As of Monday, longtime Long Beach resident Carl Kemp began his tenure as the newly appointed vice president of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) in Long Beach, the PMSA announced.
Kemp is credited with more than 20 years of experience in public and government affairs. He created the Office of Government Affairs at the Port of Long Beach and the Office of Government Affairs and Communication in the City of Long Beach. Prior to this, he had his own government affairs practice where PMSA was among his clients, according to a press release.
“I am excited to officially join the PMSA team and use my experience to benefit the West Coast logistics industry,” Kemp said in a statement. “California ports handle approximately $500 billion in foreign trade annually, and the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles alone support nearly 1.5 million jobs.”
While at PMSA, Kemp is prepared to work with policymakers to ensure that the ports are well-positioned to respond to the changes the shipping industry is currently facing and will eventually face. He continued to say that we are entering a “critical era,” where adapting to global economic changes, as well as new and more efficient technologies, is crucial.
“Carl joins our team of industry experts and will help us work with policy makers at the local, state and federal levels on trade issues that are so important to the environment and economy,” said PMSA President John McLaurin.
Kemp’s most recent experience includes holding the title of Senior Advisor for Legislative and Public Affairs at the Maritime Commision. He also has past experience in the City of Long Beach, where he earned his B.A. and MPA from California State University, Long Beach and served two terms as student body president. Kemp also earned a Certificate in Executive Leadership from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
Above left: Carl Kemp, courtesy of PMSA.