MILWAUKEE — President Joe Biden said Monday that he plans to appoint Adam Tindall-Schlicht, the former director of Port Milwaukee, as the next administrator of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation.

In his new role, he "oversees the federal corporation responsible for the operation and maintenance of the U.S. portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway between Montréal and Lake Erie," according to the GLS website. 

Tindall-Schlicht announced his departure from the port in October, but did not specify what his position within the Biden administration would be. His last day as director of Port Milwaukee was Oct. 28. Port Milwaukee said it will announce an interim director in the coming weeks, and then start a nationwide search for a permanent replacement.

“My position as Port Director has been the greatest experience of my professional life thus far,” said Tindall-Schlicht. “Serving the residents of the City of Milwaukee and promoting statewide economic growth through the Port’s commercial, recreational and cruise operations has been a privilege.”

As director of Port Milwaukee, Tindall-Schlicht “oversaw and directed multimodal, commercial, and passenger vessel operations that generated over $100 million in economic activity annually,” according to a White House press release.

Tindall-Schlicht has served in the role since Aug. 2018.

“We are witnessing unparalleled growth across Milwaukee Harbor,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “Much of that progress is attributable to Adam, who has been tireless in his advocacy, strategic partnership building, fundraising efforts, and stewardship at the Port. I am deeply appreciative of his contributions to the City of Milwaukee.”

Before working for Port Milwaukee, Tindall-Schlicht was appointed by Gov. Tony Evers to be a commissioner of the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and a board member for the Great Lakes Protection Fund.

Tindall-Schlicht is a graduate of the U.S. Department of Transportation Career Residency Program. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree in public administration from American University.

The Oak Creek, Wis. native has experience in “marine transportation, international marketing, and Great Lakes shipping,” the White House said.