Pacific Maritime Association

2023 PMA Annual Report

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forefront of the nation's response to the crisis. Jim guided PMA through that unprecedented period, working closely with ILWU leaders and government officials at all levels to help protect workers while handling record-breaking surges in cargo volumes that were essential to keeping the local, national and global economies humming. He later participated in efforts, on behalf of PMA member companies, to address the nation's supply chain constraints that caused record backups at West Coast ports in 2021. Benefits & Training During Jim's tenure as President and CEO, the size of the ILWU workforce increased by approximately one- third to nearly 17,000 registered workers. Over that time, the average annual earnings for longshore workers increased significantly, as PMA has long supported the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization founded by longtime public servant Leon Panetta and his wife Sylvia dedicated to encouraging bipartisan cooperation and attracting young people to lives of public service. did work opportunities. Also, during his tenure, PMA worked with Union officials to curb fraud and abuse in the PMA-ILWU healthcare plan. Jim also worked to invest in the future of the industry, reaching an agreement with the ILWU to create a major new training facility at the Port of Los Angeles to help prepare Union members for the terminal jobs of the future. A Voice for the Industry Throughout his tenure, Jim drew on his decades in the shipping industry to offer a dependable voice of experience, wisdom and reassurance to the PMA team, to maritime partners, and to stakeholders throughout the U.S. economy. He was an important contributor to national news media during times of crisis in the shipping industry, and met regularly with government officials as well as retailers, manufacturers, agricultural leaders, and other major importers and exporters regarding the vital importance of West Coast ports in keeping global trade flowing. Legacy Jim's positive impact will be felt for generations. He cultivated a seasoned executive leadership team that helped PMA achieve many important milestones over the last two decades. He also recruited and developed top talent who have risen through the ranks, and are well- prepared to lead PMA into the future. PMA is deeply appreciative to Jim for his two decades of service, for strengthening and leading our organization during challenging times, and for creating a culture of innovation, collaboration, and success. Bravo! Jim McKenna appearing live on Bloomberg TV to discuss the cargo surge at West Coast ports and the outlook for the future. Jim and MaryEllen are happiest when surrounded by their growing family. Here, they are joined by their children Michelle, Chris and Matt, son-in-law Dave, daughters-in-law Heydi and Lindsay, and their four grandchildren. Former ILWU President Bob McElrath with McKenna, who received the 2015 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award in New York City. PACIFIC MARITIME ASSOCIATION 15 2 0 2 3 | A Y E A R I N R E V I E W

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