Ports of Indiana
Ports of Indiana has appointed Joshua Webb as Director of Government Affairs to lead legislative strategy and advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels.
Webb brings more than a decade of experience in Indiana politics, public policy, and government operations. Most recently, he served as State Director for Americans for Prosperity-Indiana, where he led grassroots advocacy efforts, political operations, and government affairs. His career also includes service as Deputy State Director for United States Senator (now Governor) Mike Braun and work for former Congressman Luke Messer, where he held positions as both policy advisor in Washington, D.C., and District Director in Indiana.
“We’re pleased to have someone with Josh’s extensive experience lead our government affairs efforts at this critical time for the maritime industry,” said Jody Peacock, CEO of Ports of Indiana. “As we strive to expand our economic value to the state and advance critical infrastructure priorities, Josh’s leadership will be instrumental in building strong relationships and advancing new policy initiatives involving America’s Maritime Action Plan, shipbuilding, economic development, and global trade.”
“I am excited to join the extraordinary team at Ports of Indiana and build upon the critical mission the organization serves for the people of Indiana. I look forward to helping advance key policies and developing strong partnerships that bolster Indiana’s world-class port system, generate sustained economic growth and enhance trade connectivity for Hoosiers,” said Webb.
A native of East Central Indiana, Webb earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Ball State University and completed a graduate certificate in Public Management from Indiana University Indianapolis. He currently resides in Noblesville with his wife, Natalie, and their two sons and daughter.
PHL
Congresswoman Nanette Barragán recently honored Otis Cliatt II, President of PHL, with the Black History Month Trailblazer of the Century Award “in recognition of his leadership and commitment to a more sustainable San Pedro Bay region.” The award was presented during the Congresswoman’s Annual Black History Month Commemoration, celebrating 100 years of Black History Month.
Under Cliatt’s leadership, PHL piloted the first zero-emission locomotive in the San Pedro Bay port complex, which is part of its commitment to lower emission technology. For almost three decades, PHL says it has “consistently demonstrated its focus on modernizing operations through cleaner, lower-emission solutions that strengthen sustainability and drive regional innovation.”
The recognition event took place on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library in Long Beach, where community leaders gathered to honor trailblazers making a lasting impact.
“Otis’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and environmental responsibility,” said Peter Gilbertson, CEO of Anacostia Rail Holdings, PHL’s parent company. “He is a key member of a team at PHL that has not only transformed rail operations within the port complex but has also delivered meaningful environmental benefits to Long Beach and Los Angeles. We are incredibly proud of his commitment.”
This recognition, the company says, “underscores PHL’s continued dedication to building a more sustainable future while also strengthening the economic and environmental vitality of the San Pedro Bay region.”
RRB
Monica Deoras has been appointed, effective Feb. 9, as an attorney-advisor to Thomas Jayne, the Management Member of the U.S. RRB, an independent federal agency headquartered in Chicago. In this role, she will advise and counsel on a variety of financial, management, and legal issues affecting the RRB’s benefits and programs.
Prior to her appointment, Deoras was the Senior Counsel for Nuclear, Security & Environmental at the Bechtel Corporation for three years. In this capacity, she worked on business and project development involving nuclear plants in the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Sweden, the United Kingdom, as well as the United States. She was also involved in key support activities for the Terrapower Natrium advanced-reactor project.
Before working for Bechtel, Deoras was Assistant General Counsel at True Commerce, a private equity firm specializing in cloud computing applications, for 11 months, and more than 12 years at Westinghouse Electric Company. At Westinghouse, she served in a Senior Counsel capacity for about nine years, working on various domestic and international projects dealing with nuclear energy. She then spent her last three years at the company as Assistant General Counsel, serving as lead attorney for global compliance issues.
Earlier in her legal career, she served as General Counsel for two information technology firms, worked as an associate at international law firm Reed Smith LLP, and served as a judicial clerk for two Pennsylvania state court judges.
Deoras earned a Master of Laws degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law and her Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Her undergraduate degree was a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Texas. She has also served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and is currently a board member for the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel.
She replaces Erin Brandenburg, who left the RRB after almost two years to accept a position with the Judicial Conference of the United States.
