Congratulations to Gary G. Nelson, executive director of the Port of Grays Harbor, who has been elected by his fellow board members to serve as AAPA’s chairman of the board for the 2019-20 activity year that begins in October. Gary joined the Port of Grays Harbor in April 2000, bringing with him a strong background of private sector management, particularly in trading wood products throughout the Pacific Rim. His experience working for large publicly-held forest product companies, as well as a small family-held sawmill, resulted in his developing connections and networks in the international trade arena. During his tenure, the Port of Grays Harbor has experienced exponential growth in cargo shipments, private investments and business activity.

AAPA is looking for the next generation of port leaders. Join us May 6-10 in San Diego, Calif., for the biennial Executive Management Conference that will take an in-depth look at the challenges facing port leaders today and call forth a new level of leadership capabilities. Whether you are a PPM candidate or a port professional looking to enhance your executive skills, this program is the perfect opportunity to gain perspective and learn from experienced industry leaders. Register today!

The Port of Savannah handled more total containerized cargo and more intermodal rail volume, with greater connectivity and velocity, than any March on record. While the port handled more than 410,000 TEUs last month, an increase of 15.5 percent, rail volumes spiked by 26 percent for a total of 82,135 TEUs. The Port of Vancouver USA has logged record-breaking cargo tonnage for the fifth year in a row, with 2018 coming in at 8.1 million metric tons. This marks an 8.3 percent increase over last year’s record of 7.5 million metric tons.

The Broward County Commission has approved the appointment of Glenn Wiltshire as acting chief executive and port director of Port Everglades following the recent death of Steven Cernak. Wiltshire, a 30-year U.S. Coast Guard veteran, has served as deputy port director since 2006.

The ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles have released a final report on the feasibility of deploying clean truck technology to begin meeting the ambitious zero-emissions goals set by the Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP). The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority-led Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program received the Award for Conservation Leadership in Support of Corporate Responsibility at this week’s Ocean Awards gala held at the Vancouver Aquarium. The award recognized the progressive efforts of the ECHO Program and its ability to collaboratively advance meaningful ocean conservation work.