Wurster, 59, replaces Bruce Hollingsworth, who announced his retirement several months ago. Wurster retired from the Coast Guard in May 2008 as the commander of the Pacific area, based in Alameda, Calif.
The port hired the search firm Ralph Andersen and Associates to review applications for the job. Wurster was one of more than 80 people who applied for the job, the San Diego Unified Port District said in a Jan. 5 statement.
During the next 30 days, Wurster will work alongside Hollingsworth. Wurster will serve as the district’s sixth leader since the California Legislature formed the port in 1962. He will earn an annual salary of $200,000.
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