OCEMA announces chief executive transition

The Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association’s (“OCEMA”) Senior Steering Committee announced today that Rob Cannizzaro will succeed Jeff Lawrence as OCEMA’s Executive Director. Lawrence has served as OCEMA’s Executive Director since April 2000.

“On behalf of OCEMA’s 10 ocean carrier members, I’d like to thank Jeff for his many contributions to the industry. Jeff has been an integral part of OCEMA for over two decades, providing critical advice and counsel to OCEMA and its members. He has guided the industry forward with innovative ideas and industry collaboration,” said OCEMA Co-Chair, Bob Milazzo, “OCEMA’s members are grateful to Jeff for his leadership, remarkable determination across a myriad of highly complex issues, and above all, for his thoughtfulness and deeply strategic mind.”

Cannizzaro joined OCEMA as Deputy Executive Director in August 2025. In addition to over 30 years in Port, Terminal, and Ocean Carrier operations, holding roles such as Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Logistics, as well as positions in Procurement, Vessel Planning, Equipment Control and Risk Management, he was the Chief Operating Officer of a large intermodal freight transportation trade association. Mr. Cannizzaro has also been appointed as Managing Director of OCEMA subsidiary, United Intermodal Enterprises LLC (“UIE”), a role also previously held by Mr. Lawrence. As Managing Director, Mr. Cannizzaro will work closely on strategic planning and business development with the UIE Board.

Commenting on the announcement, Jim Michalski, OCEMA Co-Chair stated “OCEMA and UIE couldn’t be more pleased to have Rob lead OCEMA and UIE following Jeff’s retirement. Rob brings an extraordinary depth of industry experience and skill to the roles, and will advance OCEMA’s strategic objectives and continued success into the future.”

OCEMA is an association of 10 major international ocean common carriers that provides a forum for its members to discuss operational, safety, and related matters pertaining to the intermodal transportation of international ocean freight within the U.S. OCEMA’s subsidiary, United Intermodal Enterprises, LLC (UIE LLC), owns the South Atlantic Chassis Pool (SACP 3.0) – the largest fully interoperable single provider chassis pool in the U.S.