AAPA elects Nelson as chairman

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) earlier this week elected Gary Nelson as 2019-2020 chairman, effective Oct. 15.

Nelson, executive director of the Port of Grays Harbor in Washington, will succeed William Friedman, chief executive officer of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority in Ohio, on the final day of AAPA’s 2019 annual convention in Norfolk, Virginia. 

Nelson joined the Port of Grays Harbor in April 2000, bringing with him a background of private sector management. His experience working for large publicly-held forest product companies resulted in his developing connections and networks in the international trade arena, according to an AAPA press release.

As executive director, Nelson works with port customers, staff, state and federal agencies and the local community to position Grays Harbor as a hub for international trade and economic development.  During his tenure, the Port of Grays Harbor has experienced exponential growth in cargo shipments, private investments and business activity, AAPA officials said. 

“With his valuable experience as a port director involved with diversified cargo, his international trade background, and his longstanding active engagement with AAPA and our member ports throughout the hemisphere, Gary Nelson is an outstanding choice for leading our association during the upcoming activity year,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA’s president and chief executive officer.