SPEAKERS
Website
https://gldd.com/
Description
William H. Hanson is the Senior Vice President – Market Development. A 44 year veteran of the dredging and maritime construction industry, Bill Hanson has been with GLDD for 34 years and a Vice President since 2004. In 2013, he opened GLDD’s first office in Washington DC. Mr. Hanson began his career with the US Army Corps of Engineers in Galveston and Los Angeles, and then worked for Connolly Pacific of Long Beach, California before joining GLDD in 1988. At GLDD, he served in management roles in the North Atlantic and Southern Divisions as well as managing Latin America for 12 years. Mr. Hanson serves on several Federal Advisory committees as well as on boards of groups with national and regional interest to GLDD, and several academic advisory boards related to ocean and coastal engineering. Mr. Hanson is a 1979 Ocean Engineering graduate of Texas A&M, where he was named a distinguished alumni in 2013.
Website
https://www.portfourchon.com/
Description
Chett is the Executive Director at Port Fourchon and also serves as the Chair of the AAPA Board of Directors.
Website
https://www.porttb.com/
Description
Mark Dubina currently serves as Vice President of Security for Port Tampa Bay. Mr. Dubina is a graduate of Florida State University, with extensive additional specialized training in law enforcement operations and seaport security. Mr. Dubina is a Certified Law Enforcement Officer, Certified Law Enforcement Instructor, Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Port Executive™.
Mr. Dubina has a combined 32 years of law enforcement and public sector management experience. Mr. Dubina’s current duties include management of all aspects of security operations for the Port, Florida’s largest and most diversified port. Mr. Dubina serves on the board of the Tampa Bay Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Working Group, the State of Florida Domestic Security Oversight Council Critical Infrastructure Working Group, the Tampa Bay Regional Domestic Security Task Force and the Area Maritime Security Committee. Mr. Dubina is also a board member of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
Immediately prior to his current position, Mr. Dubina was the Chief of Investigations for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) in Tampa. During his career with FDLE, Mr. Dubina gained extensive experience organizing and directing investigations, supervising special events and coordinating security details for visiting dignitaries.
Website
https://www.ports.org
Description
John joins AAPA after 8 years of working his way up at the National Air Traffic Controllers (NATCA), where his ultimate role was overseeing the union’s government relations and political department.
Website
https://www.ports.org
Description
Ian Gansler comes to AAPA from the DC lobbying firm of O’Neill and Associates. There he worked for AAPA member Massport on federal policy issues. He also worked for other transportation industry clients, including a high-speed rail advocacy group, American Airlines’ flight attendants union and Jay Cashman, Inc. on federal dredging and offshore wind policy.
Prior to working for O’Neill and Associates, Ian worked for End Citizens United, a PAC dedicated to electing Democrats to Congress to champion campaign finance reform. He has also interned with his hometown’s Congressman, House Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern (D-MA-2), both in DC and Worcester, MA.
A graduate from American University’s School of Public Affairs, Ian is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy degree at Georgetown University in the evenings on a part-time basis.
Website
https://www.polb.com
Description
Michael Goldschmidt is the Assistant Director of Security at the Port of Long Beach, where he brings more than 25 years of public service experience across federal and municipal government. In this role, he supports one of the nation’s busiest ports by overseeing complex security operations, strategic planning efforts, and cross-agency coordination in a dynamic operational environment.
Prior to joining the Port in 2019, Goldschmidt spent over a decade with the U.S. Coast Guard, serving in a series of increasingly senior leadership roles. His experience includes Director of Operations Analysis for the Coast Guard’s Pacific Area, where he translated strategic planning into operational outcomes for more than $1 billion in assets across 74 million square miles. He also served as Military Aide to the Commandant of the Coast Guard, acting as a key liaison to the White House, Congress, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and cabinet-level officials while coordinating high-profile domestic and international engagements.
Website
https://odgsgrants.com/
Description
April Danos is the Vice President of OD Grant Solutions, LLC (ODGS), a subsidiary of Organizational Development Resource Group, LLC (ODRG), established to support grant recipients with comprehensive grant management and compliance services. As a Senior Grants Subject Matter Expert (SME), Ms. Danos brings extensive experience serving federal, state, local, and private sector clients, with a strong focus on the maritime and transportation industries.
Ms. Danos played a key role in developing the Grant Program for Port Fourchon, Louisiana, a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana. Her work included designing and implementing policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure effective management of federal grant funding. She brings more than 26 years of maritime experience, including over five years serving as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fiduciary Agent for the Port Fourchon/LOOP Port-Wide Area. In this role, she managed the full grant lifecycle and successfully secured more than $12 million in port security grant funding.
Throughout her career, Ms. Danos has managed more than 25 grant-funded projects, collaborating with key stakeholders such as Harbor Police, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, LOOP, Lafourche Parish Fire District, and numerous port tenants. Following her tenure as Director of Homeland Security and Technology at Port Fourchon, she transitioned into her current leadership role at ODGS.
Today, Ms. Danos and her team support clients in developing and managing projects across a range of areas, including terminal development, cybersecurity, physical security, and clean energy initiatives. Drawing on experience managing over $27 million in Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) funds, ODGS also supports a diverse portfolio of federal funding programs, including Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grants, as well as rail and aviation-related grants. They assist ports and facilities in establishing robust grant management frameworks, monitoring active grants, and ensuring ongoing compliance.
Website
https://portpascagoula.com/
Description
Joseph C. Powell is an accomplished maritime executive with over two
decades of experience in leadership roles spanning port operations,
cybersecurity, environmental sustainability, and strategic planning. He
currently serves as Director of Security for the Port of Pascagoula,
where he directs a staff of 30 across security, operations, and
administration, fostering accountability, resilience, and continuous
improvement.
At Port Pascagoula, Powell has spearheaded major initiatives, including the port’s first Strategic
Plan in 12 years, a port-wide Maritime Cybersecurity Program in partnership with DHS/CISA—
earning the AAPA Lighthouse Award for Best Practices in Cybersecurity (2024)—and the
achievement of Green Marine environmental certification (2024). He also developed the Port
Pascagoula Maritime Awareness Program, which connects students and job seekers to careers
in the maritime industry through internships, partnerships, and workforce development
initiatives.
Previously, Powell served as Director of Compliance for Maritime Defense Strategy LLC,
where he delivered safety and security training to over 2,000 personnel, led more than 1,500
audits and inspections, and developed over 300 MTSA Facility Security Plans with zero U.S.
Coast Guard deficiencies. He also created and implemented national cybersecurity compliance
and training programs that are trusted by the DHS, USCG, and Fortune 500 companies.
Powell began his career in public service, first in the United States Coast Guard as a
Machinery Technician 3rd Class, and later with the U.S. Secret Service, where he managed
100+ security personnel, protected world leaders during the UN General Assembly, and served
on the Advance Team during the 2004 Presidential Campaign.
His achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including Waterways Journal
40 Under 40 (2019) and the U.S. Department of Trade Southern District Export Council’s
Export of the Year (2020). He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security and
Emergency Management from the University of Arizona, is a certified Maritime Port
Executive (MPE), and a Port Professional Manager (PPM) Graduate of the American
Association of Port Authorities.
Deeply engaged in his community, Powell serves as President of the Propeller Club of the Port
of Pascagoula, is a member of the U.S. Department of Trade Southern District Export
Council, and has served on the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee’s TWIC
Subcommittee.
Throughout his career, Powell has gained national recognition for advancing port cybersecurity,
environmental sustainability, and trade competitiveness, bringing exe
Website
https://www.portofalbany.us/
Description
Rich was selected by the Board of Commissioners to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Albany-Rensselaer in June 2008. Since that time the Port has experienced historical increases in vessel calls, tonnage and longshore labor hours worked at the Port. Rich has also overseen the largest capital investment and infrastructure upgrades since the Port was established in 1932, nearing $100 million. Rich was elected as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) United States in 2024, serves on the Board of Commissioners of Pilots of the State of New York–North Atlantic Ports, on the Board of Directors (Past President) of the North Atlantic Ports Association, on the Board of Directors of the Seafarers International House NYC, and was recently elected to the Board of Directors for AAPA's Foundation for Seaports of the Americas.
Rich 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 CEO, Rich was the Director of Security and Threat Assessment for the Port of Albany. Rich retired from City of Albany Police Department as a Detective after serving for 17 years.
Website
https://www.ports.org
Description
Shannon McLeod leads the member services team and is responsible for overseeing the development and administration of AAPA’s programs that provide invaluable resources and support to our members. Prior to joining AAPA in 2022, she was a consultant for more than 20 years, providing project management and technical direction to ports on maritime, strategic, financial, and supply chain initiatives.
Shannon was an author and researcher on the Port Planning and Investment Toolkit, NCFRP Reports “Making U.S. Ports Resilient as Part of Extended Intermodal Supply Chains” and “Freight Transportation Resilience in Response to Supply Chain Disruptions”, and ASCE’s “Future Marine Highway Development in the US” and “Enhancing U.S. Port Resiliency”.
Shannon has a BS in public relations from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master’s degree in maritime, port and logistics management from Old Dominion University. She is the chair of the National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board (TRB) Marine Group, former chair of the TRB Ports and Channels Committee, and an Alpha class graduate of AAPA’s Port Professional Manager program.
Website
https://www.edf.org/
Description
Ali DySard is a transportation policy and program leader helping Florida’s ports modernize and stay globally competitive. She focuses on port electrification and the transition to electric medium- and heavy-duty fleets across public and private sectors. Ali partners with port authorities, terminal operators, local governments, and industry to advance practical, cost-effective solutions—from shore power and electric cargo equipment to fleet charging strategies. She leads strategic campaigns, manages outreach, cultivates partnerships, and secures funding to support implementation and long-term growth.
Website
https://www.pnnl.gov/
Description
Shannon K. Idso manage the Maritime & Port Energy Program at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, leading a portfolio of projects focused on maritime energy transition planning. She has worked within the public and private sector to advance innovative transportation solutions across light, medium, and heavy-duty sectors. Shannon received a B.S. degree in Environmental Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a master’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).
Website
https://www.ports.org
Description
Innovative & strategic events, content, membership, operations, and marketing executive with two decades combined experience across the trade show, association & nonprofits, live events, conferences, broadcast/cable, and technology ecosystems. I take great pride in creating exciting, distinctive events and experiences that drive member and partner engagement, retention, and loyalty.
Website
https://www.portnola.com/
Description
As Director of Sustainable Development as the Port of New Orleans, Emily is motivated to protect communities’ environmental health through investigations, analysis, mitigation, policy and public awareness.
Website
https://portsl.com/
Description
Milton is the IT Program Manager at the Port of South Louisiana.
Website
https://www.nwseaportalliance.com/
Description
Steve is the Senior Manager, Air Quality & Sustainable Practices at the Northwest Seaport Alliance.
Website
https://www.portseattle.org/
Description
Stephen P. Metruck leads the Port of Seattle, a county-wide special purpose government responsible for providing trade, travel, and logistics services to one of the most diverse and fastest-growing regions in the United States.
The Port operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), owns facilities for cruise, the North Pacific Fishing Fleet, grain terminals, recreational parks and marinas, and commercial real estate. It also operates one of North America’s largest maritime cargo shipping gateways through the Northwest Seaport Alliance, a joint effort with the Port of Tacoma.
Metruck is a recognized leader in environmental sustainability. In collaboration with industry and Port leaders across the U.S. and Canada, he initiated the Pacific Northwest to Alaska Green Corridor First Movers Group—the first global effort to explore decarbonization of a cruise corridor. He also led the Port to expand shore power to its third cruise berth, part of a harbor-wide strategy to decarbonize Port facilities and operations.
He has guided the Port through transformative capital programs, including the opening of the new International Arrivals Facility at SEA and the development of the Port’s Maritime Innovation Center at Fishermen’s Terminal.
Metruck leads a workforce of 2,400 with an emphasis on values, financial stewardship, and a culture of respect. With support from the Port’s elected Commissioners, he established the Port’s first-ever executive-level Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
In October 2026, the University of Washington School of Marine & Environmental Affairs (SMEA) announced that Metruck joined the school as a Professor of Practice, in addition to his role as Executive Director at the Port of Seattle. At SMEA, he mentors students, co-teaches courses, guides thesis and capstone projects, and co-organizes the Winter 2026 SMEA Speaker Series.
He joined the Port of Seattle following a distinguished 34-year career with the United States Coast Guard, retiring as a Rear Admiral (Upper Half).
Website
https://www.portoflosangeles.org/
Description
Tony is the Chief Information Security Officer at the Port Los Angeles.
Website
https://www.cozen.com/
Description
Jeff brings over 30 years of extensive experience representing and advising clients, members of Congress, and federal agencies on a wide range of legislative, regulatory, and policy matters. His clients benefit from his deep understanding of maritime and transportation law, cultivated through senior leadership roles within the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Possessing a profound grasp of the legislative process and a proven ability to navigate complex policy challenges, Jeff played a pivotal role in drafting and advancing significant maritime legislation from 2009 through 2019.
Most recently, Jeff served as chief counsel for the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) within the Department of Transportation, where he oversaw a team of 39 legal and non-legal professionals. In this capacity, he provided counsel to the Office of the Secretary of Transportation on critical maritime issues, including deepwater port licensing and spearheaded policy initiatives aimed at combating sexual assault and harassment within the U.S. merchant marine.
Prior to his tenure at MARAD, Jeff held the position of senior civilian attorney in the U.S. Coast Guard Judge Advocate General’s Office of Maritime and International Law. There, he provided advice on matters encompassing marine safety, security, and environmental protection, including cybersecurity, vessel inspection, documentation, and safety, merchant vessel personnel, navigation, aquatic invasive species, ports and waterways safety and security, and marine casualty investigations. Recognized as the Coast Guard's subject matter authority on federal preemption, he provided counsel on the effects of federal legislation on states, localities, and tribes. He also represented the U.S. in international forums such as the International Maritime Organization and the United Nations.
Earlier in his career, Jeff dedicated 10 years as senior Democratic counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, advising key members and staff on maritime and marine environmental law, policy, and legislation. He was central to the drafting and advancement of numerous significant bills, resolutions, and amendments, including the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act of 2018, the Port State Measures Agreement Act of 2015, the Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act of 2015, the Shark Conservation Act of 2010, and various Coast Guard authorization acts and international fishery agreement implementing acts. He also managed the Committee’s inquiries into several high-profile marine casualties, including the Deepwater Horizon incident in 2010. His experience also includes eight years in private practice, advising clients on diverse regulatory and legislative matters. Jeff began his career as a legislative aide to the Hon. John Breaux in the U.S. Senate and as executive assistant to the Hon. W.J. Tauzin in the U.S. House of Representatives.
For the past 10 years, Jeff has taught Admiralty and Maritime Law as an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University Law Center. He holds a B.A. in political science from Louisiana State University and a J.D. from Catholic University.
Website
https://www.portofcc.com/
Description
Jeffrey Pollack is the Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer at the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, where he oversees all planning, environmental, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) functions as well as the Port’s Technology Advancement Program. Jeff joined the Port of Corpus Christi in mid-2018 as its inaugural Director of Planning, with responsibility for strategic planning, land-use master planning (with an emphasis on coastal resilience), transportation planning, and grant pursuits.
Prior to joining the Port, Jeff served as the Executive Director for the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Coastal Bend. Jeff specializes in growth and development issues in coastal zones and brings particular experience in multi-modal transportation and watershed planning.
Jeff holds a Master’s degree in Coastal Environmental Management from Duke University, where he was a Doris Duke Conservation Fellow. Jeff is a certified planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners and is an Envision Sustainability Professional through the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure.
Website
https://www.portofvirginia.com/
Description
Mark is the Director Information Technology at the Port of Virginia.
Website
https://www.arcadis.com/en-us
Description
Sarah Colasurdo is the National Practice Leader, Asset and Enterprise Risk and Resilience at Arcadis.
Website
https://portoflosangeles.org/
Description
Sheeba Varughese is the Chief Information Officer for the Port of Los Angeles. She is responsible for IT strategy, modernization, development, and infrastructure at the Port of Los Angeles, in addition to leadership of the technology organization.
Website
https://www.wabteccorp.com/
Description
Soufyane is passionate about driving innovation, building resilient teams, and delivering measurable impact across the global transportation landscape.
He led commercial operations across both legacy and emerging business lines in industrial software, IoT, and advanced technology solutions tailored for the Transportation, Railway, and Logistics sectors. His strength lies in bridging innovation with execution, helping organizations transform operations through smart, scalable, and sustainable solutions.
With global assignments spanning Europe, Australia, Sub-Saharan Africa, India, Pakistan, and the Middle East, Soufyane brings a multicultural lens to strategy, collaboration, and growth. Fluent in multiple languages, he thrives in diverse environments and complex stakeholder ecosystems.
Website
https://www.sdsu.edu/
Description
I am a professor, researcher, entrepreneur, and strategic advisor with a passion for transforming global supply chains through the intelligent application of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. With over three decades of experience across academia, industry, and international development, my work sits at the crossroads of innovation, systems thinking, and AI-Driven human-centered design.
Currently, I lead initiatives at San Diego State University that reimagine graduate education in supply chain innovation, equipping the next generation of professionals to thrive in AI-driven ecosystems. I contribute in connecting higher education institutions,, businesses, and/or non-profits with frontier AI tools to accelerate learning and applied research.
Website
https://aecom.com/
Description
Reggie is Senior Vice President, Global Goods Movement Director at AECOM.
Website
https://www.porttb.com/
Description
Ken Washington began his employment with Port Tampa Bay in October 1996 and was promoted to his current position, Chief Information Officer, in 1998. In this capacity, Mr. Washington provides strategic oversight of organizational-wide information technology activities, as well as oversees the development, execution, and evaluation of all technological frameworks and infrastructure for Port Tampa Bay.
Mr. Washington brings 35 years of experience in the field of information technology and has a diverse background in both corporate and governmental settings, with extensive experience in enterprise computing, telecommunications and implementations.
Mr. Washington received his formal education from Hillsborough Community College, Harold Washington College, and the University of South Florida. He obtained his professional certifications as Master Certified Novell Engineer, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, and Microsoft Certified Professional.
Prior to joining the Port Authority, Mr. Washington was employed by the Florida Aquarium as Manager of MIS, GTE as a Research Analyst, IBM as a Senior Technician, and served in the U.S. Army in Military Intelligence.
Website
https://mpa.maryland.gov/
Description
Kathleen is the Director of Security for the Maryland Port Administration (MPA). She is responsible for developing and implementing operational and strategic security policies and programs to protect and support the mission of the Maryland Port Administration.
Prior to joining the MPA in 2023, Kathleen retired from the United States Capitol Police and most notably, she served as the Hazardous Incident Response Division Commander. She led her division’s response to the January 6th insurrection and was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022 by Congress. In 2016, Kathleen earned the distinction of being the first female federal bomb squad commander in America.
Kathleen began her 29-year career as a military police officer in the U.S. Air Force.
Website
https://www.portofsandiego.org/
Description
Aimee Graham Heim serves as the Port of San Diego’s Director of Government and Civic Relations, leading a team of professionals dedicated to government relations, community outreach, and grants management. She also has programmatic oversight responsibility for more than $110M of projects funded with ARPA COVID relief funds.
Aimee has more than 25 years of experience in the maritime industry, including positions with a ship owner and shipyard before joining the Port in July 2011. Aimee has a BS in Marine Transportation from the US Merchant Marine Academy and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Southern California. Aimee spends her free time sailing on San Diego Bay with her husband and two children.
Website
https://coastalstates.org/
Description
Derek Brockbank is Executive Director of Coastal States Organization (CSO), which represents the nation’s Coastal States, Territories, and Commonwealths on ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes issues. With two decades of experience in Washington DC on coastal adaptation policy and organizational development, Derek is connecting state coastal management programs with federal agencies and resources to address the greatest coastal challenges facing society. He previously served as executive director for the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA), as campaign director for a coalition effort to restore the Mississippi River Delta, and worked on climate adaptation policy at National Wildlife Federation. He went to University of Chicago, and grew up in New York City, getting his coastal education on the beaches of Long Island, and kayaking and fishing in Peconic Bay.
Website
https://www.pobtx.com/
Description
With over two decades of experience in the ports and maritime industry, Brandon M. Bergeron, P.E., serves as the Director of Engineering for the Port of Beaumont, where he leads the planning, coordination, and execution of capital projects, major maintenance initiatives, master planning, and future infrastructure development.
Before joining the Port of Beaumont, Mr. Bergeron was the Engineering Manager at Lanier & Associates Consulting Engineers, Inc., where he played a key role as a senior project manager and engineering consultant. In this capacity, he led the design and execution of numerous marine terminal projects for public ports and private-sector clients along the Gulf and East Coasts.
Mr. Bergeron began his career with Lanier & Associates in New Orleans after earning his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Louisiana Tech University in 2003. Initially focused on structural inspection services and marine terminal design, he relocated to Beaumont, TX, in 2006 to establish and expand a new satellite office for the firm. Over the next 12 years, he advanced through roles of increasing responsibility, ultimately becoming Engineering Manager of the Civil and Structural Engineering Group. In this leadership role, he oversaw a team of professional engineers and design staff, consistently delivering high-quality engineering solutions that met the rigorous demands of both public and private sector clients.
A licensed Professional Engineer in Texas and Louisiana, Mr. Bergeron remains deeply committed to advancing excellence in the maritime infrastructure sector. Outside of his professional career, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Veronica, and their two children, Sophie and Evan.
Website
https://www.porttb.com/
Description
Patrick Blair is the Vice President of Engineering at Port Tampa Bay, joining the Port in 2010. Patrick oversees all of Port Tampa Bay’s capital improvements including design, permitting, construction and dredging. As well overseeing the maintenance of the Ports approximately 5,000 acres including two Spoil Islands and over 70 Berths.
Patrick has more than 20 years of engineering and construction experience. Before joining the team at Port Tampa Bay, Patrick was a structural design consultant at Weber and Tinnen Structural Engineers, and has been a principal and owner at several structural consulting firms. He has also been a structural forensic expert on hundreds of cases acting as an expert witness.
Patrick is a Licensed Professional Engineer, and Special Inspector in the State of Florida. Patrick has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of South Florida, with a Capstone in Structural Engineering.
Patrick served as a decorated Sergeant in the Unites States Army, receiving two NATO Medals for his participation in the Kosovo and Bosnia campaigns.
Website
https://portlc.com/
Description
Nick is the Director of Engineering, Maintenance & Development at the Port of Lake Charles.
Website
https://www.ports.org
Description
Holden Haley is a Government Relations Manager at AAPA where he covers both the Security and Navigation policy portfolios and serves as secretary to the Board of Directors and liaison to the security committee. Holden holds a B.A. in International Affairs from George Washington University and is currently pursuing an M.B.A. from the School of Business of his Alma Mater.
Website
https://www.ports.org
Description
Liz Mancini has over 35 years of diverse experience working in the association industry. Throughout her career, Liz has provided proven experience guiding executive teams through strategic planning initiatives; developing and delivering successful budgets; planning and directing efficient and secure IT installations; launching new and innovative member services and products; executing effective internal and external communications plans across all association operations; designing, implementing, and administering CRM/AMS database systems; and collaborating with events teams to produce exciting, educational, and profitable member events.
Liz was previously the Executive Director for the International Association of Special Investigation Units, Inc. (IASIU). Prior to that, Liz served as Manager of Member Relations, Retention and Information Technology at The Business Council of New York State, Inc. in Albany, NY.
Liz received an associate degree as an early admissions student from Fulton-Montgomery Community College, Johnstown, NY and a bachelor’s degree from The State University of New York at Oswego, Oswego, NY. She is a New York State commissioned Notary Public. Liz currently serves as a member and past chair of the membership committee of the Empire State Society of Association Executives.
Website
https://tti.tamu.edu/
Description
Vicente (“Vince”) Mantero is Director of the Center for Ports & Waterways at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI). He leads applied research and policy work connecting research and practice to strengthen America’s ports, waterways, and maritime infrastructure, with a focus on system performance, resilience, and national readiness.
Mr. Mantero has more than 25 years of experience in maritime and freight policy across the federal government, port authorities, and the private sector, including senior roles at the U.S. Maritime Administration and the Federal Highway Administration. He holds a Master of City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is based in Washington, DC.
Website
https://www.portoftacoma.com/
Description
Kristin Ang is a Filipino-American attorney, community advocate, Port of Tacoma Commissioner and Northwest Seaport Alliance Managing Member. She made history as the first person of color elected to the Port of Tacoma commission, along with the historical endorsement of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. She is on the Port’s environmental and Tribal liaison committees. She is also on the executive board of the Central Puget Sound Economic Development District and the Washington Council on International Trade.
Commissioner Ang earned an academic and music scholarship at the University of Puget Sound, where she completed her business degree. She obtained her law degree at Cornell Law School. She believes in the power of community and is board president of the City Club of Tacoma, a Tacoma Rotary 8 member, and Greater Tacoma Community Foundation ambassador.
As Port of Tacoma commissioner, she is focused on advancing environmental leadership, building community relationships, and creating economic opportunities for all of Pierce County. Commissioner Ang’s goals include completing the Maritime | 253 Skills Center in collaboration with local schools to expand career opportunities for students in the region. Additionally, she is committed to leading the transition towards renewable energy, accelerating the cleanup of contaminated industrial lands, investing in transportation and technological infrastructure, safeguarding the port and its workers from challenges like sea-level rise, and redeveloping the Tideflats to create more family-wage jobs while increasing public access. Further, Commissioner Ang is dedicated to collaborating with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians on vital projects related to habitat restoration and maritime business. By continuing to work on these goals, Commissioner Ang aims to make substantial progress in enhancing both the environmental and economic aspects of the Port of Tacoma.
Website
https://www.nwseaportalliance.com/
Description
Rose Arsers joined the Northwest Seaport Alliance as a Project Manager with the Air Quality and Sustainable Practices team in 2024. Rose has over 20 years of experience working in the port and maritime industry. Her area of expertise centers around maritime and goods movement related air quality, sustainability, and emission reduction strategies. Rose is leading the NWSA’s work around green shipping corridors and supporting the transition to cleaner and more sustainable marine fuels.
Website
https://www.boldyn.com/us
Description
Kevin J. Traver is an accomplished executive in the transportation and telecommunications sectors, currently serving as Head of Ports, Private Networks at Boldyn Networks. In this role, he leads the development and deployment of advanced private network solutions for port and maritime operations, helping modernize critical infrastructure with secure, high-performance connectivity.
Before joining Boldyn, Kevin held senior leadership roles at the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and the American Trucking Associations, where he drove commercial strategy, stakeholder engagement, and industry partnerships across the logistics ecosystem.
A proud veteran, Kevin served in the United States Marine Corps, bringing discipline, leadership, and mission-driven focus to every role throughout his civilian career. He is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and is widely recognized for his expertise in logistics, digital infrastructure, and public-private collaboration.
Website
https://www.ghd.com/
Description
Jennifer States is a recognized leader with 27 years of experience advancing cleantech innovation across the port, maritime, and energy sectors. Her career spans industry, government, non-profit, and research institutions, where she has driven strategic planning, policy development, and project execution to accelerate energy, transportation and infrastructure decarbonization. She has held executive and advisory roles at GHD, Momentum, Blue Sky Maritime Coalition, Washington Maritime Blue, DNV, Port of Port Angeles, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, JUWI Renewables, and the Sequim City Council. Jennifer is known for building cross-sector coalitions, securing transformative funding, and leading initiatives that shape the future of sustainable transportation and energy systems.