At the annual Legislative Summit, Congressman Mike Ezell of Mississippi’s 4th District was recognized by the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) as the 2026 Port Person of the Year. The award acknowledges his ongoing efforts to support the seaport and maritime industry.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be named AAPA’s Port Person of the Year for my work to strengthen our nation’s economic vitality and national security through our ports,” stated Congressman Ezell. “Our nation’s ports and maritime industry will continue to be one of my top priorities so that we can remain competitive in the global marketplace and stand ready to meet the challenges of the future.”
Chett Chiasson, AAPA Board Chair and Executive Director at Port Fourchon, said, “There is no question that Rep. Ezell has been a remarkable advocate for our port industry throughout his time in Congress. His dedication to coastal navigation and strong, modern, and vibrant gateways made possible through real infrastructure investment, will have a lasting impact on our industry.”
Jon Nass, CEO of Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport, added: “Congressman Ezell is a true leader for ports in Mississippi and across the country. He consistently champions legislation and initiatives that directly benefit the port and maritime community. Ports along the Gulf Coast and nationwide are fortunate to have such a strong advocate representing them in Congress, and we were proud to nominate him for the award he is receiving today.”
The staff and commissioners at Port Pascagoula also offered congratulations: “We proudly congratulate Congressman Mike Ezell on being named the 2026 Person of the Year by AAPA. Through his work on the House Committees on Transportation & Infrastructure and his leadership on initiatives such as the Port Cranes Tax Credit, he continues to champion policies that strengthen port infrastructure, improve supply chain resilience, and support American maritime progress. Congressman Ezell’s leadership reflects the maritime strength, work ethic, and pride that define Pascagoula and the communities that power America’s ports.”
In 2025, Congressman Ezell introduced legislation called the Port Cranes Tax Credit Act with several colleagues from Congress. The bill proposes tax credits for U.S.-based facilities manufacturing or repairing ship-to-shore cranes or mobile harbor cranes. It aims to encourage domestic production by offering up to a 60% production credit if most crane components are made in America.
Ezell has represented Mississippi’s 4th district since replacing Steven Palazzo in 2023. He sits on both House Natural Resources as well as Transportation & Infrastructure Committees; he also chairs its Subcommittee on Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation. Born in Pascagoula in 1959, Ezell still resides there today.
The AAPA first awarded its Port Person of the Year honor in 1994; it recognizes individuals whose contributions have benefited public port authorities or maritime commerce across North or South America. Since 2022 Direct ChassisLink Inc., which supplies container chassis for intermodal shipping nationwide, has sponsored this award.
