Pacific Maritime Association

In early 2024, the PMA Board of Directors named Stephen Hennessey as the organization's new President and CEO. Steve joined PMA in 2004 as vice president of labor relations in Southern California, after previous positions in both the shipping and trucking industries. He was later promoted to COO, where he was responsible for providing leadership and direction in the areas of labor relations, strategic plan implementation, contract administration and arbitration, management of industry training and safety programs, and oversight of jointly operated dispatch halls. We sat down with Steve for a brief interview after he was selected to lead PMA into the future. What do you see as the main areas of focus now that a new six-year contract is in effect? West Coast ports are a vital economic engine for the national and global economies. Keeping West Coast ports healthy and vibrant for the long-term is a critical priority. We will continue our focus on regaining market share after experiencing both short- and long-term losses to other ports in North America and Canada. Market share increases equal more jobs and more economic activity in the regions where our 29 West Coast ports are located. I also look forward to sitting down with the new leadership of the ILWU after their elections are held. The ILWU is an essential partner, and it is important for us to work through issues as they arise and to help our ports operate in an increasingly competitive environment. West Coast ports support a hefty share of the nation's GDP, as well as millions of jobs and tremendous economic activity. Do you plan to expand upon prior efforts at PMA to strengthen ties with shippers and other supply chain stakeholders? The pandemic reinforced the fact that close coordination across the supply chain is vital to the interests of healthy West Coast ports and all who use them. That includes truckers, railroads, warehouse operators, manufacturers, retailers, agriculture leaders, and more. We are all part of the same import and export systems, and we all depend on one another. We look forward to working not just with our members, but the many public and private sector stakeholders along the supply chain to ensure the future of West Coast ports. How does your two decades of experience at PMA shape your vision of the future? I have been honored to work alongside incredible team members whose knowledge and expertise keep the ports operating at the highest levels. My vision is to carry on the legacy left by my predecessors, particularly Jim McKenna, who provided superb leadership during his tenure at PMA. I am truly honored to lead PMA and look forward to leading this great organization and helping ensure our ports remain competitive. The more we can compete, the more jobs and economic activity we can generate, and the more prosperity we can bring to the rest of the economy. with Newly Appointed PMA President and CEO Stephen Hennessey Q&A "We look forward to working not just with our members, but the many public and private sector stakeholders along the supply chain to ensure the future of West Coast ports. " PACIFIC MARITIME ASSOCIATION 13 2 0 2 3 | A Y E A R I N R E V I E W

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