Old Saybrook – Evan Matthews, the executive director of the Connecticut Port Authority, has been named president of the North Atlantic Ports Association. He will serve in the role for the next two years.

The North Atlantic Ports Association (NAPA) was founded in 1949 to coordinate on issues involving ports in the region. Today the Association, one of the oldest, has about 100 members, all connected to seaports and ocean commerce in some way: terminal operators, stevedores, port authorities, governmental agencies, non-profits, consultants, academics, maritime lawyers, ships' agents and others, all located between Virginia and the Canadian Maritimes. Connecticut is also represented at NAPA by the Bridgeport Port Authority and the New Haven Port Authority.

“I am honored to assume this leadership role,” Matthews said. “My work with the North Atlantic Ports Association is tied directly to the work of the Connecticut Port Authority and gives Connecticut a greater voice at the table when it comes to discussing the various economic development issues surrounding the maritime economy in this region. Connecticut is very serious about expanding our role in the maritime sector and holding a leadership role at the regional level will help in that effort.”

“Evan has extensive experience in port operations and his selection to serve as president of the regional ports association is a reflection of his hard work on behalf of Connecticut,” said Scott Bates, chairman of the Connecticut Port Authority. “The Connecticut Port Authority has made substantial progress over the last two years in advancing our state’s maritime economy and it is due in no small measure to Evan’s work.”