News Release
FOR RELEASE - March 6, 2026
Contact: Shawn Balcomb, press@aapa-ports.org
American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org
Washington, D.C. — At this year’s annual Legislative Summit, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) proudly named U.S. Representative Mike Ezell (MS-04) as the 2026 Port Person of the Year for his steadfast commitment to the seaport and maritime industry. AAPA celebrates his leadership as a champion of many port industry priorities, including his advocacy for the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 and his efforts to incentivize the reshoring of port crane manufacturing to the U.S.
"It is an honor and a privilege to be named AAPA’s Port Person of the Year for my work to strengthen our nation’s economic vitality and national security through our ports,” stated Congressman Ezell. “Our nation’s ports and maritime industry will continue to be one of my top priorities so that we can remain competitive in the global marketplace and stand ready to meet the challenges of the future."
“There is no question that Rep. Ezell has been a remarkable advocate for our port industry throughout his time in Congress,” said Chett Chiasson, AAPA Board Chair and Port Fourchon Executive Director. “His dedication to coastal navigation and strong, modern, and vibrant gateways made possible through real infrastructure investment will have a lasting impact on our industry.”
“Congressman Ezell is a true leader for ports in Mississippi and across the country. He consistently champions legislation and initiatives that directly benefit the port and maritime community,” said Jon Nass, CEO, Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport. "Ports along the Gulf Coast and nationwide are fortunate to have such a strong advocate representing them in Congress, and we were proud to nominate him for the award he received.”
“We proudly congratulate Congressman Mike Ezell on being named the 2026 Person of the Year by AAPA,” stated the Port Pascagoula staff and commissioners. "Through his work on the House Committees on Transportation & Infrastructure and his leadership on initiatives such as the Port Cranes Tax Credit, he continues to champion policies that strengthen port infrastructure, improve supply chain resilience, and support American maritime progress. Congressman Ezell’s leadership reflects the maritime strength, work ethic, and pride that define Pascagoula and the communities that power America’s ports.”
In 2025, Congressman Ezell introduced the Port Cranes Tax Credit Act alongside Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11) and original cosponsors Representatives Randy Weber (R-TX-14) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02). The legislation provides a 25% investment tax credit for U.S. facilities that manufacture or repair ship-to-shore and mobile harbor port cranes, plus a production credit of 40%, rising to 60% if 90% or more of crane components are American-made. If enacted, the bill would boost domestic manufacturing, strengthen supply chains, and enhance national security by bringing port manufacturing back to the U.S.
Rep. Ezell has served Mississippi’s 4th District since 2023. He sits on both the House Natural Resources and Transportation and the Infrastructure Committees and also chairs the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Since 2022, Direct ChassisLink Inc. (DCLI) has sponsored the Port Person of the Year award. DCLI is the largest provider of marine and domestic container chassis to the U.S. intermodal industry, a strong partner of America’s ports, and an AAPA member company.
First awarded in 1994, AAPA's Port Person of the Year honors individuals whose exceptional work has made a meaningful impact on public port authorities and maritime commerce in the Western Hemisphere. Past recipients include government officials, trade and transportation leaders, and others who have advanced the priorities of the public port community.
The 2026 AAPA Legislative Summit, hosted at the JW Marriott, is the premier port industry government affairs and advocacy forum held annually in Washington, D.C.
About AAPA:
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is the unified voice of port leaders and maritime industry partners across the Western Hemisphere which serve a vital role in job-creation, international competitiveness, and economic prosperity. Connecting small business owners, retailers, and manufacturers to the global marketplace, AAPA member organizations advocate for national policies and infrastructure investments in support of a resilient global supply chain and a positive impact on the way people live, work, travel, and engage in commerce.
