BATON ROUGE, LA – August 18, 2025 – The Ports Association of Louisiana (PAL) Board of Directors has elected new officers to serve a three-year term beginning August 7, 2025. The officers will form PAL’s Executive Committee, working alongside the Executive Director to represent the organization and keep members informed about legislation, educational opportunities, and partnerships that support the advancement of Louisiana’s maritime industry.

The PAL Board is comprised of 32 corporate members, each representing a port from across Louisiana, along with nearly 100 associate members representing businesses and stakeholders from across the nation.

The newly elected officers are:

• Weldon Danos, President; Executive Director, Grand Isle Port Commission

• Ben Russo, Vice President; Executive Director, Central Louisiana Regional Port

• Jay Hardman, Treasurer; Executive Director, Port of Greater Baton Rouge

“It is an honor and privilege to serve as the next President of the Ports Association of Louisiana,” said Danos. “The port industry is a major economic driver for the state, and I look forward to leading PAL through opportunities and challenges in the years ahead. I am very proud to represent our ports and the associate members who support them.”

“Our entire organization could not be more grateful for the leadership team that has stepped forward to guide PAL over the next several years,” said PAL Executive Director Jennifer Marusak. “Their expertise, dedication, and vision will prove invaluable to our port members as well as the associate members who work alongside them.”