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AAPA Headquarters & Staff

Jonathan Toomey, Vice President of Business Development, Events & Marketing
Melodie George, Senior Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing
Nicole Felter, Director of Events

Plans and coordinates the annual education and training programs, Legislative Summit, and Annual Convention; responsible for membership recruitment and sponsorship development; establishes external communications, marketing and event promotion, and brand awareness; produces annual Seaports of the Americas Membership Directory and digital Smart Guide, quarterly Seaports Magazine, weekly Advisory e-newsletter, and microsite; responsible for AAPA web development and information technology infrastructure; serve as staff liaisons to the Cruise and Public Relations Committees.

Tracks legislative and regulatory issues; lobbies members of Congress on bills of interest to industry; works with Administration, Congress, Federal Agencies on port issues; produces Advocacy Updates newsletter; serve as staff liaisons to the Defense, Environment, Facilities Engineering, Harbors & Navigation, and Security Committees.

  • Member Services
    Shannon McLeod, Vice President of Member Services
    Liz Mancini, Director of Member Services

    Julie Barelas, Workforce and Professional Development Associate

    Imani Poindexter, Database Manager

    Leads the professional development programs Port Professional Manager (PPM®) Certificate, Port Professional Associate (PPA®), and Port Professional Executive (PPX®) Credential; administers the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Closing the Skills Gap ACCELerate grant program; responsible for the Foundation of the Seaports of Americas Emergency Relief Fund; manages research and data reporting including Port Statistics Program with Trade Currents, and salary and infrastructure investment surveys; manages membership retention and experience; maintains membership information and databases; oversees membership issues such as credentials filing and dues assessments; serve as staff liaisons to the Information Technology Committee, Maritime Economic Development Committee, and Professional Development Board.

  • Finance
    Charissa MeikleVice President of Finance and Administration

    Oversees accounting, financial reporting, benefits administration, day-to-day office management, and serves as staff liaison to the Finance Committee.