Responsible for overall office administration and finance, works with the Board of Directors and serves as staff liaison to the U.S. Legislative Policy Council.
Business Development Kevin Traver, Vice President of Business Development Chelsea Kertes, Director of Conferences and Events Jen Wilk, Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing Paula White, Senior Manager of Membership Growth Pam Maher, Manager of Communications and Publications Liz Mancini, Manager of Member Experience Imani Poindexter, Database and Social Media Associate Rafael Díaz-Balart, Latin American Coordinator Raquel Kibrit, Director of Membership for Latin America
Plans and coordinates the annual education and training programs, Spring Conference and Annual Convention; responsible for membership recruitment and sponsorship development; manages membership retention and experience; maintains membership information and databases; oversees membership issues such as credentials filing and dues assessments; coordinates production of the annual SEAPORTS OF THE AMERICAS directory, Smart Guide, Seaports Magazine, Advisory e-Newsletter, Microsite and Mobile App; responsible for AAPA web development and information technology infrastructure; serve as staff liaisons to the Cruise, Facilities Engineering, Information Technology and Public Relations Committees.
U.S. Government Relations Cary Davis, Vice President of Government Relations and General Counsel Jen Armstrong, Director of Navigation Policy and Legislation Derek Miller, Government Relations Manager Ian Gansler, Manager of Energy, Resilience, and Sustainability Policy Shawn Balcomb, Public Affairs Manager Matt Wiggins, Freight and Infrastructure Policy Associate
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 Law Review, Defense, Environment, Harbors & Navigation, and Security Committees.
Member Services Shannon McLeod, Senior Director of Member Services Julie Barelas, Workforce and Professional Development Associate
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; serves as staff liaison to the Maritime Economic Development Committee and Professional Development Board.
Finance Larrinda Shields, Senior Manager, Accounting and Finance
Responsible for accounting, financial reporting and benefits administration; ensures DOL ACCELerate grant compliance; serves as staff liaison to the Finance Committee.
