August 19, 2026 — The Association of Pacific Ports (APP) is pleased to welcome Kirk DeJesus as its new President. Representing the Port of Stockton, California, DeJesus assumes the leadership role following the tenure of Conchita Taitano, Vice Chairperson, Port Authority of Guam, host of the recent APP 112th Annual Conference. “It is an honour to lead the APP in the coming year,” said Mr. DeJesus, adding that he was looking forward to welcoming Association members to Stockton for the APP’s 113th Annual Conference in 2027.
As President, DeJesus will help guide the APP’s programs and priorities while strengthening collaboration among ports and maritime organizations throughout the Pacific. His leadership will focus on advancing the Association’s role as a forum for knowledge-sharing, professional development, innovation and cooperation among its members.
DeJesus brings extensive experience in port operations and maritime infrastructure through his work with the Port of Stockton, one of California’s leading inland deep-water ports. Located on the Stockton Deepwater Channel, the Port serves as a critical gateway for agricultural, industrial and project cargo moving through Northern and Central California.
Prior to being appointed as Port Director for Stockton, DeJesus’ 20-year career in the maritime industry has afforded him the clear understanding of port operations, commercial and business development, supply chain and logistics, environmental and strategic planning. As Operations/Commercial Director with Kinder Morgan for 13 years, he worked on projects and programs that brought renewable fuel to the West Coast terminal operator. And as Founder and Principle of DeJesus Consulting, LLC for eight years prior to that, he successfully assisted several West Coast Ports in managing risk while achieving sustainable and stable growth and profitability.
“Pacific ports are facing a period of significant change, from evolving trade patterns and supply chains to infrastructure needs, environmental responsibilities, technology and workforce development,” said DeJesus. “The strength of the Association lies in its members and in our ability to share knowledge, experiences and solutions. I am eager to work with our members to strengthen those connections and ensure the APP continues to provide meaningful value to the Pacific port community.”
Joining Mr. DeJesus on the APP Executive Committee for the 2026/27 year, are:
Officers
President – Kirk DeJesus (Stockton, California)
First Vice President/Treasurer – Barney Sene/Tumua Matuu (American Samoa)
Second Vice President — Zoran Knezevic/Mike Carter (Port Alberni, British Columbia)
Third Vice President — DreanaLee Kalili (Hawaii)
Past President – Conchita Taitano (Guam)
Regional Representatives
Chan-Jung Chang (Taiwan) – Asia
Ian Marr (Nanaimo) – Northwest — B.C./AK
Sara Young / Kevin Ware (Skagit, WA) – Northern U.S. – WA/OR
Sharon Weissman (Long Beach, CA) – Southern California
Esther Ada (Commonwealth Northern Mariana Islands) – Pacific Islands
At-Large Representatives
Paula J. Miranda, Port of Newport (Oregon)
Chin-Jung Wang, Taiwan International Ports Corp. (Taiwan)
Celina L. Zacarias, Port of Hueneme (California)
Associate Member Sub-Committee Representatives
Jeannie Beckett, The Beckett Group
Joe Carrillo, SSA Marine
For more information, please contact:
Jane McIvor, Executive Director
Association of Pacific Ports
Vancouver, Canada
jane@pacificports.org / 604-893-8800
