News Release
FOR RELEASE - September 30, 2026
Contact: Shawn Balcomb, press@aapa-ports.org

American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org

Ports Select New Board Leadership for 2026-2028

New Orleans, LA — The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is pleased to announce its newly elected Board of Directors and officers who will serve for the 2026-2028 term and guide the Association’s important mission to advance the port industry.

“This is a crucial moment for our industry, and this new Board brings together some of the most experienced and talented leaders in the port community to help meet it,” stated Sang Yi, AAPA President and CEO. “Their expertise and commitment will be invaluable as we grow our advocacy, strengthen the voice of ports across the Western Hemisphere, and win on behalf of our members and the communities they serve.”

The elections were held on Monday, September 28, during AAPA’s 115th Annual Convention in New Orleans, one of the largest gatherings of port professionals in the organization’s history, with almost 1,000 attendees.

The newly elected officials include:

• Richard Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer, Albany Port District Commission, Board Chair;
• Dr. Noel Hacegaba, CEO, Port of Long Beach, Board Vice Chair and South Pacific regional seat;
• Joe Morris, CEO and Port Director, Port Everglades, South Atlantic regional seat;
• Gordon Carr, Executive Director, Port of New Bedford, North Atlantic regional seat; and
• Beth Branch, President and CEO, Port of New Orleans, At-Large seat.

"I look forward to serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors of AAPA, along with our Vice Chair Dr. Noel Hacegaba, CEO at the Port of Long Beach, and my colleagues on the Board from around this continent," stated Hendrick. "This is a wonderful opportunity to work with the extremely talented AAPA President and CEO Sang Yi and the AAPA team. I've seen the power of the advocacy and support that AAPA brings – including representing all of the voices of the greater port communities that need to work together on a regular basis to keep the national transportation network moving. I am enthusiastic about the opportunities and innovative collaboration that we can bring together among the Port industry."

“Seaports play a vital role in facilitating trade, strengthening economies and enriching communities,” said Hacegaba. “I’m honored to be elected Vice Chair and excited to work with Chair Hendrick and my Board colleagues to champion ports and help amplify AAPA’s impact.”

Chair Rich Hendrick and new members join fellow Board Members chosen in 2025 to serve a two-year term through 2027. The staggered two-year terms ensure continuity and a broad representation of expertise on AAPA’s Board of Directors.

Board Members whose terms began in 2025 include:

• Erik Varela, Executive Director, Illinois International Port District, Great Lakes regional seat;
• Julianna Marler, CEO, Port of Vancouver USA, North Pacific regional seat;
• Lisa Lefeber, CEO, Port of Everett, At-Large seat; and
• Bethann Rooney, Port Director, The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Max Dues Payer seat.

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.