Pacific Maritime Association Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Pacific Maritime Association has 4 executives leading key functions including labor negotiation, operational administration, financial oversight, and strategic leadership.

Focused on maintaining stability across West Coast ports, Pacific Maritime Association advances critical maritime labor agreements while ensuring the efficient administration of complex union contracts to support global trade.

Leadership Roles at Pacific Maritime Association

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

    Stephen Hennessey, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Pacific Maritime Association, directs the overarching strategic vision for maritime labor relations across the West Coast. The President & Chief Executive Officer manages high-level negotiations with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union to ensure consistent port operations. By aligning organizational goals with the evolving needs of the shipping industry, Hennessey maintains stability within the complex logistics landscape. This leadership role involves constant engagement with industry stakeholders to address labor challenges and promote long-term operational efficiency. Stephen Hennessey drives the implementation of policies that govern workforce management and contract administration. Through rigorous oversight of labor agreements, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the reliability of critical supply chain infrastructure. Ultimately, Hennessey fosters a collaborative environment that balances the interests of maritime employers with the requirements of a modern, high-volume port system.
    Stephen Hennessey

    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 fiscal health and administrative infrastructure of the organization. The Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration directs all budgetary planning, financial reporting, and resource allocation necessary to support labor negotiation activities. By overseeing the financial aspects of union agreements, Wechsler ensures the long-term sustainability of the association. This leadership role involves managing complex administrative functions that underpin the entire maritime labor framework. Michael Wechsler drives the development of financial strategies that mitigate risk and optimize the use of organizational assets. Through the rigorous analysis of economic trends affecting the shipping industry, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration provides the data-driven insights required for effective decision-making. Wechsler maintains strict compliance with financial regulations while supporting the operational needs of the broader maritime community.
    Michael Wechsler

    Chad LindsayVice - Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

    Chad LindsayVice, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Pacific Maritime Association, executes the daily operational strategies required to manage maritime labor agreements. The Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer oversees the deployment of labor resources across major port facilities to ensure seamless cargo movement. By optimizing administrative workflows, LindsayVice maintains the integrity of union contracts and operational standards. This role requires constant coordination with regional port authorities to address logistical bottlenecks and workforce requirements. Chad LindsayVice drives the integration of new operational protocols that enhance productivity and safety standards within the maritime sector. Through the management of complex labor scheduling systems, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer supports the broader mission of maintaining port fluidity. LindsayVice ensures that all operational activities align with the strategic objectives established by the executive leadership team to support the demands of international trade.
    Chad LindsayVice

    John Atkinson - President

    John Atkinson, the President at Pacific Maritime Association, leads specific initiatives focused on strengthening industry partnerships and labor relations. The President coordinates with key stakeholders to address the unique challenges facing West Coast maritime operations. By fostering open communication channels between employers and labor representatives, Atkinson promotes a stable environment for international commerce. This leadership role involves the development of long-term strategies that adapt to the changing demands of global shipping and port logistics. John Atkinson drives the implementation of collaborative programs that enhance workforce engagement and operational transparency. Through the oversight of specialized labor projects, the President ensures that the association remains responsive to the needs of the maritime industry. Atkinson maintains a focus on achieving consensus in complex negotiations, thereby securing the continued functionality of critical port infrastructure. The President supports the overall mission by aligning organizational activities with the broader goals 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 Michael Wechsler (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration) and Chad LindsayVice (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer).
    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), Michael Wechsler (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration), Chad LindsayVice (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Pacific Maritime Association have?
    Pacific Maritime Association has 4 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, Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, President.