PMSA Announces Hiring of Vice President Government Relations
Contact: Natasha Villa, External Affairs Manager
nvilla@pmsaship.com
562-241-0433
OAKLAND, CA - The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA), providing representation for ocean carriers, marine terminal operators, and the maritime industry on the US West Coast, is pleased to announce the hiring of Jennifer Cohen as Vice President, Government Relations. Ms. Cohen will be based out of the PMSA headquarters in Oakland, California.
“We are looking forward to Jennifer, and her unique and extensive experience in the transportation, freight, and zero-emissions technology spaces, joining our team,” said Mike Jacob, PMSA President. “Her work in government relations across these critical issue areas for city, port, railroad, high technology, and manufacturing in California will further strengthen PMSA's current portfolio of areas of staff expertise, which is already deep, diverse, and well-respected.”
In the capacity of Vice President Government Relations, Ms. Cohen will be representing PMSA member companies at a local, state, and federal level on numerous issues. Her hiring to provide advocacy for the maritime industry comes at a critical time for seaports and their supply chain partners on the US West Coast as they focus on growing market share, demonstrating market competitiveness, and building an economically and environmentally sustainable infrastructure for the deployment of new technology.
“I am looking forward to continuing my work in the policy areas at the intersection of transportation, environmental progress, and infrastructure within the maritime industry,” said Ms. Cohen. “Freight and supply chain issues continue to be areas where policymakers and business leaders can work together to solve problems, create jobs, boost investments, and address environmental challenges, and I’m excited to join PMSA and be part of this important conversation.”
Jennifer Cohen joins PMSA after serving as the California lead for Policy and Business Development at Tesla. Prior to joining Tesla in 2021, she spent over a decade in the public sector focusing on transportation and environmental issues at federal, state and local levels. She has led Government Affairs departments for the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Department of Transportation, and Metrolink commuter rail. Ms. Cohen studied history and sociology at UCLA and received her master’s degree in public policy from USC, with a focus on transportation.
About the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA)
PMSA is an independent, not-for-profit association which represents owners and operators of marine terminals, ocean carriers, and vessels operating on the US West Coast. PMSA maintains offices in Oakland, Long Beach, and Seattle.
