American Association of Port Authorities · 1 month ago
Chief Executive Officer
Washington, DC
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/ExecutiveThe American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is the unified voice of the seaport industry in the Americas, empowering port authorities and maritime partners. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the strategic and operational leader, responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, overseeing financial sustainability, and representing AAPA to various stakeholders.
AdviceEventsMarine Transportation
Responsibilities
Develop and execute a multi-year 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 long-term relevance
Serve as AAPA’s 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
Serve as the primary liaison between the AAPA Board of Directors and the organization’s staff, ensuring transparent, timely, and strategic communication
Provide regular reports, updates, and performance metrics to the Board to support effective governance and decision-making
Collaborate with the Board on strategic planning, policy development, and priority-setting for the association
Manage meeting preparation, agenda development, and follow-up actions
Ensure Board policies, bylaws, and governance requirements are upheld and properly implemented across the organization
Provide executive oversight of all operations, programs, and service offerings
Build and mentor a high-performing staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence
Ensure organizational compliance with legal, financial, and ethical standards
Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and long-term sustainability strategies
Drive revenue growth through membership value enhancement, events, partnerships, and innovative programs
Manage resources responsibly and transparently in partnership with the Board
Strengthen AAPA’s 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
Champion research, data-driven insights, and industry innovation
Promote workforce development initiatives, training programs, and professional education
Represent AAPA at major industry events, conferences, and international gatherings
Qualification
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, relationship-building, 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 membership-driven organization
Ability to operate in a complex, fast-changing policy and industry environment
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits
Bonus package
Company
American Association of Port Authorities
American Association of Port Authorities provides advocacy for maritime transport industry professionals and training programs.
Founded in 1912
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageRecent News
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