Heather Moretti has been hired as the city’s Waterfront Coordinator the city’s Housing & Economic Development Department announced today.  She assumed the role just before the holidays in December 2025.  She replaces the popular Bill Needelman who  held the position for many years and retired last year.  A Portlander, he was previously with the city’s planning department.

The Waterfront Coordinator organizes, facilitates and promotes balanced economic developmet along Portland’s waterfront and administers the Portland FIsh Pier Audthority Board of Directors as well as representss 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 postion.

“I am delighted to be serving as the new Waterfront Coordinator for the City of Portand, carrying on the importat 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 opportunties 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 wth the salmon industry in Alaska, fisheries management in the Caribbean, and the global seafood industry.

She holds a Master’s degree in Coastal Zone Management from the University of Miani’s Rosenthal School of Marine’s Atmospheric Science and a Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University.