News Release
FOR RELEASE - October 19, 2026
Contact: Shawn Balcomb, press@aapa-ports.org
American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org
Washington, D.C. – The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) today announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously confirmed Rory J. Respicio, General Manager of the Port Authority of Guam, as the inaugural Americas Region Director on the AAPA Board of Directors.
The new Americas Region seat was established under AAPA’s Amended and Restated Bylaws, adopted and effective September 25, 2026. Under the new governance structure, AAPA’s 11-member Board includes six U.S. regional Directors consisting of the Great Lakes, Gulf, North Atlantic, North Pacific, South Atlantic, South Pacific; one Americas Region Director; one Maximum Dues Payer Delegation Director; two At-Large Directors; and the Chair of the Board. The Americas Region encompasses member ports located outside the continental United States.
“Rory is a respected leader in the maritime industry, and AAPA is proud to welcome him to the Board in this newly established role,” said Sang Yi, President and CEO of AAPA. “Creating dedicated representation for the members outside the continental United States strengthens AAPA’s ability to unite American ports to advance our industry’s shared interests.”
Directors representing AAPA regions are nominated and selected by the voting-eligible Core Members of their respective region. Under the newly ratified Bylaws, voting-eligible U.S. Core Members located outside the continental United States are eligible to nominate, vote for, and serve as the Americas Region Director.
“I am honored to represent the Americas Region as its inaugural Director,” Respicio said. “I appreciate the leadership of President and CEO Sang Yi and the AAPA Board of Directors in expanding regional representation. My responsibility is to listen, understand members’ priorities, and ensure their perspectives are represented. For the Port of Guam, this is an opportunity to strengthen relationships with ports throughout the country, bring our unique experiences and perspectives to the national stage, and support AAPA’s continued advocacy for the infrastructure, security, and resilience needed to ensure port readiness.”
Rory J. Respicio has served as General Manager of the Port Authority of Guam since 2019, overseeing Guam’s only commercial seaport and a critical component of the island’s economy, supply chain, disaster response, and regional security infrastructure. Under his leadership, the Port has advanced major modernization, infrastructure, governance, resilience, and environmental initiatives while strengthening financial stewardship and institutional accountability. He previously served 14 years in the Guam Legislature and brings extensive experience in public policy, governance, infrastructure, financial stewardship, and institutional leadership.
View the current AAPA Board of Directors here.
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.
