2026 Annual Convention Agenda
Agenda for Sunday, Sept. 27th (Arrival Day) and Monday, Sept. 28th (Pre-Conference Day) is now LIVE!
Agenda details for Tuesday, September 29th and Wednesday, Sept. 30 will be released over the next two weeks!
Agenda is subject to change. Last updated 6/25/26, 3:50 PM EDT
To access the agenda, click below:
Featured Speakers
Website
https://www.ports.org
Description
Prior to joining AAPA, Sang served as Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD), where he oversaw key programs supporting the nation’s commercial and strategic maritime infrastructure. Before his appointment to MARAD, Sang served in the U.S. House of Representatives for almost a decade and a half. Prior to his congressional career, he served in the Intelligence Community. Sang also served as a City Councilman in Fairfax, VA. For more than two decades, Sang has served as an officer in the Navy Reserve and held a U.S. Coast Guard-issued Merchant Marine license.
Sang holds a B.S. in Logistics and Intermodal Transportation from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, a M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, and a J.D. from the George Washington University Law School.
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.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://portnola.com/
Description
Beth Ann Branch, President & Chief Executive Officer of Port NOLA and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB)
With more than 20 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry, Beth Ann Branch has focused her career on advancing commercial strategy and operational excellence. As the current CEO and President of the Port of New Orleans and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB), Branch brings decades of strategic expertise in logistics and maritime operations to her role. Her leadership is instrumental in advancing the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), the first greenfield container terminal to be developed in the United States in decades — a project poised to redefine global trade through the Gulf.
Branch’s proven track record in supply chain strategy, infrastructure planning, and stakeholder engagement uniquely positions her to drive the LIT project forward. With a deep understanding of the complex logistics landscape and a steadfast commitment to sustainable, efficient growth, she is ensuring the terminal will meet the evolving demands of global commerce while delivering transformative economic benefits for Louisiana and beyond.
Branch previously served as Chief Commercial Officer for the Alabama Port Authority in Mobile, where she led commercial strategy and growth initiatives. Prior to that, she oversaw business development and international marketing for the Port of Oakland’s maritime division. At both ports, she spearheaded strategic initiatives that drove record container volumes, significantly enhancing throughput and overall operational performance.
Earlier in her career, Branch spent 18 years in various leadership roles at Maersk, working in the company’s U.S. regional headquarters outside New York as well as its global headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark. In addition, she brings a decade of experience in program development and administration within the nonprofit sector, including oversight of a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) grant program in Eastern Europe.
Beth received a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina.
Website
https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatore-mercogliano-ph-d-what-s-going-on-with-shipping-95437729/
Description
Salvatore Mercogliano, Associate Professor of History and incoming chair of the History, Criminal Justice and Political Science Department at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina, earned his B.S. in Marine Transportation from the State University of New York Maritime College along with his merchant marine deck officer license. He sailed for the Military Sealift Command (MSC).
He left government service to pursue his M.A. in Maritime History and Nautical Archaeology from East Carolina University and his Ph.D. in Military and Naval History at the University of Alabama. Professor Mercogliano has produced articles for Sea History, The Nautical Research Journal, Northern Mariner, Proceedings, Naval History, and the Journal of Military History. He is a frequent contributor to gCaptain and a guest on FreightwavesTV. His monogram, Fourth Arm of Defense: Sealift and Maritime Logistics in the Vietnam War was published by the Naval History & Heritage Command and Naval Historical Foundation in 2017.
He has taught at Methodist University, East Carolina University, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and the U.S. Military Academy. He is an adjunct professor at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy offering a course in Maritime Industry Policy. At Campbell University, he was twice named Professor of the Year, the recipient of the D. P. Russ Jr., and Walter S. Jones, Sr. Alumni Award for Teaching Excellence, and he received the Excellence in Teaching award from the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.
In 2021 he began the What's Going on With Shipping YouTube channel following the grounding of the containership Ever Given in the Suez Canal. Since then, the channel has grown to over 135 thousand subscribers and 20 million views.
Speakers
Website
https://portlc.com/
Description
Nick Pestello is the Director of Engineering, Maintenance and Development at the Port of Lake Charles, responsible for all capital and maintenance projects, future project development and grants management. He has been at the Port for 11 years, working closely with engineers, consultants, and contractors to plan, construct and deliver projects. He earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from McNeese State University. He is a licensed PE in Florida, Louisiana and Texas and is a 2023 graduate of the Professional Port Manager program through the American Association of Port Authorities.
Website
https://portofcc.com/
Description
An experienced leader in the energy sector, Omar Garcia is the Chief External Affairs Officer for the Port of Corpus Christi – currently ranked the largest U.S. port in total revenue tonnage as well as the nation’s leading energy export gateway.
Website
https://www.toledoport.org
Description
Joseph W. Cappel is the Vice President of Business Development for the Toledo - Lucas County Port Authority. He is responsible for working with the Port Authority’s existing and potential business partners in developing and expanding business opportunities in the Toledo Region. Mr. Cappel is also involved in many other facets of Port Authority operations including air service development, grant writing and administration, transportation planning, terminal development, lease negotiations, marketing and social media, dredge material management and environmental matters, port security and government relations.
Website
https://www.portofalbany.us
Description
Patrick Jordan is the chief legal officer of the Port of Albany, NY, where he serves as legal advisor to the Board of Commissioners, CEO, and staff. He represents the Port in litigation and all other legal proceedings, including directing the work of legal staff and retained outside counsel. Patrick drafts and/or reviews all legal agreements (e.g. contracts, leases, bids) regarding Port tenants, vendors, consultants and projects. He coordinates the drafting of Port policies and procedures and drafts all Albany Port District Commission Board resolutions and regulations.
Website
https://portsl.com
Description
Milton Corney is the IT Program Manager at the Port of South Louisiana.
Website
https://www.portofalbany.us
Description
Penny Vavura is the Director of External Affairs at the Port of Albany-Rensselaer. She oversees public relations, communications, and community partnerships. She's previously worked as Senior Counselor to Pierce Communications, Inc., Assistant Vice President at Sawchuk, Brown Associates, and as a Marketing and Public Relations Manager at the Albany Institute of History & Art.
Website
https://gaports.com
Description
Lee Beckman serves as the General Manager of Government and Community Affairs for the Georgia Port Authority. He joined the Georgia Port Authority after serving as a Legislative Assistant to Congressman Jack Kingston.
Website
https://portofharlingen.com/about/
Description
Robert McDonals serves as the CFO of the Port of Harlingen. He is a veteran financial executive who has served as Chief Financial Officer, Controller, and board member for organizations across the manufacturing, mining, and professional services industries.
Website
https://mpa.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Description
Cindy serves as the Director of Cruise Marketing & Business Services at the Maryland Port Administration.
Website
https://portofcc.com
Description
Sarah Garza started her career with the Port of Corpus Christi in 2002. She worked in environmental and was promoted to her current position as director when the Department of Environmental Planning & Compliance was established in 2014. Mrs. Garza is also an active board member of the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, the Corpus Christi Area Oil Spill Control Association, and the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program (proxy).
Website
https://www.portoforange.com/contact
Description
Lorrie Taylor is the Executive Port Director & CEO for the Port of Orange.
Staff Speakers
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.
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.
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
Shawn Balcomb is a seasoned communications professional with extensive experience across federal and state government, political campaigns, and the private sector. He currently serves as the American Association of Port Authorities’ Public Affairs Director, where he leads policy communications, media relations, and stakeholder engagement to advance key maritime and supply chain resilience priorities in the infrastructure, energy, and trade sectors. Originally from New Jersey, Shawn earned a B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Georgia.
Website
https://www.ports.org/
Description
Prior to joining AAPA, Melodie worked on the Global Partnerships & Marketing team at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for several years, creating and executing tailored marketing solutions to elevate brands within the business community. Melodie holds a dual BA in Political Science and English Literature from Loyola University New Orleans and a MS in Print and Digital Media from NYU.
Website
https://www.ports.org
Description
Charissa joins AAPA with a wealth of experience and expertise in financial management, cost accounting, forecasting, budgeting, P&L analysis, government contracting, regulatory compliance, and project management. Her background includes significant achievements during her tenure as Director of Finance at Lurn, Inc., and as Director of Revenue Operations, Human Resources, and Business Operations and Finance at ADF Solutions, Inc.
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.
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.
Conference Tracks
The agenda will feature a wealth of panels, keynotes, workshops and discussions focused on:
Funding Frenzy: Capital Allocation, Smart Grantmaking, & Regulatory Strategies
Produced in Partnership with the AAPA Finance & Administration and Law Review Committees
Managing costs and securing long-term capital are the foundations of port stability. This track deep dives into the financial and legal mechanics of modern port management, from capital budgeting and risk mitigation to structuring robust contracts. Attendees will explore how to aggressively pursue federal grant funding, leverage private equity, and clear complex permitting and liability bottlenecks to streamline infrastructure deployment.
The Port Blueprint: Upgrading Assets & Terminal Throughput
Produced in Partnership with the AAPA Engineering, Construction, and Maintenance Committee
To remain competitive amid shifting trade routes, ports must aggressively upgrade their physical footprints. This track focuses on the heavy-lift engineering and operational strategies required to handle next-generation, larger vessels. Sessions will cover practical solutions for modernizing aging terminal infrastructure, expanding berth capacity, and investing in advanced facilities to maximize long-term commercial throughput.
The Marine Industrial Base: Recruitment, Upskilling, & Labor Partnerships
Produced in Partnership with the AAPA Professional Development Board
A highly secure supply chain relies entirely on a skilled workforce and stable labor relations. This track addresses the immediate challenges facing the Marine Industrial Base, focusing on practical, actionable strategies to accelerate recruitment, streamline credentialing, and improve employee retention. Leaders will share best practices for collaborating with labor partners to build a resilient, high-performing talent pipeline.
Frictionless Freight: Intermodal Connectivity & Cargo Flow Best Practices
Produced in Partnership with the AAPA Economic Development Committee
National economic resilience depends on the seamless, reliable movement of freight across the logistics network. This track explores advanced supply chain strategies designed to enhance end-to-end visibility, eliminate cargo bottlenecks, and optimize domestic freight flows. Discussions will center on strengthening critical gate, rail, and truck connectivity to ensure uninterrupted commerce under evolving trade dynamics.
The Digital Arrival: AI Efficiencies & Mission-Critical Cyber Defense
Produced in Partnership with the AAPA Information Technology Committee & Cybersecurity Subcommittee
Emerging technology is a powerful driver for lowering operational overhead and scaling terminal efficiency. This track centers on the real-world integration of artificial intelligence, digital twins, and advanced digital technologies into daily port operations. Concurrently, the track highlights the absolute necessity of fortifying mission-critical operational technology against sophisticated cybersecurity threats.
Powering Continuity: Energy Security & Grid Reliability
Produced in Partnership with the AAPA Environment Committee
Guaranteeing energy reliability is no longer just an operational preference—it is a matter of business continuity. This track explores how ports are actively de-risking their operations by investing in diversified energy sources, securing microgrids, and building resilient power infrastructure. Experts will discuss practical ways to protect terminal operations from grid vulnerabilities while maintaining peak productivity.
Anchoring the Message: Mastering PR, Stakeholder Trust, & Economic Stewardship
Produced in Partnership with the AAPA Public Relations Committee
Ports are the vital economic engines of their regions, and maintaining public trust is essential for long-term expansion. This track frames public relations around transparent communication, community trust-building, and proactive reputation management. Attendees will discover strategic approaches to engaging local stakeholders and public officials, positioning the port as a responsible, indispensable partner in regional economic growth.
The Tourism Boom: Optimizing Infrastructure, Customs Capacity, & Cruise Traffic
Produced in Partnership with the AAPA Cruise Committee
The surging global demand for cruising presents incredible revenue opportunities, but it also brings acute operational challenges. This track tackles the specific infrastructure needs of passenger-facing ports, from modernizing terminal layouts to advocating for increased federal customs processing capacity. Sessions will highlight strategies for managing high-volume regional tourism traffic smoothly without disrupting core cargo operations or creating community disruptions.
Port Potpourri
We've got so much great content to share, we ran out of room! Check out the Port Potpourri track for a collection of sessions and workshops on hot topics and other pressing issues in the maritime ecosystem.