PORTLAND, Maine – The City of Portland’s Housing & Economic Development Department says it has hired a new Waterfront Coordinator, bringing Heather Moretti into the role just before the holidays in December 2025.
The Waterfront Coordinator organizes, facilitates, and promotes balanced economic development along Portland’s waterfront, and administers the Portland Fish Pier Authority Board of Directors as well as represents the City on various boards and committees related to waterfront and maritime activity.
Moretti brings a decade of experience in marine resource management, fisheries and aquaculture, and the seafood industry to the position.
“I am delighted to be serving as the new Waterfront Coordinator for the City of Portland, carrying on the important work that Bill Needelman accomplished for years, and helping to steer the city into a new era of diverse waterfront prosperity,” said Heather Moretti. “It is a very exciting time to be working in the marine space as opportunities for innovation in the blue economy grow. I look forward to ensuring Portland honors its heritage while also capturing our waterfront’s full potential.”
Prior to becoming the City’s Waterfront Coordinator, Moretti worked for Bristol Seafood on Portland’s Fish Pier, served as a seafood advisor with Sustainable Fisheries Partnership for large retail corporations, and worked hands on with fishermen and sea farmers during her time at Maine Sea Grant.
She led the development of a 10-year Aquaculture Roadmap for the State, has written and served as a reviewer for numerous grants, and helped revive the Maine Oyster Trail. Moretti has worked with the salmon industry in Alaska, fisheries management in the Caribbean, and the global seafood industry.
Moretti holds a Master’s degree in Coastal Zone Management from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science, and a Bachelor’s degree from Florida State Universit
