The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Sang Yi as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective May 4.
He succeeds Cary Davis, who announced his sudden resignation 0n December 30, 2025 that appeared to be related to trade policy issues with the Trump Administration (See Maritime Magazine report on December 30.)
Most recently, Yi served as Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD), where he oversaw key programs supporting commercial and strategic maritime infrastructure. Before his appointment to MARAD, Yi served in the U.S. House of Representatives for almost a decade and a half.
Prior to his congressional career, he served in the Intelligence Community. Yi also served as a City Councilman in Fairfax, VA. For more than two decades, Yi has served as an officer in the Navy Reserve and held a U.S. Coast Guard-issued Merchant Marine license.
“Through his extensive experience in both the Executive and Legislative Branches of government, Sang is a proven leader who understands the critical role ports play in driving economic vitality and safeguarding national security,” said Chett Chiasson, Chairman of the AAPA Board of Directors and Port Fourchon Executive Director.
“I am honored to lead AAPA. Our ports are vital gateways that advance America’s competitiveness,” stated Sang Yi, AAPA’s new President and CEO. “This is a critical time for the maritime industry, and investment in America’s ports has never been more crucial. I look forward to working with AAPA’s Board and membership to represent the ports and companies that are the backbone of the supply chain and produce countless jobs across the Americas.”
(Photo from MARAD of Sang Yi)