Karen Robes Meeks

Media relations specialist @PortofLongBeach Former reporter. Stories have appeared in @latimes, @sfchronicle @ocregister, @presstelegram, @americanshipper

[PMSAship @PMSAship]

Explore the latest West Coast Trade Report for April 2024! Featuring insights on Partial Container Tallies from March, complete TEU Numbers for February, and commentary on the future of USWC Ports. Read the entire WCTR here: https://t.co/s3NdCtTthx

#TradeInsights #Maritime

[Port of Los Angeles @PortofLA]

“I applaud APM Terminals for an initiative that takes us another step toward a ZE future in our port complex,” said Port of L.A. Executive Director Gene Seroka. “Decarbonizing our industry is more urgent than ever. It’s this kind of proactive mindset that will help us get there.”

[Karen Robes Meeks @KarenRMeeks]

What a lovely way to honor @GregoryYYee who would have been 35 yesterday. ❤️ Honored to have known you, friend. @latimes

https://t.co/GSe8mbTxf7

[Pacific Maritime Association @WestCoastPorts]

PMA is pleased to announce that Stephen Hennessey has assumed the role of President and CEO, following Jim McKenna’s retirement after leading PMA for 20 years. We thank Jim for his tremendous contributions to our organization and the West Coast maritime industry.

An announcement is below:

PACIFIC MARITIME ASSOCIATION TAPS STEPHEN HENNESSEY AS NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (February 13, 2024)—The Pacific Maritime Association’s 11-member Board of Directors unanimously selected longtime Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Stephen Hennessey as the new President and CEO of the organization following the retirement of Jim McKenna, who led the organization for the past two decades.

Hennessey joined PMA in 2004 after holding management positions in the shipping and trucking industries. He brings to the role a tremendous understanding of the entire supply chain, the nuances of the collective bargaining agreement, and the role of the 29 West Coast ports in supporting trillions of dollars’ worth of trade.

The transition of leadership comes at a time of stability and potential growth on the West Coast waterfront, with a new six-year contract in place that positions ports in California, Oregon, and Washington to regain market share and continue driving value for the local and national economies. Chief Financial Officer Michael Wechsler and General Counsel Craig Epperson will continue in their roles on the executive leadership team.

“Steve Hennessey is uniquely prepared to build on Jim’s legacy and usher PMA into the next era,” the PMA Board of Directors said in a statement. “We have tremendous confidence in Steve to carry forward PMA’s mission, keep the West Coast ports competitive, and maintain their leadership role in the global economy.”

Hennesey started his tenure at PMA as vice president of labor relations in Southern California. He grew into the role of COO, where he has been responsible for providing leadership and direction in the areas of labor relations, strategic plan implementation, contract administration and arbitration, management of industry training and safety programs, and oversight of jointly operated dispatch halls.

“I am truly honored to lead PMA, which has the responsibility to keep one of the nation’s most important economic engines strong and vibrant,” Hennessey said. “Our work supports a significant percentage of the nation’s GDP, as well as millions of quality jobs nationwide across a wide range of industries. I want to express my gratitude to the PMA Board for selecting me, and to Jim McKenna for his superb leadership of PMA for the last two decades.”

About the Pacific Maritime Association
PMA represents the world’s leading shipping lines and terminal operators at West Coast ports, a leading global gateway and powerful engine for the U.S. economy. The principal business of PMA is to negotiate and administer maritime labor agreements with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. PMA’s mission is to provide industry leadership to our member companies through innovative integrated labor relations, human resources, and administrative services. The membership of PMA consists of domestic carriers, international carriers, and stevedores that operate in California, Oregon, and Washington.

[Pacific Maritime Association @WestCoastPorts]

June 14, 2023
ILWU, PMA Announce West Coast Waterfront Contract

Acting Secretary of Labor Played Key Role

SAN FRANCISCO (June 14, 2023) – The Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union today announced a tentative agreement on a new six-year contract covering workers at all 29 West Coast ports. The deal was reached with assistance from Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su. The parties will not be releasing details of the agreement at this time. The agreement is subject to ratification by both parties.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement that recognizes the heroic efforts and personal sacrifices of the ILWU workforce in keeping our ports operating,” said PMA President James McKenna and ILWU President Willie Adams in a joint statement. “We are also pleased to turn our full attention back to the operation of the West Coast Ports.”

[Karen Robes Meeks @KarenRMeeks]

Fantastic news for @RobertMeeksRT :)
Many may know him as a video journalist but the Robert I know and love has always been and always will be a writer and storyteller first ❤️

[Steve Padilla @StevePadilla2]

Congrats to @RobertMeeksRT, whose Column One snagged a first place award from the L.A. Press Club. Judges said: “A captivating blend of personal, historical and societal information that made this a truly memorable piece about a father and a son.” https://t.co/uTMwdJne5u

[Karen Robes Meeks @KarenRMeeks]

My latest for @SFC_Datebook!#BlackPantherWakandaForever #MarvelStudios #blackpanther2 #WakandaForever

[Jose A Bastidas @jabastidas]

The release of #BlackPantherWakandaForever is upon us!

Can't wait til Friday to learn more? Check out @KarenRMeeks' story with cast and crew on making one of the year's most anticipated movies: https://t.co/J8jtpmeRxk

[Karen Robes Meeks @KarenRMeeks]

@MonicaOBrien331 Feel better soon friend 🫶

[Robert Meeks @RobertMeeksRT]

Wow! Honored to be a finalist in the National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards for the story on my dad and the Hollywood All Stars! Special thanks to @AliceShort3 and @StevePadilla2! @latimes @LAPressClub https://t.co/dh17TJOgOv

[Karen Robes Meeks @KarenRMeeks]

Our family is so proud! Please check out @RobertMeeksRT’s #columnone today honoring his dad. Thank you @StevePadilla2 @francineorr!

[Los Angeles Times @latimes]

A son’s gift on Father’s Day? The art of listening https://t.co/UwLd7MHOp9

[Karen Robes Meeks @KarenRMeeks]

Congrats to my husband @RobertMeeksRT who was part of the team that won first place in this category with @MarcusYam, @nabihbulos and @jr_lizarraga!
If you get a chance, please check out their video:

https://t.co/zxwTbFV6Em

[CA News Publishers Association @CNPAservices]

Video Journalism-Other (Monthly Unique Visitors: 400,001 & over):
First: Los Angeles Times (@LATimes)
Second: Los Angeles Times
#Californiajournalismawards

https://t.co/NOFiCreM07

[PMSAship @PMSAship]

Queen Mary Transfer to POLB Could Affect Port Projects, Analysis States @KarenRMeeks https://t.co/KJR3YEJpIu

[Karen Robes Meeks @KarenRMeeks]

@BeatrizVNews Wow! Congrats!

[Karen Robes Meeks @KarenRMeeks]

@PennySRosenberg All that sounds amazing! #turkeywho Happy Thanksgiving!

[Karen Robes Meeks @KarenRMeeks]

@PennySRosenberg Holy cow! How exciting! Congratulations Penny! 🍾

[SFChronicle Datebook @SFC_Datebook]

This year's virtual @PistahanSF is coming up NEXT WEEK!

Here's what you need to know about the event:
via @KarenRMeeks
https://t.co/KNb1S9MOxq

[Karen Robes Meeks @KarenRMeeks]

@ChristinaDWri Wow! Congrats!!! That is so exciting!

[SFChronicle Datebook @SFC_Datebook]

#TheJoyLuckClub actress @thetamlyntomita talks about reprising her #KarateKid role as Kumiko more than 30 years later on Netflix's @CobraKaiSeries and why she owes her success to @ralphmacchio. 🤩

via @KarenRMeeks
https://t.co/SopGXIjoQy

[Marine Exchange @MXSOCAL]

Wave goodbye: Long Beach breakwater won't be removed https://t.co/zvQ1LCXfah