Sang Yi new President of the AAPA

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has appointed Sang Yi as its new President and CEO. The decision was announced on May 4. Yi brings extensive experience from various sectors of maritime infrastructure and policy.

Prior to his appointment as President of AAPA, Yi served as Deputy Administrator of the Maritime Administration (MARAD) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. In this role, he was responsible for key programs that support the nation’s commercial and strategic maritime infrastructure. Previously, he was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 15 years and also had a career in the intelligence community. Additionally, he served as a city council member in Fairfax, Virginia, and has spent over two decades as an officer in the Marine Reserve. Yi also holds a license for merchant shipping issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Experience and vision for AAPA

Chett Chiasson, Chairman of the AAPA Board, commented on Yi’s appointment, emphasizing his leadership qualities and understanding of the critical role ports play in the economy and national security. The board has full confidence in Yi’s ability to represent the industry’s interests and amplify the voice of ports in the U.S.

Yi will lead AAPA into a new phase, leveraging his extensive experience in maritime policy, infrastructure, transportation, and national security. In his first statement as President and CEO, he said, „I am honored to lead AAPA. Our ports are vital gateways that drive America’s competitiveness.“ He stressed the need for investment in U.S. ports and announced plans to work closely with the board and AAPA members to advocate for the interests of ports and businesses that play a central role in the supply chain.

AAPA will continue to act as a unified voice for ports while Yi leads the association’s efforts to advance policies that support modern, safe, and competitive ports.

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