Technical committees can include individuals from all membership categories, and they help the Association set policy, develop new programs and serve as a valuable resource to AAPA members.
Cruise terminals, operations, marketing and itineraries
![]() Lauren Gleason |
Chair: Lauren Gleason, Massport, (617) 946-4411
Vice Chair: Andrew Dixon, Port Saint John, (506) 636-4021
2nd Vice Chair: Greg Lovelace, Port Tampa Bay, (813) 905-5123
AAPA Staff Liaison: Meredith Martino, (703) 254-7103
Cruise Committee webpage
Cruise Committee roster (AAPA members only)
U.S. military operations, strategic ports
Chris Fisher |
Chair: Chris Fisher, Port of Beaumont, (409) 835-5367 x222
AAPA Staff Liaison: Jim Walker, (703) 254-7105
Defense Committee webpage
Defense Committee roster (AAPA members only)
Air quality, water quality, stormwater, contaminated sediment, sustainability, environmental management systems, engaging stakeholders and communities
![]() Jason Jordan |
![]() Charles Liou |
Chair: Jason Jordan, The Northwest Seaport Alliance, (253) 830-5321
Vice Chair: Charles Liou, The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, (212) 435-4431
2nd Vice Chair: Gretchen Barrera, Alabama State Port Authority, (251) 441-7086
AAPA Staff Liaison: Evan Chapman, (571) 331-1030
Environment Committee webpage
Environment Committee roster (AAPA members only)
Landside infrastructure, marine terminal design and construction
![]() Christopher B. Novack |
Chair: Christopher B. Novack, P.E., Georgia Ports Authority, (912) 964-3922
Vice Chair: John Foglesong, P.E., Port Everglades, (954) 468-0142
AAPA Staff Liaison: Paula Gonzalez, (302) 545-9510
Facilities Engineering Committee webpage
Facilities Engineering Committee roster (AAPA members only)
Port administration, financing, accounting practices
![]() Robert DeAngelis |
![]() Wonza Spann-Nicholas |
Chair: Robert DeAngelis, Port of San Diego, (619) 686-6200
Vice Chair: Wonza Spann-Nicholas, Maryland Port Administration, (410) 385-4560
AAPA Staff Liaison: Maranda Jones-Anderson, (301) 213-8511
Finance Committee webpage
Finance Committee roster (AAPA members only)
Waterside infrastructure, federal navigation channel, dredging, dredged material placement
![]() |
Chair: Kit Chope, Port of Virginia, (757) 683-2152
Vice Chair: Randy Lewis, Port of Grays Harbor, (360) 533-9513
AAPA Staff Liaison: Jim Walker, (703) 254-7105
Harbors & Navigation Committee webpage
Harbors & Navigation Committee roster (AAPA members only)
Information technology, cybersecurity
Michelle R. Thames |
![]() Ken Washington |
Chair: Michelle R. Thames, PortMiami, (305) 960-5452
Vice Chair: Ken Washington, Port Tampa Bay, (813) 905-5100
AAPA Staff Liaison: Meredith Martino, (703) 254-7103
Information Technology Committee webpage
Information Technology Committee roster (AAPA members only)
Legal issues, litigation, contracts
Heather McCloskey |
Chair: Heather McCloskey, Port of Los Angeles, (310) 732-3750
Vice Chair: Danny Wan, Port of Oakland, (510) 627-1212
AAPA Staff Liaison: Cary Davis, (267) 625-1551
Law Review Committee webpage
Law Review Committee roster (AAPA members only)
Port real estate, industrial development, energy cargoes, master planning & research
Patrick Robitaille |
![]() Joe Cappel |
![]() Chett Chiasson |
Chair: Patrick Robitaille, Québec Port Authority, (418) 648-4956
Vice Chair: Joseph Cappel, PPM, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, (419) 243-8251
2nd Vice Chair: Chett Chiasson, Port Fourchon, (985) 632-6701
AAPA Staff Liaison: Cary Davis, (267) 625-1551
Maritime Economic Development Committee webpage
Maritime Economic Development Committee roster (AAPA members only)
Media and public outreach, community programs, workforce education
![]() Robert Morris |
![]() Renee Aragon Dolese |
![]() Jenna MacDonald |
Chair: Robert Morris, Georgia Ports Authority, (912) 964-3855
Vice Chair: Renee Aragon Dolese, Port of New Orleans, (504) 528-3363
2nd Vice Chair: Jenna MacDonald, Port of Belledune, (506) 522-8382
AAPA Staff Liaison: Jen Wilk, (703) 254-7098
Public Relations Committee webpage
Public Relations Committee roster (AAPA members only)
Cargo and facility security, security personnel
![]() Jill Taylor |
![]() Mark Dubina |
Chair: Jill Taylor, Port of Los Angeles, (310) 732-7628
Vice Chair: Mark Dubina, Port Tampa Bay, (813) 241-1893
AAPA Staff Liaison: Derek Miller, (607) 321-9765
Security Committee webpage
Security Committee roster (AAPA members only)
There are two policy committees that are limited in membership and activity by virtue of the AAPA bylaws or by tradition.
The United States Legislative Policy Council (LPC) reviews the legislation and governmental relations program and activities of the Association.
![]() Mario Cordero |
Chairman: Mario Cordero, J.D., Port of Long Beach, (360) 533-9530
AAPA Staff Liaison: Chris Connor, (201) 310-5840
Administers the AAPA Professional Port Manager (PPM®) certification program.
Chairman: Dr. Noel Hacegaba, PPM, Port of Long Beach, (562) 283-7071
AAPA Staff Liaison: Mary Beth Long, (703) 254-7097