St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District Executive Director Drew Heaphy was recently named the president of the Ports Association of Louisiana.
As president of PAL, Heaphy will serve a two-year term presiding over the monthly meetings of the board of directors, and performing duties implemented by the board or executive committee.
Formed in 1984, PAL is a non-profit trade organization designed to aid in the advancement of Louisiana ports. In addition to developing and fostering relations among state ports, PAL formulates common policies to improve their efficiency and promotes academic research and educational interest in the ports and marine sectors.
According to PAL, the economic impact of Louisiana ports is significant. Producing a $182.1 billion annual global economic output, Louisiana ports create 525,000 jobs and annually support $32.9 billion in personal earnings.
Each year, more than 500 million tons of cargo is moved through ports along the lower Mississippi River valley, including 60 percent of the United States’ grain, 25 percent of the nation’s water-born commerce, and 20 percent of the coal.
St. Bernard Port’s maritime facilities, which include Arabi, Chalmette and Violet Terminals/Industrial Parks, as well as Chalmette and Meraux Mid-Stream Mooring Facilities, move approximately 8 million short tons of cargo each year.
Under Heaphy’s leadership, St. Bernard Port’s ability to create direct and indirect jobs, along with the business it generates for St. Bernard Parish, provides 2,000 jobs and brings $325 million into the local economy. Currently, the Port and its 48 tenants housed throughout three terminals provide jobs for more than 800 employees.
Heaphy, who has served as executive director of St. Bernard Port since July 2017, began his tenure with the Port in 1999 as Director of Administration. He has 24 years of experience in public administration and financial management, holds a Master of Business Administration degree and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Heaphy also is a recipient of the American Association of Port Authorities Professional Port Management Certification, which educates and develops a professional’s knowledge in the intricacies of Port management.