PMSA’s Grubbs Elected to Containerization & Intermodal Institute Board
Pacific Merchant Shipping Association Vice President Michele Grubbs has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII), a not-for-profit organization committed to supporting and promoting the business of international trade and the intermodal transportation community.
CII announced her election July 24.
Grubbs has been with PMSA since 2004, overseeing its Long Beach office. PMSA, an independent nonprofit association, represents ocean carriers, marine terminal operators, and the maritime industry on the U.S. West Coast. It advocates for owners and operators of marine terminals and vessels, actively engaging in legislative and regulatory affairs in California and Washington state.
The organization provides comprehensive information services, updates on industry issues, and promotes environmental best practices.
Before joining the PMSA, Grubbs held various roles in the aerospace industry, focusing on international trade policy and marketing in Washington D.C., California and Western Europe.
In addition to her executive role at PMSA, Grubbs influences the future of trade professionals as a member of the Advisory Board for the Center of International Trade and Transportation (CITT) at California State University, Long Beach.
She also contributes to maritime safety and efficiency as a board member of the Southern California Marine Exchange. Grubbs also dedicates her expertise to the International Seafarers Center of Long Beach/Los Angeles, supporting seafaring communities.
In addition, she’s actively involved with the Port of Long Beach Women’s International Trade Committee, demonstrating a commitment to supporting women through mentorship and networking opportunities.
The CII, which was founded in 1960, promotes and support international commerce and the intermodal container transportation sector as well as recognize supply chain and academic excellence.
The CII leadership team includes President Chris Brooks of The Journal of Commerce by S&P Global; First Vice President Michael Mendoza of the OEC Group; Second Vice President Steven Blust of Blust Intermodal Advisors; Treasurer Cate Avolio of the International Longshoremen’s Association; Secretary Lisa Wheldon of C&K Trucking; and Executive Director Lisa Aurichio of BSY Associates Inc.
Tague Named VP of Sales and Supply for Crowley’s Fuels Business
Longtime Crowley Maritime employee Walter Tague has been named the company’s vice president of sales and supply for its Crowley Fuels businesses unit, which services energy logistics needs throughout Alaska.
His promotion was announced July 17.
Tague, who has more than 30 years of maritime industry experience specializing in supply chain management and support in the oil and gas sectors, will oversee Crowley’s marketing, sales, customer relations and procurement of refined product supply for the Alaskan and Canadian Arctic markets.
Since joining Crowley in 1999, Tague has served in multiple roles, most recently as the director of commercial operations, overseeing the annual supply of 70 million gallons of fuel and ensuring safe distribution across more than 160 communities across Alaska.
In addition, he has played a role in supplier relations and business development resulting in access to new supply sources and foreign markets, according to Crowley. He’s also responsible for establishing an approved process for the utilization of tank ships in Western Alaska, which is accepted by key state, federal and international bodies.
Tague has a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point and is an active board member of the Alaska Chadux Network (ACN), serving as the chairman of the Best Practices Committee for the Alternate Planning Criteria for Tankers.
Nichols Bros. Names Greene New VP of New Construction Sales
Nichols Brothers Boat Builders in late June announced the appointment of Lacey Greene as Vice President, New Construction Sales. She joined the team mid-July, replacing now-retired company Vice President Matt Nichols.
Greene has a deep-rooted connection to NBBB and sister company Everett Ship Repair (ESR). She began her career 20 years ago on the NBBB labor crew during the build of the Seafighter, also known as the X-Craft, and the paddle-wheel cruise boat Empress of the North, now the American Empress.
During her 15-plus combined years at NBBB, Greene was instrumental in the proposal development for numerous repair and new-build projects including Bowhead Transport landing craft, Lindblad Expeditions cruise boats, multiple passenger-only high-speed ferries, several tugs of various types, and more, according to the company.
“We are excited to welcome Lacey Greene back to our team,” CEO Gavin Higgins said. “Her career journey at NBBB and ESR is a testament to her dedication and passion for the industry.”
Greene said her fascination with shipbuilding began at a young age, growing up around the Nichols Brothers Boat Builders shipyard where her father worked for many years. She watched as NBBB built a diverse portfolio including fishing vessels, catamaran ferries, fireboats, tractor tugs, dinner boats and more.
“I am deeply honored to assume this pivotal role and continue the work that has been such a significant part of my life and career,” Greene said. “As we bid farewell to Matt Nichols, I am inspired by the opportunity to build upon the strong foundation he has established.”
Port of Long Beach Announces New Director of Environmental Planning
Renee Moilanen, the former director of ports for new energy solutions company Build Momentum, has become the new director of environmental planning for the Port of Long Beach, officials announced June 10.
Moilanen, who began her new role on July 15, returns to familiar stomping grounds. She began her career at the POLB in 2006, and during her previous time at the seaport, she was an environmental specialist, environmental specialist associate and communications administrative analyst.
From 2014 to 2019, she served as the port’s manager of air quality practices.
In her new role, she is being tasked with overseeing the port’s environmental policies and programs such as the Green Port Policy and the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan.
Build Momentum “specializes in developing campaigns for organizations working on transformative water, energy, transportation and manufacturing technologies,” according to the port’s announcement.
Moilanen was also previously a consultant for Starcrest Consulting Group, the company that helps put together the port’s annual emissions inventory.
She has a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Florida and a Master of Public Policy in health policy from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Graham Joins Prince Rupert Port Authority Board
Rod Graham, president of Velocity Truck Centres in Canada, is the newest member of Prince Rupert Port Authority’s seven-member Board of Directors, it was announced June 26.
Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport for the Government of Canada, confirmed the appointment. Graham’s three-year term began June 17.
The Calgary-based Graham brings to the new role “extensive experience as senior corporate executive in various sectors including financial/investment, transportation, alternative energy, construction, manufacturing and resource services,” according to the port authority.
He has been involved in more than 24 boards in Western Canada, including the Board of Governors of the Business Council of British Columbia and Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation.
He is a chartered financial analyst who earned an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at Western University in London, Ontario and is a graduate of the Institute of Corporate Directors program.
“Rod brings valuable experience and insight to PRPA’s Board of Directors as we enter the most significant phase of development in the Port of Prince Rupert’s history,” Port Authority President and CEO Shaun Stevenson said.
Graham replaces termed-out board member Frans Tjallingii, who was appointed in 2017 and was board chair from 2019 until 2024.
A new chair is expected to be chosen in the coming weeks, the port authority said.
Cohen Joins PMSA as Government Relations VP
Jennifer Cohen is the new vice president of government relations for the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, the PMSA announced June 24.
In her new role, Cohen is expected to represent the association on various issues at the local, state and federal levels.
“Her hiring…comes at a critical time for seaports and their supply-chain partners on the U.S. West Coast as they focus on growing market share, demonstrating market competitiveness and building an economically and environmentally sustainable infrastructure for the deployment of new technology,” the PMSA said in a statement.
Cohen previously worked for Tesla as its California lead for policy and business development. Before joining Tesla in 2021, she spent more than 10 years in the public sector on transportation and environmental issues at all government levels.
She oversaw the government affairs departments at the Port of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation and Metrolink commuter rail.
“I am looking forward to continuing my work in the policy areas at the intersection of transportation, environmental progress and infrastructure within the maritime industry,” said Cohen, who’ll be based at the PMSA’s Oakland headquarters. “Freight and supply-chain issues continue to be areas where policymakers and business leaders can work together to solve problems, create jobs, boost investments and address environmental challenges, and I’m excited to join PMSA and be part of this important conversation.”
PMSA President Mike Jacob welcomed Cohen and “her unique and extensive experience in the transportation, freight and zero-emissions technology spaces” to the team.
“Her work in government relations across these critical issue areas for city, port, railroad, high technology and manufacturing in California will further strengthen PMSA’s current portfolio of areas of staff expertise,” he said.
Port of Portland Installs Adams as Port Commissioner
Financial Investment Executive Rukaiyah Adams is the newest member of the Port of Portland Commission, filling the vacancy left by the commission’s Vice President Michael Alexander, the port said June 12.
The announcement comes after the Oregon Senate Rules Committee approved Gov. Tina Kotek’s appointment of Adams to the commission May 29.
Adams is the CEO of the 1803 Fund, which aims to enhance financial and other investments in community organizations. Before leading the fund in January, she served as chief investment officer at Meyer Memorial Trust, one of the biggest charitable trusts in the Pacific Northwest, according to the port. Previously, Adams oversaw the $6.5 billion capital markets fund at insurance company The Standard.
She also served as chair of the Oregon Investment Council from 2017 to 2020. She is on the board of Oregon Public Broadcasting, where she serves as chair, while also serving on the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission.
“I’m thrilled that Rukaiyah is joining the port’s board of commissioners,” port Executive Director Curtis Robinhold said. “She’s a big-picture thinker who brings best-in-class finance and community development expertise to the challenges and opportunities facing both the port and our region in the years ahead.”
Costanzo Joins Curtin Maritime as Maritime Policy Executive
Maritime law and policy expert Charles Costanzo has joined Long Beach, Calif.-based Curtin Maritime to bolster the marine construction and transportation services company’s efforts in advocacy and governmental affairs, it was announced June 5.
Costanzo had served as executive director of the Puget Sound Pilots since October 2021, overseeing the 56-pilot association and day-to-day operations.
Prior to that, he was general counsel and vice president – Pacific Region for American Waterways Operators, advocating for members operating on the U.S. West Coast. And before that, he worked as an attorney specializing in environmental and regulatory matters.
“Charles is a highly experienced, skilled and knowledgeable maritime industry executive,” Curtin Maritime President Martin Curtin said. “His extensive knowledge of the industry’s regulatory and policy environment will be invaluable to our progress as we continue to grow the company and work on larger projects.”
“I look forward to working with Martin and the team to help the company build its capabilities to take advantage of the rapidly changing regulatory environment in air and water quality and to help Curtin Maritime excel in our responsibilities as a corporate citizen,” Costanzo said.
Port of Coos Bay CEO Stepping Down
Oregon International Port of Coos Bay Chief Executive Officer John Burns is expected to step down after nearly a decade in the leadership role, the port’s Board of Commissioners announced in June.
Burns’ last day is yet to be determined as the port begins the process of creating a transition plan, the port said.
Under his tenure, Burns, who started at the port in 2015, led the agency during a channel modification project and the ongoing modernization and expansion of the Coos Bay Rail Line.
He also served as president of the Oregon Public Ports Association, as a commissioner on the South Slough Reserve management commission and an officer on the Board of Directors for the Oregon Rail Users’ League.
“The Board of Commissioners continues to express its gratitude to John and wish him fair winds and following seas as he leaves on his next adventure,” the port stated.
Oakland Port Commissioners Reappointed to New Four-Year Terms
Oakland Port Commission members Andreas Cluver and Arabella Martinez have been reappointed to serve another four-year term. Each was confirmed by the Oakland City Council July 16.
Both commissioners initially joined the port board in 2016.
“I am very pleased with the reappointment of Port Commissioners Andreas Cluver and Arabella Martinez and I look forward to our continued work with them,” Oakland Board of Port Commissioners President Michael Colbruno said.
Cluver brings his expertise in labor relations to the Board. He served as the Board’s president from 2020-2022 and is currently the First Vice President. His experience includes:
- Secretary-Treasurer, Alameda County Building Trades Council.
- Program Director, AFL-CIO, South Africa.
- Compliance Officer, Northern California Electrical Construction Industry.
Martinez’s experience includes:
- Founder and first CEO, Unity Council, Oakland.
- Assistant Secretary, U.S. Office of Human Development Services.
- President, Center for Policy Development, Oakland and Washington, D.C.
In accordance with the Oakland City Charter, the mayor appoints commissioners and the City Council confirms the appointments. The City of Oakland Charter gives the seven-member Board of Port Commissioners exclusive control and management of the Port of Oakland.
Please send your Newsmaker stories to Managing Editor Mark Nero: mark@maritimepublishing.com