Members of the Columbiana County Port Authority Board present a token of appreciation to the Stephens family of Calcutta, who spent the past 35 years cleaning CCPA offices and buildings and plan to retire. From left are Board Chairman Charlie Presley, Vice Chairman Nick Amato, John Stephens, Cassy Stephens, CEO/Executive Director Penny Traina, John Stephens Jr., Fiscal Officer Tad Herold, and attorney Tim Brookes. Missing was Secretary David Bickerton.(Photo by Mary Ann Greier)

LISBON — The Columbiana County Port Authority Board of Directors voted Monday to accept the retirement of CEO/Executive Director Penny Traina effective April 1, saying she’s leaving the enterprise in a great position.

That’s also the reason Board Chairman Charlie Presley cited for not jumping into a search for a replacement at this time.

“You don’t replace a Penny Traina,” he said matter-of-factly.

He thanked her for everything, attributing the health and wealth of the CCPA to her, noting there’s virtually no debt, a $4 million cash position and an excellent staff to continue her good work. He talked about Assistant Executive Director Brittany Smith and Executive Assistant Glenda Schafer being great assets.

Presley explained that with the great condition that the CCPA is currently in, with the staff that’s in place and the solid financial footing, the board can take its time and doesn’t feel the need to get someone right away.

According to the CCPA bylaws, in the absence of an executive director, the chairman of the board can assume the executive director’s powers to act on what needs done. So for now, that’s the direction the CCPA is going to go.

In the long run, Presley said a search would be necessary, “but it’s not something we have to do in a couple months. We’re solid enough without replacing Penny right away. Replacing Penny is not going to be an easy task.”

He said he’ll work closely with Smith and the board will take advantage of the staff’s experience and the funding to keep everything going. The CCPA acts as an enterprise, generating its own revenue.

“What needs to be done with any successful enterprise is to every day, leave it better than the day you started. Penny, you have done that,” Presley said.

Board Vice Chairman Nick Amato also commented to Traina, “Your common sense, your drive, it’s outstanding.”

Traina said she’ll assist in any way necessary. She extended her deepest gratitude to each of the board members, including Presley, Amato, Fiscal Officer Tad Herold, Secretary David Bickerton, attorney Tim Brookes and to her team, including Smith, Schafer, Project Coordinators Elise Wallace and Haeden Panezott, and their IT guy Joe Warchol. She talked about the board’s guidance, vision and unwavering support and her team’s dedication, passion, creativity and tireless efforts to forward the county.

“Together, we have not only worked to advance the economic development of our county and region, but have also nurtured ideas, built partnerships and created opportunities for growth and prosperity. The impact we’ve made will continue to ripple through the region long after I’m gone, and for that, I am truly grateful,” Traina read from a statement on her retirement.

She said it’s a bittersweet moment, sweet looking forward to new adventures and her next journey, but bitter because she’ll “miss the camaraderie and purpose that came from working with such a dynamic and driven group of people.”

Smith said her heart is broken that Penny’s leaving, saying she’ll miss her leadership and mentorship, but they’ll remain friends. She said Traina put the port in a good position and she’s looking forward to working with Presley and keeping that going. She said Traina has had quite an impact on her life that’s hard to put into words.

Traina plans to spend time with her husband, who’s also retired, traveling and visiting with their children and grandchildren. She’s leaving with 30 years in a public service career that included serving as a Columbiana County commissioner.

During the meeting, Traina introduced Wallace as a new project coordinator and thanked the Stephens family of Calcutta for their 35 years of exceptional service to the CCPA. The family which has cleaned the CCPA offices and buildings is retiring, too, and the board recognized John, Cassy and John Jr. for their dedication and contribution to the CCPA workplace.

Traina said their efforts ensured a clean, comfortable and welcoming office environment that provided a foundation where employees and clients could thrive.

“The consistency and attention to detail you brought to your work made a lasting impact that went far beyond what most people would notice,” Traina said, adding that their commitment to excellence contributed to the positive atmosphere of the workplace.

John Stephens spoke briefly, saying it was an honor to work for the CCPA and they appreciated how Traina treated them like family.

“Penny’s a person that comes along once in a lifetime,” he said.

In other matters, the board approved renewing a CD at Consumers National Bank for another six months and authorized the executive director to apply for and execute any documents necessary to apply for an Appalachian Regional Commission/Governer’s Office of Appalachia Grant.

Smith said the team will apply for $250,000 that, if granted, will create a Downtown Building Renovation and Signage Pilot Program for vacant building owners to complete codified improvements to their buildings and to assist business owners in building signage upgrades. She said the idea is to “restore economic vitality, attract private investment, allow for brick-and-mortar business, and create jobs.”

The next meeting of the CCPA will be earlier than normal, at 5 p.m. on May 19, due to the Memorial Day holiday. Traina also said there will be a special meeting called next month related to a grant.

mgreier@mojonews.com