Transportation 2024: JOSEPH P. ‘JOE’ RUDDY

Ruddy, who has served two terms as COO, from 2011 to 2014, and since 2021, oversees information technology, safety, security, expansion projects and maintenance for the Virginia Port Authority affiliate that runs the Port of Virginia.

That’s always a big job, but the past year has added some extra challenges. This spring, the Port of Virginia’s marine terminals took on significantly more cargo this spring following the Dali freighter’s collision with the Key Bridge that temporarily shut down the Port of Baltimore. Additionally, the Biden administration proposed a 25% tariff on Chinese-manufactured ship-to-shore cranes, which the president has said may pose espionage and cybersecurity risks. If the tariff goes forward, the Port of Virginia would face a $40 million addition to the $161.5 million price tag for 12 new Chinese-made cranes the port ordered, according to the American Association of Port Authorities.

On the positive side, in March, the port completed the widening of its shipping channel, a significant part of the $450 million dredging project to make the port the widest and deepest harbor on the East Coast. The project’s deepening component is expected to be finished by fall 2025.