Pacific Maritime Association Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Pacific Maritime Association has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and labor relations.

Driven by a commitment to effective labor management, Pacific Maritime Association negotiates and administers maritime labor agreements, ensuring operational continuity and industry stability.

Leadership Roles at Pacific Maritime Association

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Stephen Hennessey
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - McKenna Jim
  • Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration - Michael Wechsler
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - Chad Lindsay
  • President - John Atkinson
  • Stephen Hennessey - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Stephen Hennessey, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Pacific Maritime Association, directs the organization's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Hennessey oversees the critical negotiation and administration of maritime labor agreements with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, ensuring alignment with the association's foundational goals established in 1949. This leadership role involves driving the association's market position and fostering robust relationships within the maritime industry. By managing key stakeholder interactions, Stephen Hennessey ensures the continued stability and efficiency of port operations across the West Coast. The executive's focus remains on upholding the integrity of labor contracts and advancing the association's mission through decisive leadership and strategic planning, impacting the flow of goods and the economic health of the region.
    Stephen Hennessey

    McKenna Jim - President & Chief Executive Officer

    McKenna Jim, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Pacific Maritime Association, spearheads the organization's strategic direction and executive oversight. Jim is responsible for the comprehensive management of labor relations and contract administration, working closely with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union to uphold established agreements. This executive function involves guiding the association's response to evolving industry challenges and opportunities, ensuring sustained operational effectiveness. By championing the core principles of the Pacific Maritime Association, McKenna Jim drives initiatives that support the seamless movement of cargo and maintain labor peace. The executive's leadership ensures the organization effectively fulfills its mandate in negotiating and implementing critical maritime labor pacts, contributing to the economic vitality of the West Coast ports.

    Michael Wechsler - Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration

    Michael Wechsler, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration at Pacific Maritime Association, manages the organization's fiscal health and administrative operations. Wechsler oversees all financial planning, budgeting, and reporting activities, ensuring robust financial controls and compliance with regulatory requirements. This executive role is integral to supporting the negotiation and administration of maritime labor agreements by providing sound financial analysis and strategic resource allocation. By directing the finance and administration departments, Michael Wechsler ensures the efficient management of the association's resources and assets. The executive's responsibilities extend to optimizing financial performance and supporting the long-term sustainability of the Pacific Maritime Association's operations, thereby reinforcing its capacity to serve its members effectively.
    Michael Wechsler

    Chad Lindsay - Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

    Chad Lindsay, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Pacific Maritime Association, directs the day-to-day operational activities critical to the association's mission. Lindsay oversees the implementation and enforcement of maritime labor agreements, ensuring smooth port operations and efficient cargo handling across the West Coast. This executive function involves coordinating with various stakeholders to resolve operational challenges and optimize logistical processes. By managing the operational framework, Chad Lindsay ensures that the Pacific Maritime Association effectively supports its member companies in their dealings with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. The executive's focus is on driving operational excellence and maintaining the integrity of the labor agreements, contributing directly to the seamless flow of maritime commerce.
    Chad Lindsay

    John Atkinson - President

    John Atkinson, the President at Pacific Maritime Association, leads key initiatives focused on the organization's strategic objectives and operational effectiveness. Atkinson is instrumental in overseeing the negotiation and administration of maritime labor agreements, ensuring that the association's commitments to the International Longshore and Warehouse Union are met with precision and fairness. This leadership position involves driving forward the association's mission to foster stable labor relations within the maritime industry. By focusing on critical policy development and strategic partnerships, John Atkinson ensures the Pacific Maritime Association remains a cornerstone of West Coast port operations. The executive's dedication to upholding contractual obligations and advancing industry standards contributes significantly to the economic stability and operational continuity of the maritime sector.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Pacific Maritime Association Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Pacific Maritime Association?
    Pacific Maritime Association is led by Stephen Hennessey (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as McKenna Jim (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Michael Wechsler (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration).
    Who is part of Pacific Maritime Association’s executive team?
    The executive team of Pacific Maritime Association includes leaders such as Stephen Hennessey (President & Chief Executive Officer), McKenna Jim (President & Chief Executive Officer), Michael Wechsler (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Pacific Maritime Association have?
    Pacific Maritime Association has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Pacific Maritime Association’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Pacific Maritime Association includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, President.