Chair of the Board, 2024-2026 | |
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 17 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 chair of the Gulf Caucus, U.S. Delegation Legislative Policy Council member, and board member for the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), 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. He continues to champion that message, most recently with his 2021 appointments to the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s Gulf of Mexico Offshore Wind Task Force and the Louisiana Climate Initiatives Task Force Transportation Committee. On the state level, Chett serves on the boards of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Financing Corporation and the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Coastal Protection, Restoration, and Conservation. Chett is also Chairman of the Louisiana CPRA Board’s Finance Working Group. He is Chairman of the LA 1 Coalition Board of Directors, Vice President of the Executive Board of Restore or Retreat, First Vice President of the Gulf Ports Association, a Fourchon Oilman’s Association board member, and a member of the SLEC Emerging Energy Task Force. 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), was named one of the Best of Lafourche’s Forty under Forty (2014), and was honored as the LSU Public Administration Institute’s 2015 Distinguished MPA Alumnus. 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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Vice-Chair of the Board, 2024-2026 | |
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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Max Dues Payer | |
STEPHEN EDWARDS, Port of Virginia Stephen A. Edwards is the CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority (VPA). He is responsible for the broad programmatic areas of business and relationship development, infrastructure development, strategic marketing, economic development, finance, security and safety. He directs and manages the operations of Virginia’s marine and inland terminal facilities through Virginia International Terminals, LLC, the port’s private terminal operating company. He is a globally experienced leader in the maritime industry with extensive operational experience and a proven track record of growing businesses and creating long-term value for customers and stakeholders. Before joining the VPA in January 2021, Stephen served as President and Chief Executive Officer for TraPac, LLC. Stephen holds a BS degree in Transport Management from Aston University in England. |
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U.S. Great Lakes Ports | |
DEB DELUCA, Duluth Seaway Port Authority Deb DeLuca is the executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, and proudly embraces its mission of bringing business to the port, economic development to the region, and advocating for maritime transportation, freight and industry. The Port Authority operates in the Port of Duluth-Superior, the largest port in the Great Lakes by tonnage, and amongst the top 20 in the nation. She is the first woman to lead the organization in its history. DeLuca has been involved in maritime, freight, and Great Lakes policy initiatives at the local, state and federal level in various roles including president of the Minnesota Ports Association, treasurer of the American Great Lakes Ports Association, chair of the Minnesota Freight Advisory Committee, and executive committee member of APEX, a regional economic and business development organization. She serves on the boards of the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota, Green Marine and the Chamber of Marine Commerce and as an alternate Minnesota commissioner to the Great Lakes Commission. She also serves on the advisory committees for Minnesota Sea Grant, Wisconsin Sea Grant, and the University of Wisconsin-Superior Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chain Management Program. Deb formerly served as Government and Environmental Affairs Director for the Port Authority and as a principal of DeLuca Strategies for 14 years prior to joining the Port Authority. A Wisconsin native, she holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University Wisconsin-Madison. She and her husband live, and raised their two children, in Duluth. |
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U.S. North Atlantic Ports | |
RICHARD J. 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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U.S. South Atlantic Ports | |
HYDI WEBB, PortMiami PortMiami is among the world’s leading hubs for global commerce and tourism. Its gateway location at the center of the Western Hemisphere makes the Port a significant conduit for international trade and commerce. On March 10th, 2022, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava appointed Hydi Webb Director and CEO of PortMiami. Mrs. Webb oversees the growth and development of the world’s leading cruise port and one of America’s fastest-growing container ports. PortMiami is the U.S. container port closest to the Panama Canal, providing shippers fast access to Florida’s thriving consumer base and the entire U.S. market. It generates more than 334,500 jobs and has an economic impact of $43 billion. Mrs. Webb is a maritime industry expert who started her career at PortMiami in 1992 and has gained experience in cruise and cargo business development, including negotiations of long-term agreements, strategic planning, client relations, marketing and communications, external affairs, and operations. Throughout her 30-year career at PortMiami, Mrs. Webb has held several executive positions, including Manager of Advertising & Public Relations, Manager of Cruise Development, Manager of Business Development, Assistant Director of Business Development and Marketing, and Deputy Director. Mrs. Webb also represents PortMiami on international and local economic development and business organizations, including the Cruise Line Industry Association, the World Travel and Tourism Council, the American Association of Port Authorities, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association, World Trade Center Miami, Beacon Council, Woman in International Trade, and various Chambers of Commerce among so others. Mrs. Webb holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Florida. |
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U.S. North Pacific Ports | |
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 | |
KRISTINE A. ZORTMAN, Port of Redwood City Kristine A. Zortman is the Executive Director of the Port of Redwood City where she is responsible for implementing long-range organizational goals and policies for the seventh largest port in California. While serving in this role, Zortman has spearheaded several key initiatives that have positioned south San Francisco Bay’s only deep-water port for long-term success. This includes developing the port’s first-ever strategic vision plan, which will guide the port’s development through 2025. The plan calls for maximizing land use, improving infrastructure, diversifying maritime and commercial business efforts, improving operations and protecting the environment – all with the overall goal of strengthening the port’s impact on the region’s economy and quality of life. Zortman’s port experience also includes eight years at the Port of San Diego where she worked on commercial real estate negotiations for cargo and maritime trade growth. She also served as vice president of neighborhood investment for Civic San Diego, a non-profit economic development agency. She began her career working in the environmental and biological realms for the National Park Service and Heitman Financial, a real estate investment management firm in Los Angeles. Zortman was named the 2021 Chamber San Mateo County’s Businesswoman of the Year; serves as president of the California Association of Port Authorities; and is a board member for the Bay Planning Coalition, California Marine Affairs & Navigation Conference, and the San Francisco Marine Exchange. Her unique ability to navigate the complex intersection of public and private interests has led to the successful implementation of pioneering policies, including cost recovery initiatives, environmentally conscious practices and unique development opportunities. She holds a degree in biology from George Mason University and has pursued graduate studies from the University of Utah and University of California Los Angeles. |
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Ports of Canada | |
SHAUN STEVENSON, Prince Rupert Port Authority Shaun Stevenson has led the Prince Rupert Port Authority as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2018 and has been a key contributor to PRPA's success since 1997. Shaun's focus on growing the Prince Rupert gateway through developing, diversifying, and enhancing numerous port business and infrastructure projects builds on the Port of Prince Rupert's position as Canada’s 3rd largest port, anchoring over $60 Billion in trade. Shaun holds an MBA degree from Simon Fraser University and lives in Prince Rupert with his wife Cindy. |
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U.S. At Large Representatives | |
STEVE RIBUFFO, Port of Alaska Steve Ribuffo is the Director of the Don Young Port of Alaska. He is responsible for overseeing day-to-day support of the business operations at the Port; interacting as needed with tenants, the U.S. Coast Guard, the military and any new business prospects interested in operating out of the Port. He has been with the Port since August 2007, when he came aboard as Deputy Port Director. He has been the Port Director since June 2015. Steve retired from the United States Air Force as a Colonel, having served 30 years on active duty. A native New Yorker, he graduated from Manhattan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. He also has an MBA from Golden Gate University, and a Master of Science degree in Logistics Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology. Steve is Chair of the International Association of Maritime & Port Executives (IAMPE) Board of Advisors, and he is an Accredited Maritime Port Executive and a Certified Maritime Educator. |
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Paul Matthews, Port of South Louisiana Paul Matthews is the Chief Executive Officer of the Port of South Louisiana, America’s Leading Grain Exporter and one of the Largest Tonnage Ports in the Western Hemisphere. His tenure began in January 2022. Matthews made history by becoming Louisiana’s first African-American port director. Prior to his time at the Port of South Louisiana, he served as Deputy Port Director at Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District. He joined Plaquemines Port in 2017 after serving as the Community Affairs Manager at the Port of New Orleans. As CEO, Matthews has been leading the Port of South Louisiana by maintaining many of the Port’s successes and growth. Under his direction, the Port of South Louisiana has focused on leading the way in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure and the energy transition. In his first year as CEO, the Port had its first net increase in tonnage in 7 years and the fiscal year ended with the Port’s highest revenue since its creation. His administration has secured millions in state and federal funds, renewed the long-term leases with multiple industry partners and has entered into an agreement that will foster the construction of Louisiana’s first grain terminal in 40 years, with capital investments of over $600 million and creating more than 200 permanent jobs. During his career, Matthews helped negotiate multi-million-dollar terminal leases and facilitated the development of a private-public partnership to expand rail service while at the Plaquemines Port. He also assisted in securing millions of dollars of federal port security and dredging funds and was involved in attracting grants for critical port infrastructure projects. Matthews also promoted international engagement by establishing dialogue with the U.S. State Department, Department of Commerce, and United States trade representatives to expand port presence in developing countries in Southeast Asia, South America, West Africa, and India. Matthews is the current Vice President of the Ports Association of Louisiana and a U.S. At-Large Director for the American Association of Port Authorities. He is a member of the Executive Board of Greater New Orleans, Inc. He is the immediate past Chairman of GNO Inc. NextGen Council. Louisiana’s Governor appointed Matthews to serve on the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Coastal Protection, Restoration & Conservation, Louisiana Board of International Commerce, as well as the Southern University Board of Supervisors. Matthews was awarded the 40 under 40 Award by Inland Marine Expo and was highlighted in Biz New Orleans Magazine’s New and Notables. He is a member of various maritime and civic organizations, the World Trade Center of New Orleans & Board of Directors of United Way Southeast Louisiana. Matthews is a graduate of Ben Franklin High School in New Orleans, Tulane University, and received an MBA from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. |
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