Port NOLA’s Branch Elected To AAPA Board

Beth Branch has been elected to serve a two-year term on the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) board of directors.

She was elected to an at-large seat for the 2026-28 term during AAPA’s recent conference. Branch joined the AAPA board in 2025.

Branch brings more than 20 years of transportation and logistics experience to the role. She currently serves as president and CEO of Port NOLA and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB). The port includes connections across maritime, rail, cruise and industrial real estate operations.

“I am honored to continue serving AAPA and to represent Port NOLA and the Lower Mississippi River alongside port leaders from across the Americas,” Branch said. “This is an important time for our industry as we strengthen infrastructure, expand multimodal connectivity and prepare our ports to meet the evolving needs of global trade.”

AAPA also announced its 2026-28 officers during the convention. Richard Hendrick, CEO of the Albany Port District Commission, was named board chair, while Noel Hacegaba, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, was named vice chair.