Port NOLA Board Names New President And CEO

The board of commissioners of the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) has appointed Beth Ann Branch as the new president and CEO of the port and the CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB). Branch officially will begin at Port NOLA December 1.

Branch follows Brandy Christian, who had served as Port NOLA’s chief executive from 2017 to this past summer, and Ronald Wendel, the port’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, who served as acting president and CEO following Christian’s departure.

“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,” La. Gov. Jeff Landry said. “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 comes to New Orleans from Port NOLA’s regional rival, the Alabama Port Authority in Mobile, where she served as chief commercial officer since 2021. Before that, she led business development and international marketing for the maritime branch of the Port of Oakland. Branch also spent 18 years with Maersk, working in both New York and the company’s global headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark. She also has 10 years of experience in program development and administration in the nonprofit sector.

Korn Ferry conducted the executive search for Port NOLA, with Branch singled out for her maritime experience and the economic growth of the ports where she’s served. Former Port NOLA and NOPB board chairman Joseph Toomy oversaw the search process.

“Beth brings an extraordinary depth of maritime expertise and international trade experience to the Port of New Orleans,” Toomy said. “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.”

The port’s board of commissioners entered into executive session during its October 24 meeting to discuss Branch’s qualifications. Upon returning from executive session, board chairman Michael Thomas promptly called for a resolution authorizing him to hire Branch effective December 1. Commissioners unanimously supported the resolution. After passing the resolution, board members promptly welcomed Branch to the team.

“This has been a long process in a short amount of time,” Thomas said as he recognized Toomy for his leadership in hiring Branch and Wendel for leading the port in the interim period.

Thomas also thanked the port’s staff members for remaining focused and dedicated over the past few months.

Commissioner Darryl Berger, speaking to Branch, said, “Welcome to the newest New Orleanian.”

Commissioner Walter Leger, speaking to Wendel and the staff, said, “We have kept going really almost without missing a beat, and we’re moving forward. We’ve had an interesting process. It’s always a historic moment when a new leader takes over, and we’re looking forward to the Beth Branch era.”

Thomas, after sharing a quote from President Calvin Coolidge emphasizing persistence, said to Branch, “Hold on tight. It’s going to be a ride.”

“I am truly honored to join the Port NOLA and NOPB teams,” Branch said. “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.”

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Featured photo caption:

Beth Ann Branch (center), the newly hired president and CEO of the Port of New Orleans and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, stands alongside the commissioners for both entities. Commissioners are (from the left) James Carter, former commissioner Joseph Toomy, Jeanne Ferrer, chairman Michael Thomas, Walter Leger Jr., Sharonda Williams, Todd Murphy and Darryl Berger. (Photo courtesy of Port NOLA)