(WASHINGTON) — The Waterways Council Inc.’s (WCI) board of directors has unanimously elected Tracy Zea as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer. He will assume the new duties effective July 8.
With a broad range of Capitol Hill, policy development and government relations expertise, Zea most recently served as WCI’s vice president-government relations, advocating for WCI’s goals for authorizations and appropriations which support a modern, efficient, reliable inland waterways transportation system. His work also enhanced WCI’s stakeholder relationship with the Corps of Engineers and the Inland Waterways Users Board.
Zea joined WCI as its director-government relations in August 2015, transitioning from the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I). During his time on the T&I Committee, he assisted in Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization, Map-21 highway reauthorization, and played an integral part in the enactment of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014. Prior to joining the T&I Committee, he worked for Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.
Zea earned a bachelor of science degree in political science from South Dakota State University.
“We are thrilled to announce the selection of Tracy Zea as WCI’s new president and CEO. Tracy knows WCI’s issues and membership extremely well, and he embodies the drive, creativity and enthusiasm this position requires,” said Peter Stephaich, chairman of the WCI board of directors.
“WCI’s board also expresses its thanks to Deb Calhoun, who, since Feb. 18 served as WCI interim president and CEO until we selected a permanent president and CEO. We thank Deb for her additional service to the organization and look forward to her working for WCI remotely from her new home in Kentucky,” Stephaich said.
The Waterways Council Inc. is the national public policy organization advocating for a modern and well-maintained national system of ports and inland waterways. The group is supported by waterways carriers, shippers, port authorities, shipping associations and waterways advocacy groups from all regions of the country. Visit www.waterwayscouncil.org.
