Port Authority of Guam General Manager Rory Respicio has been confirmed as the inaugural Americas Region Director by the Board of Directors of the American Association of Port Authorities.
According to a release from the Port the confirmation marks a “significant milestone” for Guam, expanding representation for ports located outside the continental United States in the national maritime organizations leadership.
“The new Americas Region seat was established through AAPA's Amended and Restated Bylaws, adopted and effective September 25, 2026,” the release said.
Respicio, the longest serving general manager for the Port is seated on the AAPA’ s 11-member Board of Directors. The Port said confirmation provides Guam with “dedicated representation in an organization that plays a leading role in shaping national port policy, infrastructure investment, maritime security and industry priorities.”
The dedicated representation gives Guam a vote in “ensuring their unique operational challenge, infrastructure needs and strategic priorities have a stronger voice within the association,” the Port said.
AAPA President and CEO Sang Yi acknowledged Respicio as a “respected leader in the maritime industry.
“AAPA is proud to welcome him to the Board in this newly established role,” Yi said. “Creating dedicated representation for the members outside the continental United States strengthens AAPA’s ability to unite American ports to advance our industry’s shared interests.”
Respicio said he is honored to represent the Americas Region as the inaugural director.
“I appreciate the leadership of President and CEO Sang Yi and the AAPA Board of Directors in expanding regional representation. My responsibility is to listen, understand members’ priorities and ensure their perspectives are represented. For the Port of Guam, this is an opportunity to strengthen relationships with ports throughout the country, bring our unique experiences and perspectives to the national stage, and support AAPA’s continued advocacy for the infrastructure, security and resilience needed to ensure port readiness,” Respicio said.
The Port said with Respicio’s appointment, Guam has an opportunity to elevate the island’s role in national discussions related to maritime infrastructure, supply chain resilience and the strategic importance of ports throughout the Pacific and the Americas.
“His involvement with AAPA extends beyond his appointment to the Board. Respicio has actively advocated for policy changes benefiting ports nationwide, including urging AAPA to support a Buy American waiver addressing infrastructure procurement challenges shared by ports across the country,” the Port said.
According to the Port the AAPA Board of Directors provides leadership and governance for the association, which represents port authorities and maritime industry partners throughout the Americas.
“Through advocacy, education, research and collaboration, AAPA works to advance policies and investments that strengthen the maritime industry and the communities served by its member ports,” the release said.