Maritime Economic Development Committee News

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) – a trade group representing ports throughout the Western Hemisphere – today at its 103rd Annual Convention and Expo in Houston honored three port industry leaders. Receiving AAPA’s Distinguished Service Award were former Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani and Dr. Bory Steinberg, founder and principal of the water resources advisory firm of Steinberg & Associates, and a former U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program chief. Receiving AAPA’s ImPORTant Service Award was Port of Everett (Wash.) CEO John Mohr. Recipients of the association’s Distinguished Service Award are honored for their dedicated efforts toward the enrichment of the maritime and port industries throughout the Western Hemisphere.

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) informs it has elected Kristin Decas, CEO and port director for the Port of Hueneme (Calif.) as its incoming chair for AAPA’s 2014-2015 activity year. Ms. Decas will take office at the conclusion of the association’s annual convention in Houston in November. “The upcoming activity year will be an exciting one and we look forward to Kristen’s leadership as AAPA continues to address the issues of most relevance and importance to all our member ports,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA president and CEO. “Kristin is a proven leader and will be a great asset to AAPA, and to the port industry. Ms. Decas took over as the Port of Hueneme’s CEO in February 2012.

The American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) 2013 Maritime Economic Development Workshop in Chicago, June 27-28, will explore the factors driving today’s investments in seaport and related infrastructure. The program's speakers will analyze the risks and rewards for undertaking such investments, reveal how capital improvements propel business development decisions and discuss what influences intermodal connection improvements with ports. Addressing the issue of what is…