The Port of New Orleans has a new leader. The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) has appointed global maritime industry veteran Beth Ann Branch to the position of President & CEO of Port NOLA and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB). The new appointments are effective Dec. 1, 2024. “After a comprehensive national search, it became clear that Beth Ann Branch is the visionary leader needed to help move Port NOLA and Louisiana forward,” said Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry. “Her deep understanding of the commercial landscape and her track record of fostering rapid economic growth will ensure that our State remains a critical player in the global supply chain. With Beth at the helm, we’re poised to strengthen our state’s role as the premier trade and commerce gateway to the nation.” Branch is a globally recognized commercial strategist with more than 20 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry. Branch joins Port NOLA from the Alabama Port Authority in Mobile, where she has served as Chief Commercial Officer since 2021. Branch replaces EVP and CFO Ronald Wendel Jr., who served as Port NOLA’s Acting President & CEO and Acting CEO of NOPB. In the interim role and transitional period, Wendel moved forward key strategic initiatives, such as the $1.8 billion-dollar Louisiana International Terminal. Wendel filled in at the leadership roles when former President and CEO Brandy Christian stepped down in mid-June 2024 to pursue a private sector opportunity. Christian was also the CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad after the port acquired it in 2018. The national search was conducted by the executive search firm Korn Ferry. Former Port NOLA and NOPB Chairman Joseph Toomy was essential in overseeing the search process. “Beth brings an extraordinary depth of maritime expertise and international trade experience to the Port of New Orleans,” said Toomy. “Her forward-thinking vision will be instrumental in advancing key strategic initiatives that are critical to our long-term success. Under Beth’s leadership, we are confident that the Port will reach new heights and drive sustainable growth for both the region and the international trade community.” Prior to Branch’s role in Alabama, she led business development and international marketing for the Port of Oakland’s maritime division. Throughout her tenure at both locations, Branch spearheaded strategic initiatives that resulted in record container volumes, significantly boosting throughput and operational success. Additionally, Branch worked in various leadership positions at Maersk for 18 years in the company’s U.S. regional headquarters outside New York and global headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Chairman of Port NOLA and NOPB, Mike Thomas, said Branch is “exactly the kind of leader we need to guide our next phase of growth.” “Her extensive experience, strategic mindset and proven ability make her uniquely qualified to take on this critical role,” said Thomas. “As we continue to advance transformative projects, Beth’s leadership will be essential in positioning the Port as a leading force in international trade and a key driver of economic prosperity for our region.” In addition to her experience in the maritime industry, Branch has 10 years of experience in program development and administration in the nonprofit sector, including location oversight of a U.S. Agency for International Development grant in Eastern Europe. Beth received a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina. “I am truly honored to join the Port NOLA and NOPB teams,” said Branch. “Port NOLA plays an essential role in driving economic growth for our region and state, and I look forward to building on this strong foundation in global commerce. Together, we will pave the way for more opportunities, creating jobs and driving the economy. I’m eager to work with leaders at all levels as we continue to invest in infrastructure and secure long-term prosperity for Louisiana.”