| Chair, 2026-2028 | ||
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RICHARD HENDRICK, Albany Port District Commission Rich Hendrick was selected by the Board of Commissioners to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Albany-Rensselaer beginning in June 2008. During this time, the port has experienced historical increases in ships, tonnage and longshore labor hours worked at the port. Mr. Hendrick has also overseen the largest capital investment and infrastructure upgrades since the port was established in 1932, nearing $100 million. Mr. Hendrick serves on the Board of Commissioners of Pilots of the State of New York and is on the AAPA Board of Directors, representing the U.S. North Atlantic Ports Region and serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the North Atlantic Ports Association. He is also on the Board of the Historic Cherry Hill in South Albany and serves on the Board of Directors of the W.F. Bruen Hose Company [Clinton Heights Fire Department] in East Greenbush, NY. Prior to serving as GM, Mr. Hendrick was the Director of Security and Threat Assessment for the Port of Albany. He retired from City of Albany Police Department as a Detective after serving for 17 years. |
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| Vice-Chair, 2026-2028 | ||
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DR. NOEL HACEGABA, Port of Long Beach Dr. Noel Hacegaba is the Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach, a world leader in supply chain innovation, customer service and environmental sustainability. He is responsible for advancing the Port’s 2050 Vision to double containers to 20 million container units and elevating its leadership position in the global trade arena through pioneering projects and programs. Each year, the Port processes nearly 10 million container units carrying $300 billion in goods that power the local, regional and national economy by supporting nearly 3 million jobs.
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| Immediate Past Chair, 2026-2028 | ||
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CHETT CHIASSON, Greater Lafourche Port Commission Chett Chiasson is the Executive Director of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission (GLPC), which runs Port Fourchon and the South Lafourche Leonard Miller, Jr. Airport. Chett’s experience at the Port Commission over the past 20 years includes the marketing and leasing of port and airport properties as well as grant writing, management, and disaster recovery. His battle-tested leadership saw Port Fourchon through the aftermath of a direct hit from 2021’s Hurricane Ida, highlighting the port’s resilience and strength by opening for business within nine days of landfall.Since being named director in January 2010, Chett has played a leadership role in working to protect Port Fourchon and Louisiana’s surrounding coast from devastating land loss while also stressing the importance of the energy industry for our local, state, and national economies and U.S. energy security. As Chairman of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) Board of Directors, he advocates for ports and port-forward policy on a national level. Chett has also had several opportunities to testify to the U.S. Congress regarding the economic importance of Port Fourchon and the energy industry and how industry and the environment can and do work together. On the state level, Chett serves on the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Coastal Protection, Restoration, and Conservation. In 2024, he was appointed by the Governor to the Louisiana Ports & Waterways Investment Commission as a deepwater port representative. Chett is Chairman of the Board for COLAB (Regional EDO for St. Mary, Terrebonne, Assumption, and Lafourche Parishes) and is also a member of the COLAB Energy Task Force. He is Chairman of the LA 1 Coalition Board of Directors, President of the Gulf Ports Association, President of the Industrial Development Board of Lafourche, Vice President of the Executive Board of Restore or Retreat, and a Fourchon Energy Association board member. Also, Chett is a past chairman of the Lafourche Chamber of Commerce and past president of the Ports Association of Louisiana (PAL), the South Central Industrial Association (SCIA), and the Bayou Industrial Group (BIG). He is a graduate of both Leadership Lafourche (2008) and Leadership Louisiana (2009), 10/12 Industry Report’s 2025 Louisiana Energy Executive of the Year, Lafourche Chamber’s 2024 Business Person of the Year, SCIA’s Tillman Esteve Outstanding Member Award Winner (2023), Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana’s Coastal Stewardship Award winner (2022), the LSU Public Administration Institute’s 2015 Distinguished MPA Alumnus, and one of the Best of Lafourche’s Forty under Forty (2014). Chett holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration degree, both from LSU. Geaux Tigers.
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| At-Large Director, 2025-2027 | ||
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LISA LEFEBER, Port of Everett Lisa Lefeber is the Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Everett, becoming the first woman to lead the Port in its more than 100 year history when she assumed the role in October 2019. She previously served as Deputy Executive Director and, before that, as Chief of Policy and Communications for more than 13 years, overseeing the Port’s government affairs, communications, and community engagement efforts. In 2016, Lefeber was selected to lead the Port’s seaport modernization program, a more than $100 million infrastructure investment to accommodate larger vessels, expanded rail capacity, and strategic military cargo. Lefeber began her career at the Port in 2005 after working as a news reporter and holds a Master of Public Administration from Seattle University and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Western Washington University. She has also previously served on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Port Authorities. |
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| U.S. Great Lakes Ports, 2025-2027 | ||
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ERIK VARELA, Illinois International Port District Erik Varela has served as the Executive Director of the Illinois International Port Authority since September 2021. Prior to being named Executive Director, Mr. Varela most recently served as Senior Director of Public Affairs for Union Pacific Railroad. In that role he was responsible for leading all legislative, governmental and community relations activities in Illinois and Wisconsin on behalf of Union Pacific. During his time with Union Pacific, Erik served as Chairman of the Illinois Railroad Association and on several boards and committees, including the Illinois Freight Advisory Council, CMAP Freight Committee, Cook County Economic Development Advisory Council, Will County CED, Metro Milwaukee Association of Commerce, and others. Prior to Union Pacific, Erik worked for fifteen years at various levels of local government, was a small business owner and restaurant manager. A graduate of DePaul Law School, he began his government service as an attorney with the Law Offices of the Cook County Public Defender where he drafted and argued appeals and post-conviction petitions on behalf of his clients. Shortly thereafter, he continued his work as a public servant as an attorney and government affairs professional with the Chicago Park District and the Forest Preserves of Cook County. In this capacity Erik represented these agencies before the Chicago City Council, the Cook County Board and the Illinois General Assembly. Additionally, his work involved senior management responsibilities; real estate contract negotiations and drafting; litigation and trial work; as well as serving as FOIA Officer among other duties. These years of government and legal service culminated into his work as Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s Special Assistant for Government and Legislative Affairs. In this role, Erik was responsible for protecting and advancing the President’s legislative agenda; ensuring passage of the County’s Budget; managing the Cook County Board Agenda; leading the County’s various legislative liaisons and serving as the President’s primary liaison to the Cook County Board of Commissioners, various county and municipal elected officials and entities. Aside from his time studying at Michigan State University and working in the Detroit area, Erik was born in Chicago where he lived and played in the Albany Park and Humboldt Park neighborhoods. He currently resides in the Logan Square community with his wife and daughter.
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| U.S. North Atlantic Ports, 2026-2028 | ||
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GORDON M. CARR, Port of New Bedford Gordon Carr is Executive Director of the New Bedford Port Authority, home to the nation’s #1 commercial fishing port and host to a diverse range of commercial and recreational maritime industries. The Port is undergoing a port wide modernization which involves major new infrastructure projects, dredging, and deployment of cutting-edge technology to improve operations and services.Gordon has spent his career in both the public and private sectors focused on economic development and strategic planning for state agencies, private businesses and municipalities. He began his career working for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and he has worked for two Big 4 public accounting firms and managed his own consulting practice for over eight years. Immediately prior to joining the NBPA, Gordon spent seven years with the Massachusetts Port Authority, serving in multiple roles advancing the Port of Boston’s maritime industrial goals and positioning the Authority for long term sustainable growth. A graduate of St. Lawrence University, Gordon is a lifelong resident of his hometown of Hingham, Massachusetts, where he serves as an elected member of his town’s Planning Board and is a Board Member of the Hingham Historical Society. |
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U.S. Gulf Ports, 2026-2028 |
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PHYLLIS SAATHOFF, Port Freeport Phyllis Saathoff is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of service in the port industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, is a certified public accountant and a certified Professional Port Manager®. Phyllis currently serves on the executive committee for the National Waterways Conference and is a member and past chair of the Port Authority Advisory Committee to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and is the Immediate Past President of Texas Ports Association. Locally, is a member of the Brazoria County Petrochemical Council. Phyllis was presented the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award by the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL), received the 2019 Stephen F. Austin Leadership Award from the Brazoria County Historical Museum and was presented the 2023 Russell H. Perry Award by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
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| U.S. South Atlantic Ports, 2026-2028 | ||
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JOSEPH MORRIS, Port Everglades Joseph Morris is the CEO and Port Director for Port Everglades, a self-supporting enterprise fund of Broward County, Florida, with a diverse business mix of cruise, cargo, energy and real estate. He has more than three decades of experience in global shipping, port and terminal operations, and project management.
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| U.S. North Pacific Ports, 2025-2027 | ||
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JULIANNA MARLER, Port of Vancouver USA Julianna Marler was appointed CEO of the Port of Vancouver USA in January 2017. She joined the port in 2008 and prior to her appointment, served as the port’s Chief Financial and Administrative Officer. Julianna is the first female CEO in the port’s 107-year history. Her diverse professional background includes both private and public sector experience in logistics, sales, manufacturing, and leadership in procurement, contracts, finance and administration. Julianna initiated development of the port’s new Strategic Plan and has advanced key strategic initiatives including the port’s West Vancouver Freight Access Project, Terminal 1 Waterfront project, and the development of industrial properties including the port’s Centennial Industrial Park. Julianna currently serves on the American Association of Port Authorities Board of Directors, Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Association of Washington Business Board of Directors, the Washington State University Vancouver Advisory Council and is a member of the International Women’s Forum and Vancouver Rotary Club. Recipient of a 2018 Iris Award – an award honoring women of achievement in Southwest Washington – Julianna engages in ongoing activities to encourage and support women in leadership positions. A native of Vancouver, Julianna attended Clark College and received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Washington State University Vancouver. |
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| U.S. South Pacific Ports, 2026-2028 | ||
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DR. NOEL HACEGABA, Port of Long Beach Dr. Noel Hacegaba is the Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach, a world leader in supply chain innovation, customer service and environmental sustainability. He is responsible for advancing the Port’s 2050 Vision to double containers to 20 million container units and elevating its leadership position in the global trade arena through pioneering projects and programs. Each year, the Port processes nearly 10 million container units carrying $300 billion in goods that power the local, regional and national economy by supporting nearly 3 million jobs.
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| Ports of America, 2026-2028 | ||
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RORY J. RESPICIO, Port Authority of Guam Rory J. Respicio is the General Manager of the Port Authority of Guam. Together with the Port Strong team, he is leading one of the most significant transformations in the Port’s history. Since his appointment in 2019, the organization has redefined its role beyond traditional cargo operations, expanding the Port’s mission to advance commerce, national security, energy security, disaster response, environmental sustainability, and regional resilience while positioning Guam’s only commercial seaport to meet the strategic demands of the twenty first century. |
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| At-Large Director, 2026-2028 | ||
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BETH ANN BRANCH, Port of New Orleans With more than 20 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry, Beth Branch has focused her career on advancing commercial strategy and operational excellence. As the current CEO and President of the Port of New Orleans and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB), Branch brings decades of strategic expertise in logistics and maritime operations to her role.
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| Max Dues Payer, 2025-2027 | ||
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BETHANN ROONEY, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Bethann Rooney was appointed the Director of the Port Department at The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in May 2022. She oversees the management, operation, and ongoing development of the major marine terminal facilities in the Port of New York and New Jersey, the largest and busiest seaport on the East Coast of North America. As the Port Director, she is responsible for managing a nearly $400 million annual budget, advancing major capital programs, increasing cargo and passenger volumes, promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in all of the Port’s programs and fostering safe, secure, sustainable, and innovative practices focused on strengthening the Port’s contribution to the regional economy.Throughout her 34-year career, Rooney has distinguished herself as a leader in port operations, maritime transportation, port security and emergency management and global logistics. Ms. Rooney regularly networks with a wide range of customers, partners, and stakeholders and has a proven track record of collaborative, inclusive, transparent and heart led leadership. Since joining the Port Authority in 1993, she has held a series of management positions with progressive responsibilities including operations, leasing, property management, intermodal transportation, and technology planning. In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, Bethann was named the first ever Manager, Port Security, a position she held for 14 years, developing, and managing best-in-class port security and emergency management programs. Beth then broke new ground once again and assumed a newly created senior role focused on port performance, efficiency, and goods movement after she developed the framework for the Port’s Council on Port Performance (CPP). The CPP is credited with getting the Port of New York and New Jersey through the COVID 19 pandemic and the associated supply chain disruption with minimal congestion. In April 2019, Ms. Rooney became the Port’s Deputy Director and was instrumental in finalizing the Port Master Plan 2050. Since becoming Port Director, Beth led the Port through pandemic related growth of more than 35%, spearheaded a landmark deal with the US Army Corps of Engineers to further deepen the Port’s navigation channels to 55-feet, kicked off a historic berth and wharf replacement program, led efforts to divest of the heavily subsidized Brooklyn Port Authority Marine Terminal and completely transformed the container terminal leases to a best in class model.She is a graduate of the State University of New York Maritime College with a Master’s in International Transportation and a Bachelor’s in Marine Transportation. In the Fall of 2019, Beth was inducted into NY Maritime College’s Heritage Hall of Fame for her “awe inspiring achievements and contributions to the maritime industry. In November 2025, she was sworn in as the 77th Commissioner, since 1853, of the Board of Commissioners of Pilots of the State of New York. She is an Accredited Marine Port Executive (AMPE) from the International Association of Maritime and Port Executives, recipient of the US Secretary of Transportation’s 9/11 Medal and two-time recipient of the US Department of Homeland Security’s Distinguished Public Service Award as well as numerous other industry awards and recognitions. |
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