A. J. Francis was among five professionals of 87 currently enrolled to receive the certification during the recent annual meeting of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). The industry association established the program of seminars and activities in 1994 to encourage and promote professional standards in public port management. Nationwide, 44 port professionals have earned the AAPA certification. “The most rewarding part of the program is the exposure to other sectors of the port industry,” according to Francis, a 20-year employee of the Canaveral Port Authority. “Successful completion of the program also dispels the myth that accountants are only gifted with numbers.