AAPA Elects Port Freeport (Texas) CEO To Serve As 2010-11 Chairman Of The Board

At its annual Spring Conference on March 22, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA)-representing the interests of seaports throughout the Western Hemisphere-elected A.J. Pete Reixach Jr., executive port director and chief executive officer of Port Freeport, Texas, to serve as the international trade association's 2010-11 chairman of the board.

Mr. Reixach is slated to be installed as chairman for a one-year term on the final day of AAPA's 99th annual convention, set for Sept. 19-23 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He will assume the AAPA chairmanship from Michael A. Leone, port director of the Massachusetts Port Authority, who began his one-year term as the association's chairman in October 2009.

With his extensive experience in the maritime industry, including more than two decades as his port's top executive, AAPA and its members will be well served by Pete Reixach, said Kurt Nagle, AAPA's president and chief executive officer. Pete has a proven track record of leadership, meeting challenges ranging from funding critical port infrastructure and security measures, to implementing environmental- and economy-enhancing sustainability programs.

Mr. Reixach has served as Port Freeport's executive port director since 1988. He joined the Texas Gulf Coast port in 1985 as assistant general manager and became its general manager in 1986. His industry career has spanned five decades, beginning in 1970 as assistant manager in the New Orleans office of Greece-based Hellenic Lines Ltd. Prior to joining Port Freeport, Mr. Reixach was Houston-based general manager for F.A. Voight Inc., a Netherlands-based shipping company.

I'm honored to have been chosen by my peers to lead AAPA, said Mr. Reixach. By working collaboratively with civic, social, business and government leaders, and in sharing of industry best practices, the seaports of the Western Hemisphere can and will ensure ongoing enhancement of our vital role in the global economy.

In addition to his AAPA service, Mr. Reixach has been active in numerous national, regional, state and local organizations, including having served as chairman of the Gulf Ports Association of the Americas, the Gulf Seaports Marine Terminal Conference, Texas Ports Association and Brazosport Area Chamber of Commerce.