Ports of Indiana welcomes new port director & information technology manager; promotes controller

Ports of Indiana (POI) announced that it has hired Bernard (Ben) Weithman as the new Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon port director.

Weithman will lead port operations and business development for the Mount Vernon port. His industry experience includes more than 30 years in business development, startup and long-term sustainable operations. A senior-level executive in the transportation, agriculture and freight sectors, he most recently served as a senior transportation market consultant at IHS Markit. He also worked for one of Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon’s tenants for four years, Consolidated Grain & Barge, as a grain merchandiser.

“With Ben’s transportation and agriculture experience, he is the perfect fit for Mount Vernon’s port director,” said chief operating officer Andrea Hermer. “Mount Vernon is well positioned for future growth and we’re confident that Ben will lead that charge.”

Wiethman holds a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and a master of business administration (MBA) from the University of Southern Indiana. He resides in Evansville with his wife and has twin sons. He enjoys spending time with family, reading and golfing. 

Ports of Indiana has also hired Doug Mitchell as the information technology manager. He will coordinate and lead all computer-related activities. He had been POI’s IT consultant since 2019. Mitchell holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Governors University. He resides in Indianapolis with his wife and two children. 

Additionally, Erica Jackson has been promoted from controller to chief financial officer (CFO). She started with POI in April 2019 after working as manager of logistics accounting at BRT. Jackson received her bachelor of business administration (BBA) from the University of Toledo. She resides in Zionsville with her husband and two children. 

“Our Ports team is exceptionally talented and focused on our mission to develop and maintain a world-class port system,” said Ports of Indiana CEO Vanta E. Coda II. “I’m pleased to welcome Ben to Mount Vernon and continue working with Erica and Doug, who all contribute to the success of our organization.”