MANNS HARBOR, N.C. (WITN) – North Carolina’s ferry service has a new leader.

Jed Dixon was named as director of the North Carolina Ferry Division.

The 21-year veteran of the ferry service will replace Harold Thomas, who retired last year.

Dixon had served as the division’s deputy director since 2012 and interim director since August.

“Jed has a keen understanding of the challenges facing the system including recruiting, developing, and retaining a strong workforce, maintaining our vessels, facilities, and shoreside assets, and keeping our routes safe and operable amidst many environmental challenges,” said Deputy Secretary for Multimodal Transportation Julie White. “He has great vision for the future of the division and the investments needed to fulfill our mission of robust, reliable service.”

Dixon said his top priorities will be to improve the system’s efficiency, maintain ferry routes, and provide dependable service for the commuters, tourists, and others who rely upon the ferries.