Swanson, Ladner join Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission board

July 25, 2016

The Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission has two new members now serving on its board.

Bob Swanson was recently appointed by Waveland Mayor Mike Smith and Christopher “Packer” Ladner was appointed by District One Supervisor David Yarborough.

Swanson has ties to Hancock County dating back to his grandparents in the historic community of Logtown.

He and his wife moved to Waveland in 2010 after living in Slidell, La., for 32 years. “We don't want to live anywhere else,” Swanson said. “There is something about this place that makes it very special. I really feel like this where I belong.”

Swanson retired from Sears Roebuck after 38 years, including two years he served two years active duty in the U.S. submarine service. He has been retired for 15 years. His wife, Rhoda, is retired from the St. Tammany Parish school system. They have three daughters: Suzanne, Michelle and Monique.

Swanson said he plans to give regular briefings to Waveland officials to keep them informed about the Port and Harbor Commission. “Hancock County has so much potential, it’s unbelievable,” he said.

Swanson replaced Charles Gallagher who was appointed to the commission in 2011 by then Gov. Haley Barbour. He served as chair of the Finance Committee and on the Port and Harbor Committee.

Ladner, who replaced long-serving member Rocky Pullman on the board, is a lifelong resident of Hancock County and lives in Ansley.  He is employed with KBR Construction. 

Ladner served on the Hancock County Planning and Zoning Commission for eight years and as the Hancock County School Board member for three years representing District 1.  He is a member of the Ansley/Heron Bay Civic Association and the Clermont Harbor Civic Association.

He was also involved with the Lakeshore Youth Athletic Club and the Hancock County Little League Girls Fast Pitch. 

Ladner and his wife,Valerie, have three daughters, Cristen, Megan and Bella, and five grandchildren: Alexa, Levi, Presley, Alyssa and Miyah. He graduated from Hancock North Central High School in 1983.