Port Authority Appoints Trevena as its Next Director

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Board of the Western Reserve Port Authority on Wednesday approved the appointment of Anthony Trevena as its new executive director.

Trevena, the port authority’s chief operating officer, will start his new position March 1, when current executive director and CEO John Moliterno retires.

“I’m deeply honored,” Trevena said. “I really believe in this organization and we have a board that is truly committed to this community. I’ve learned so much from John and the board.”

Moliterno announced in December 2020 he would step down as the port authority’s executive director and CEO after a 14-month leadership transition period. His contract expires at the end of February 2022. Trevena was appointed chief operating officer at that time.

“This is a transition that’s been a long time in the making,” Moliterno said. “I promised the board when I was hired seven years ago that I’d take the port to where I thought it should be, and we’ve accomplished a lot.”

The board unanimously approved Trevena’s appointment this morning at its monthly meeting. 

“We need new people, new ideas. So it’s time to let them have the opportunity,” Moliterno said.

Trevena said that among his goals going forward is to promote the value of the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport and the important role it plays throughout the Mahoning Valley. The port authority administers the affairs of the airport.

“I’d like to help feature this more and get the community to understand what an amazing resource it is. People don’t realize how many companies count on the airport,” he said.

Trevena added that he’s also looking forward to continuing the many partnerships that the WRPA has forged over the last several years.

This morning the port authority board also heard from developer Mark Marvin, who has redeveloped several buildings and landmarks in downtown Warren.  In particular, Marvin presented an update on the rehabilitation efforts of the former Mickey’s Army-Navy building downtown.

The port authority sold the building in February to Marvin for $350,000.  Under the agreement, Marvin made a $35,000 down payment and the port authority agreed to a $315,000 note that would be forgiven if the developer invested at least that much in the property.

“He’s put in substantially more,” Moliterno said. “We tore that note up today. He’s done a great job with that.”

The building this year signed Youngstown-based Flying High Inc. and clothing retailer Mariel Kim as new tenants, joining a Subway sandwich shop and Dub City, a hair and beauty products retailer, as occupants.

The port authority also approved submitting a $350,000 grant application to the state of Ohio for brownfield remediation. 

Some of those funds would be earmarked for a Phase II cleanup of about 200 acres of the 1,000 acres of former Republic Steel property in Warren that the port authority recently acquired.

Pictured at top: Travena, WRPA Public Finance Director Sarah Lown and Moliterno

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