Steamship Authority General Manager To Step Down Next Year

Steamship Authority general manager Bob Davis announced Tuesday that he will be stepping down as head of the boat line in October 2025 and will transition into an advisory role. 

Davis' announcement came at Tuesday's Board of Governors meeting held on Nantucket. Addressing the boat line's governors at the Nantucket Public Safety Facility, Davis emphasized that the "decision has not been easy for me." Davis has worked at the Steamship Authority since 1986, including the last seven as general manager.

“Serving the Steamship Authority and its port communities for nearly four decades has been an honor,” Davis said. “Together, we have achieved many notable accomplishments to further strengthen the lifeline to the islands – from adding new vessels to the fleet to undertaking major shoreside and terminal improvements. I look forward to moving several additional projects forward during the next year.”

Over his 38 years with the Steamship Authority, Davis held several positions as he worked his way up through the organization, including treasurer and comptroller, before being elevated to the general manager position in 2017. 

“I have worked closely with Bob for more than 12 years, and his service to Steamship Authority has been and continues to be invaluable. The Authority is a better organization because of his leadership,” said Robert Ranney, the Board’s Nantucket representative and its longest-tenured member. “His insight and vast institutional knowledge will be invaluable to the Board when he joins us in an advisory capacity next year.”

The Steamship Authority stated that an "extensive search" for a successor to Davis is expected to begin immediately.