Pacific Merchant Shipping Association Hires New Government Relations VP

Jennifer Cohen. Photo via Pacific Merchant Shipping Association.

Government affairs expert 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.

By Karen Robes Meeks