NC Ferry Division vet Dixon takes reins at agency

MANNS HARBOR — John E. “Jed” Dixon, a 21-year veteran of the North Carolina Ferry Division, took over as the division’s new director on Friday.

Dixon, the division’s deputy director since 2012, had been the division’s interim director since August. He replaces Harold Thomas, who retired last July.

“I’m honored to be offered this opportunity,” Dixon said in a Ferry Division press release. “I’ve been with the division a long time, so I know just how important the Ferry Division is to the people in this area. I’m happy to be stepping into this role so I can put my experience to use, providing the best service we can for all our customers.”

As director, Dixon will oversee the Ferry Division’s seven year-round ferry routes across the Currituck Sound, Pamlico Sound, Cape Fear River, Neuse River, Pamlico River and Hatteras Inlet, as well as a seasonal passenger ferry route between Hatteras and Ocracoke. The division operates 23 ferries and employs about 400 full-time and 100 seasonal workers. It is the second largest ferry system in the nation, the division’s press release said.

Julie White, NCDOT’s deputy secretary for Multimodal Transportation, selected Dixon for the director’s role. She said his institutional knowledge and experience made him the best candidate to lead the division.

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

White also praised Dixon’s leadership during hurricane evacuations and post storm response, particularly his partnership with Hyde County officials when Hurricane Dorian struck the coast in September 2019 and the months long rebuild of Ocracoke Island as labor, materials and debris were moved by ferries.

Dixon, 48, said his top priorities as Ferry Division director will be to improve the system’s efficiency, maintain ferry routes, and provide dependable service for commuters, tourists and others who use the ferries. He will also be a strong advocate for staff, he said.

“Our employees can expect to get a supportive leader who will make sure we are a professional organization and that everyone will have the tools to do their jobs successfully,” Dixon said.

Dixon has a bachelor of science degree in marine transportation from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. He lives with his family in Manteo.