(WASHINGTON) — Joseph J. Cox, president/CEO of the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA), will retire on May 31 and will be succeeded by Kathy J. Metcalf, currently director of marine affairs for CSA. Cox will continue assisting the organization on various issues in an advisory capacity.
In making the announcement, Capt. Bruce Fernie, chairman of the CSA board, said, “Joe has devoted the major part of his professional career as a valued representative of the American maritime community. During his 33-plus years at the organization with 18 as president/CEO, he has been a mainstay in Washington, D.C., as a respected advocate for the maritime industry and as a prominent representative at the International Maritime Organization and International Labor Organization. In addition to being a tireless supporter of the Jones Act, Joe has been actively engaged in many issues of importance to the maritime community and we look forward to his continuing support and guidance for CSA.”
Fernie further stated, “The board is pleased that Kathy Metcalf will assume the leadership of CSA and will continue to provide the ongoing representation of our industry on the many matters of concern to us. She has been with CSA for 17-plus years and brings a solid background of seagoing service and shore responsibilities with shipping companies that will continue to serve us well. She is a respected professional and is deeply involved in all the issues in which CSA is engaged and we look forward to a seamless transition.”
Cox added, “Under Kathy’s leadership, CSA will continue to provide excellent representation for not only the members but also all companies affected by the activities of our government as well as the IMO and ILO. It is a pleasure working with Kathy and Sean Kline who recently joined the CSA staff and will assume the role of director of maritime affairs. I am confident the safety and environmental achievement awards programs which CSA hosts on behalf of the industry will continue to thrive under the leadership team including our program coordinator, Odell Moore."
Metcalf said, “I am excited and pleased to become president/CEO of CSA. It is an honor to be selected by the members and I look forward to serving the industry.”
CSA was originally founded in 1917 as the National Federation of American Shipping with the mandate to represent U.S. shipowners on domestic issues as well as international developments. CSA continues that role today and has 35 member companies.
