Job Description

About the American Association of Port Authorities

Founded in 1912, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is the unified voice of the seaport industry in the Americas. AAPA empowers port authorities, maritime partners, and service providers to create economic and social value for their communities. The organization provides advocacy and public outreach to influence seaports' most urgent public policy issues. The CEO leads the organizations mission to support the growth and sustainability of ports throughout the hemisphere.

Job Summary

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the strategic and operational leader of AAPA. This role is responsible for advancing the organizations mission, strengthening member value, overseeing financial sustainability, and representing AAPA as the primary spokesperson to government, industry, international partners, media, and the public.

The CEO works closely with the Board of Directors, staff, and membership to shape longterm strategy, drive innovation, and champion policies that support port infrastructure, maritime transportation, economic development, and environmental stewardship.

Work Location

This is a hybrid position, requiring the candidate to reside within a twohour commute of Washington, DC, and to report to the DC office as required.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a multiyear strategic plan aligned with the mission and goals of AAPA.
• Build strong relationships with member ports, partners, and stakeholders to understand industry needs and emerging opportunities.
• Lead organizational evolution, modernization, and program innovation to ensure longterm relevance.

Advocacy & External Affairs

• Serve as AAPAs chief spokesperson to federal, state, and international government entities.
• Lead advocacy efforts on issues affecting ports, including infrastructure funding, supply chain competitiveness, environmental policy, workforce development, and maritime security.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, federal agencies, legislative committees, and industry coalitions.

Board Relations & Governance

• Serve as the primary liaison between the AAPA Board of Directors and the organizations staff, ensuring transparent, timely, and strategic communication.
• Provide regular reports, updates, and performance metrics to the Board to support effective governance and decisionmaking.
• Collaborate with the Board on strategic planning, policy development, and prioritysetting for the association.
• Manage meeting preparation, agenda development, and followup actions.
• Ensure Board policies, bylaws, and governance requirements are upheld and properly implemented across the organization.

Organizational Management

• Provide executive oversight of all operations, programs, and service offerings.
• Build and mentor a highperforming staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
• Ensure organizational compliance with legal, financial, and ethical standards.
• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and longterm sustainability strategies.
• Drive revenue growth through membership value enhancement, events, partnerships, and innovative programs.
• Manage resources responsibly and transparently in partnership with the Board.

Membership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Strengthen AAPAs value proposition for public ports, industry partners, and associate members.
• Lead member recruitment and retention strategies.
• Support engagement through conferences, committees, working groups, and thought leadership initiatives.

Thought Leadership & Industry Advancement

• Champion research, datadriven insights, and industry innovation.
• Promote workforce development initiatives, training programs, and professional education.
• Represent AAPA at major industry events, conferences, and international gatherings

Qualifications

Required

• Significant executive leadership experience, ideally within transportation, maritime, trade, infrastructure, or association management.
• Proven ability to work effectively with boards, government agencies, and diverse stakeholders.
• Strong advocacy and public affairs experience, including working with legislative and regulatory bodies.
• Demonstrated success in organizational management, financial oversight, and team leadership.
• Excellent communication, relationshipbuilding, and strategic planning skills.

Preferred

• Experience in the port or maritime industry.
• Familiarity with federal infrastructure policy, supply chain issues, and transportation networks.
• Prior leadership experience in a nonprofit, association, or membershipdriven organization.
• Ability to operate in a complex, fastchanging policy and industry environment.

A competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, including comprehensive benefits and a bonus package.

This job description may vary depending on the specific needs and priorities of the organization.

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