Leadership

Meet some of the great people leading North Carolina Ports into the future. From attorneys to bankers, and from Edenton to Gastonia, they have the background, judgment and determination to keep our organization moving forward.

Board Of Directors

The Board of Directors governing North Carolina Ports is responsible for staying informed on world trade and economic trends and developments, and making informed decisions about our operations. Of the Board, six members are appointed by the Governor, four are appointed by the General Assembly and the last position is filled by the NC Secretary of Transportation. The Board meets approximately six times per year. North Carolina Ports is a body corporate receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy.

Joey Hopkins
Department of Transportation Secretary

Appointed By Governor Roy Cooper

About
Susan Rabon
Chair

Southport, NC

Owner, Director & Vice-President, Commonwealth Home Health Care, Inc. and Commonwealth Document Management, Inc.

Appointed By Governor Roy Cooper

Term Expires 2025

About
Robert O. Hill, Jr.
Vice Chair

Kinston, NC

Retired President & CEO, Hillco, Ltd.

Appointed By Governor Roy Cooper

Term Expires 2024

About
Jerry Cook
Member

Winston-Salem, NC

Vice President, Government and Trade Relations, Hanesbrands Inc.

Appointed By Senate Pro-Tem

Term Expires 2024

About
Michael H. Johnson
Member

Statesville, NC

Principal, The Johnson Group Realty, Inc. and Magnolia Homes, Inc.

Appointed By Speaker of the NC House of Representatives

Term Expires 2024

About
Patrick (Pat) Joyce
Member

Carteret County, NC

Owner and President, Joyce & Associates Construction

Appointed By Senate Pro-Tem

Term Expires 2025

About
Emily Parks
Member

Raleigh, NC

Productivity Consultant, Author, Public Speaker and Founder, Organize for Success

Appointed By Governor Roy Cooper

Term Expires 2028

About
Rajan Shamdasani
Member

Fayetteville, NC

Appointed By Governor Roy Cooper

Term Expires 2026

About
Gregory L. Washington
Member

Wilmington, NC

International Representative for the International Longshoremen’s Association, District Vice President of the South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District and President of ILA Local 1426

Appointed By Governor Roy Cooper

Term Expires 2027

About
Kenny Woodard
Member

Smithfield, NC

President of Vida Wood US

Appointed By Speaker of the NC House of Representatives

Term Expires 2025

About

Senior Management

Brian E. Clark
Executive Director
Doug Vogt
Chief Operating Officer
Hans Bean
Chief Commercial Officer
Alherd Kazura
Chief Financial Officer
Laura G. Blair
Vice President of Administration and External Affairs
John Dittmar
Director, Safety and Security
Phillip Wells
General Counsel