The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) announced the retirement of its President, John McLaurin, today (2 April) after 29 years of service.
“It has been an immense privilege to serve as the President of PMSA for the past 29
years. I am very proud of what the association staff and our membership have been able to accomplish together. I have been blessed with the support of a board of directors and a team of colleagues who have been fully invested in supporting our mission to protect and grow our Pacific trade gateways. I couldn’t be prouder of our team and am leaving confident that the industry will continue to be well represented by the PMSA team,” stated John McLaurin.
Joining PMSA as President in 1995, McLaurin has been a prominent figure for the maritime industry. Under his leadership, PMSA members have invested significant funds into new port infrastructure, enhancing and modernizing ocean freight and intermodal supply chains along the US West Coast.
Notably, McLaurin oversaw the successful implementation of ambitious emissions reduction initiatives, making PMSA a global leader in environmental stewardship. Throughout his tenure, PMSA has thrived, consolidating multiple regional trade groups in California and Washington state into a unified advocacy and policy platform.
This transformation has propelled PMSA from a modest office in San Francisco to a dynamic operation with three offices in Long Beach, Oakland, and Seattle, ensuring comprehensive representation throughout the West Coast region.
The board of directors has chosen Mike Jacob, who currently serves as the vice president and general counsel of PMSA, to step into the role of the next president of the organization.
