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Foundation for the Seaports of the Americas

Strengthening Ports. Supporting People.

The purpose of the Foundation for Seaports of the Americas is to conduct research and promote education on topics relevant to seaports of the Americas and to provide charitable assistance. The Foundation was established by ºÃÉ«TV in 2010 as a separate 501(c)(3) with its own governance and conducts fundraising for charitable purposes independent of ºÃÉ«TV’s 501(c)(6) mission and activities.

In the past 5 years, the Foundation has provided more than $270,000 to over 500 employees at various ports to assist with immediate critical needs. But our vision doesn’t stop there. Moving forward, the Foundation will expand its role in research, education, and charitable initiatives, supporting projects that enhance resilience, foster knowledge, and promote industry-wide growth and stability.

Your support is essential to making this vision a reality. Join other dedicated leaders and ports in sustaining and expanding the mission of the Foundation for Seaports of the Americas by .

Let’s come together to show our commitment to a thriving, resilient industry and a culture of support for our employees. For more information or to discuss partnership opportunities, please contact Shannon McLeod, Vice President of Member Services, at smcleod@aapa-ports.org.

Our Mission

The mission of the Foundation for Seaports of the Americas is to:

• Advance research initiatives and promote education on topics relevant to ports of the Americas;
• Invest in the next generation by offering scholarships and outreach programs that introduce youth to the maritime industry and support future workforce needs;
• Provide charitable assistance to port employees affected by natural disasters through an Emergency Relief Fund (ERF);
• Receive and manage funds to carry out the charitable and educational purposes of the Foundation.

Our Vision

A resilient, well‑trained, and united port community throughout the Western Hemisphere, where:

• port workers are supported in emergencies,
• aspiring professionals are empowered through educational and workforce development opportunities, and
• knowledge sharing accelerates sustainable growth.

Board of Directors (2025–2027)

Thanks to our Board of Directors, the Foundation has been reinvigorated and is positioned for greater impact than ever. This renewed oversight from key port leaders is strengthening the Foundation's ability to deliver aid quickly while laying the groundwork for broader initiatives that support our industry’s future.

• Joseph Morris, Chair – CEO & Port Director, Port Everglades
• Diahann C. Howard, Vice Chair – Executive Director, Port of Benton
• Kent Britton, Board Member – CEO, Port of Corpus Christi
• Humberto N. de Castro, Board Member – Managing Director, Curaçao Ports Authority
• Kristin Decas, Board Member – CEO/Port Director, The Port of Hueneme/Oxnard Harbor District
• Richard J. Hendrick, Board Member – CEO, Port of Albany
• Jody Peacock, Board Member – CEO, Ports of Indiana
• Bethann Rooney, Board Member – Port Director, Port Authority of NY & NJ
• Cary Davis, Ex-Officio – President & CEO, ºÃÉ«TV

Administrative Officers

Shannon McLeod, Foundation Executive Director – VP of Member Services, ºÃÉ«TV

Charissa Meikle, Treasurer – VP of Finance & Administration, ºÃÉ«TV

Sumi Cross, Secretary – Business Operations Manager, ºÃÉ«TV

Port Employee Emergency Relief Fund (ERF)

The Foundation maintains a Port Employee Emergency Relief Fund to provide timely, direct assistance to port employees and their families impacted by disruptive events.

The ERF is intended as “first‑dollar help” while employees await insurance, other aid, or recovery. Port employees can receive up to $1,000, helping them provide for their families in critical, early days following an emergency. Recent support includes $35,000 to Port of Guam employees after a typhoon, and aid to Port Tampa Bay and Port of Beaumont after 2025 hurricanes.

Annual Scholarship Program

For every $50,000 in donations received annually, the Foundation will award one $5,000 scholarship to a student pursuing a career in maritime trades, supply chain, or logistics.

• Eligibility: Students pursuing maritime, logistics, port engineering, supply chain, or related disciplines and enrolled in an accredited institution or training program. Recipient must be nominated and endorsed by an ºÃÉ«TV port member.
• Application: Includes transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, and need/merit documentation.
• Awards disbursed annually; number of scholarships tied to fundraising volume.