Newsmakers

WPPA Hires Port of Seattle’s ffitch as New Executive Director The Washington Public Ports Association has hired Port of Seattle Government Relations Manager Eric ffitch as its new executive director, the WPPA announced in December. Currently, ffitch oversees the port’s Washington state government advocacy efforts in Olympia, among other responsibilities. He has more than 13 years of experience in federal and state government relations, according to the WPPA, and has worked as Congressional staff for former Rep. Jay Inslee, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici and Sen. Maria Cantwell. While in Sen. Cantwell’s office, he served as a lead staff member on the…

Newsmakers

Crowley Names New Chief Information Officer Crowley Maritime has named Erika Graziuso as its chief information officer, the company announced Oct. 26. In her new role, Graziuso is to lead Crowley’s information technology and digital transformation strategy with a key focus on digital solutions, cybersecurity and responsible data management, according to the company. Graziuso previously served as global chief information officer for human resources solutions firm LHH, and group senior vice president of technology for recruitment company the Adecco Group. There, her efforts resulted in digital solutions to support new market trends. Graziuso also previously served as cluster head for…

Newsmakers

Austal USA Appoints New VP of Global Services and Support Austal USA in mid-August welcomed Michelle Kruger as the company’s vice president of global services and support. Kruger, who will work out of Austal’s San Diego waterfront services facility, is responsible for the company’s global post-delivery repair and warranty efforts, including the development of business strategy and strategic alliances. As the primary customer interface for ship repair and maintenance services, she now leads Austal’s pursuit of future government and commercial business opportunities and post-delivery initiatives. Kruger is a marine engineer with decades of maritime industry experience in new construction, repair…

Newsmakers

Port of Long Beach Appoints Program Management Division Lead Tasha Higgins has been chosen to helm the Port of Long Beach’s Program Management Division, which is responsible for improving waterways, wharfs, terminals, railroads, bridges, roadways and utilities, the port announced Wednesday, March 16. The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners appointed Higgins, who joined the port in October 2020 as assistant director of program management. Her appointment took effect March 26. Higgins previously spent nearly three decades working on various transportation improvement programs for Long Beach Transit, Los Angeles World Airports, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and other…