘nerve center’ for our operations and help to provide relevant, timely information to our customers and employees,” General Manager Robert B. Davis said. “Joe’s focused work ethic and positive attitude will be instrumental in helping to shape the Center.”

While serving as Fleet Personnel Administrator, Russas received continuing education via the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay and AIM HR Solutions in Boston. He lives in East Falmouth.

“I am thrilled to be stepping into this new role,” Russas said. “I am eager to help create the Operations and Communications Center and further define its roles and responsibilities.”

The Steamship Authority’s Operations and Communications Center will include the duties of the Fleet Personnel Office in addition to monitoring all vessel activity; sending out delays, diversions and cancellations; monitoring vehicular traffic around the terminals; and responding to customers via the Authority’s social media channels. It is anticipated to be operational by the end of 2018.

By TIM DUNN, CapeCod.com News Center