Port NOLA / NOPB
Beth Ann Branch has been named President and CEO of Port NOLA and CEO of NOPB. She succeeds Brandy D. Christian, who stepped down June 17, 2024, to pursue an opportunity in the private sector, as CEO of Patriot Rail. Until Branch takes on the roles Dec. 1, 2024, Port NOLA Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Ronald Wendel Jr. will continue serving in an acting capacity.
Branch has been Chief Commercial Officer of Alabama Port Authority in Mobile since 2021. Prior to that, she led business development and international marketing for the Port of Oakland’s maritime division. Throughout her tenure at both locations, Branch spearheaded strategic initiatives that resulted in record container volumes, significantly boosting throughput and operational success, according to Port NOLA. Branch also worked in various leadership positions at Maersk for 18 years in the company’s U.S. regional headquarters outside New York and global headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Additionally, Branch has 10 years of experience in program development and administration in the nonprofit sector, including location oversight of a U.S. Agency for International Development grant in Eastern Europe. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina.
“Beth brings an extraordinary depth of maritime expertise and international trade experience to the Port of New Orleans,” said former Port NOLA and NOPB Chairman Joseph Toomy, who helped oversee the nationwide search process conducted by Korn Ferry. “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.”
“Beth Ann Branch is exactly the kind of leader we need to guide our next phase of growth,” current Port NOLA and NOPB Chairman Mike Thomas commented. “Her extensive experience, strategic mindset and proven ability make her uniquely qualified to take on this critical role. As we continue to advance transformative projects, Beth’s leadership will be essential in positioning the Port as a leading force in international trade and a key driver of economic prosperity for our region.”
“I am truly honored to join the Port NOLA and NOPB teams,” Beth Ann 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.”
NYPD Transit Division
AMNY on Oct. 24 reported that the NYPD appointed Joseph Gulotta as Chief of Transit to oversee the city’s subway system. He replaces Michael M. Kemper who was recently named Chief Security Officer at New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
A 32-year veteran of the NYPD, Gulotta served previously as Staten Island Borough Commander.
“Chief Gulotta is superbly qualified to lead officers responsible for safety of New Yorkers on the subway and buses,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber, according to the media outlet. “We are confident he will sustain the significant decline in subway crime achieved by his predecessor that’s led to a double digit drop in serious felonies since before the pandemic.”
In a related development, Demetrius Crichlow has been named President of New York City Transit.
