Former AAPA CEO Davis joins PASHA

Cary Davis, who recently resigned as CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), has joined The Pasha Group as Vice President of Government Affairs, where he will lead advocacy and corporate communications.

In a January 7^th announcement, Pasha said that Davis will oversee federal, state, and local government relations; industry and stakeholder engagement; media relations; and strategic communications in support of Pasha’s long-term growth and service to customers and communities. As an accomplished business leader and trade attorney, Davis brings deep experience in maritime policy, infrastructure finance, and public affairs. He will work closely with senior leadership across the enterprise to advance the company’s interests with policymakers, the press, and the broader public.

“Cary’s unique combination of policy expertise, legal acumen, and maritime industry leadership makes him an outstanding addition to The Pasha Group,” said George Pasha IV, President and CEO. “As our business continues to thrive and evolve during this pivotal time in US shipping, marked by modernization, public-private investment, and regulatory change, we are strengthening our leadership team to support our customers, our people, and the communities we serve.”

Background to Appointment

Most recently, Davis served as President and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), the Western Hemisphere’s leading trade association representing hundreds of seaports and maritime businesses across the United States, Canada, and Latin America.

The surprise announcement in November that Davis was resigning as CEO of AAPA has yet to be explained, although Davis had spoken out against the potential damage to US ports caused by the imposition of tariffs by the Trump administration.

In February of 2025, Davis and AAPA had warned: “Tariffs are taxes … Though the port industry supports President Trump’s efforts to combat the flow of illicit drugs, tariffs will slow down our supply chains, tax American businesses and increase costs for hard-working citizens. Instead, we call on the Administration and Congress to thoughtfully pursue alternatives to achieving these policy goals and exempt items critical to national security from tariffs, including port equipment."

As the AAPA’s CEO, Davis had been a forward-thinking force. Since his selection as CEO in 2023, AAPA has demonstrated increased activism. Davis and his team were creating a more dynamic image of US ports and emphasizing the national economic importance of supporting U.S. trade, jobs, and growth.

During his six-year tenure at AAPA, he helped secure tens of billions of dollars for maritime infrastructure, advanced favorable industry regulations, modernized professional development and trade show experiences, and expanded the association’s membership and revenue streams.

Davis served at the International Trade Administration (ITA), US Department of Commerce. He was Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade during the Trump administration years of 2018 – 2019.

Before his selection as CEO, Davis served the AAPA as Vice President of Government Relations and General Counsel, 2021 – 2024, and Senior Director of Government Relations and General Counsel, 2019 – 2021.

Davis also served as Board Member for the Propeller Club of Washington, D.C.

Davis holds a Juris Doctor and a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh.