McCarthy of GPA elected Chairman of the NAWE Board of Directors

The National Association of Waterfront Employers (NAWE) announced that Ed McCarthy, Chief Operating Officer of the Georgia Ports Authority, has been elected Chairman of the NAWE Board of Directors. Krister Holladay, Vice President of Government Affairs of SSA Marine, has been named Vice Chair.

Together, McCarthy and Holladay bring decades of operational, commercial, and strategic leadership to NAWE at a pivotal moment for the maritime industry. As global trade volumes evolve and U.S. ports continue to play a critical role in supply‑chain resilience, NAWE remains at the forefront of advocating for safe, efficient, and competitive waterfront operations nationwide.

“America’s ports and terminal operators are essential to global commerce and national economic strength,” said Ed McCarthy, Chairman of NAWE. “It’s an honor to serve as Chair of this organization and to work alongside such a dedicated board. NAWE’s mission—to strengthen collaboration between employers, labor, and policymakers—has never been more important as our industry invests in infrastructure, technology, and workforce development to meet future demand.”

Under McCarthy’s leadership, NAWE will continue to advance policies that promote operational excellence, labor stability, and long‑term growth across the U.S. maritime sector. His experience overseeing one of the nation’s fastest‑growing port systems positions the organization for strong, pragmatic leadership during a time of transformation.

As Vice Chair, Holladay will support NAWE’s advocacy and member engagement efforts, drawing on his extensive background in terminal operations and private‑sector investment.

“The waterfront industry is built on partnership, innovation, and reliability,” said Krister Holladay, Vice Chair of NAWE. “I’m proud to serve as Vice Chair and to support Ed and the board as we champion policies that keep U.S. ports competitive, create well‑paying jobs, and ensure the smooth movement of goods that Americans rely on every day.”

The National Association of Waterfront Employers represents marine terminal operators, port authorities, and stevedoring companies throughout the United States. Through advocacy, education, and labor‑management collaboration, NAWE works to strengthen the maritime supply chain and support a modern, efficient waterfront industry.