AAPA Elected New Chairman to Lead Port Trade Group
The trade association for over 130 public ports appointed Albany executive Richard J. Hendrick as its board chair.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has elected Richard J. Hendrick, CEO of the Port of Albany-Rensselaer, to serve as its new chairman. The appointment follows his long tenure in port management and development.
Why it matters
Hendrick assumes leadership of a trade body representing more than 130 public port authorities across North America. His appointment comes as the sector continues to prioritize infrastructure investment and sustainable operations.
The AAPA represents more than 130 public port authorities, and Hendrick brings experience from a port that has secured $500 million in total public and private investment since 2008. The specific financial mandate for his new role remains undefined.
The players
Richard J. Hendrick
The CEO of the Port of Albany-Rensselaer who has managed port expansion since 2008 and now leads the AAPA board.
American Association of Port Authorities
A trade association representing more than 130 public port authorities that coordinates industry standards and advocacy.
The details
As CEO of the Port of Albany-Rensselaer, Hendrick has focused on port expansion and the integration of sustainable practices, maintaining Green Marine certification for the site since 2016. His role as AAPA chairman will involve navigating the collective regulatory and operational interests of member ports. These authorities rely on consistent infrastructure investment and environmental compliance to maintain their competitive capacity in the North American supply chain.
Timeline
1932: The Port of Albany was established.
2004: Richard J. Hendrick joined the Port of Albany-Rensselaer.
2008: Richard J. Hendrick was selected to serve as CEO.
2016: The Port began receiving Green Marine certification.
- 2026-09-30
Richard J. Hendrick was elected as the AAPA chairman.
Market Landscape
The appointment follows an established industry shift toward adopting the Green Marine environmental certification program as a standard for operational efficiency. This move signals that port leadership is increasingly prioritizing sustainability metrics alongside traditional infrastructure development.
Operators within the maritime supply chain should monitor board-level shifts at the AAPA for signs of upcoming changes to industry-wide safety or sustainability protocols. Keep track of regional port development projects, as shifts in association leadership often precede new federal funding advocacy efforts.
The takeaway
The election of an experienced port executive as chairman suggests a focus on project continuity for the association's 130 member ports. Operators should track upcoming AAPA policy statements to identify potential shifts in regulatory advocacy or industry standards that could impact their supply chain costs.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership and executive shifts, visit the People section.
