Pacific Maritime Association Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Pacific Maritime Association has 5 executives leading key functions including labor negotiation, maritime administration, operational oversight, financial management, and strategic leadership.

Focused on maintaining stability across West Coast ports, Pacific Maritime Association advances critical labor agreements and ensures the efficient administration of maritime operations to support global trade.

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 LindsayVice
  • President - John Atkinson
  • Stephen Hennessey - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Stephen Hennessey, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Pacific Maritime Association, directs the overarching strategy for maritime labor relations across the West Coast. Managing complex negotiations with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that port operations remain consistent and productive. Stephen Hennessey maintains high-level communication with industry stakeholders to align labor policies with evolving economic demands. By overseeing the implementation of collective bargaining agreements, the President & Chief Executive Officer mitigates operational risks and fosters a stable environment for international commerce. This leadership role requires constant engagement with board members to refine organizational goals and long-term objectives. Through rigorous oversight of labor-management dynamics, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the operational integrity of vital maritime gateways, ultimately driving the efficiency of the entire supply chain network.
    Stephen Hennessey

    McKenna Jim - President & Chief Executive Officer

    McKenna Jim, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Pacific Maritime Association, architects the long-term vision for maritime labor administration and regulatory compliance. Focusing on the modernization of port labor practices, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives that enhance workforce productivity and safety standards. McKenna Jim collaborates with industry partners to address the challenges of automation and technological integration within the maritime sector. By analyzing labor trends and economic data, the President & Chief Executive Officer shapes policies that support sustainable growth for terminal operators. This executive role involves navigating intricate legal frameworks to ensure that all labor agreements adhere to federal and state mandates. Through proactive engagement with regional port authorities, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the competitive position of the maritime industry, ensuring that labor-management relations remain a cornerstone of operational success.

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

    Michael Wechsler, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration at Pacific Maritime Association, governs the fiscal health and administrative infrastructure of the organization. Directing all financial planning, budgeting, and reporting processes, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration ensures that resources support the strategic goals of maritime labor administration. Michael Wechsler oversees the management of pension funds and benefit programs, which are critical components of the labor agreements negotiated by the association. By implementing robust financial controls and auditing procedures, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration maintains transparency and accountability in all fiscal operations. This role involves close collaboration with the executive team to assess the financial impact of labor contracts and operational changes. Through prudent financial management, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration secures the long-term viability of the organization.
    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, manages the daily execution of labor administration and operational logistics. Overseeing the deployment of labor resources across major West Coast ports, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer ensures that terminal operations function without interruption. Chad LindsayVice coordinates with regional managers to implement standardized procedures for workforce management and safety compliance. By optimizing the allocation of personnel, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer directly impacts the throughput and efficiency of maritime cargo handling. This leadership role requires constant monitoring of operational metrics to identify areas for process improvement and cost reduction. Through the effective management of day-to-day labor activities, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer maintains the operational continuity necessary for the smooth flow of goods through the Pacific maritime corridor.
    Chad LindsayVice

    John Atkinson - President

    John Atkinson, the President at Pacific Maritime Association, leads specific regional initiatives focused on enhancing labor-management cooperation and operational excellence. Tasked with fostering strong relationships between terminal operators and the workforce, the President drives programs that improve communication and conflict resolution. John Atkinson monitors the implementation of labor policies to ensure consistency across diverse port environments. By facilitating dialogue between key stakeholders, the President addresses emerging labor challenges before these issues impact port productivity. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of the maritime industry and the ability to navigate complex labor dynamics. Through the development of collaborative strategies, the President supports the overall mission of the association to maintain a stable and efficient maritime labor environment. John Atkinson ensures that regional operations align with the broader organizational objectives, contributing to the sustained success 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.