BOSTON – The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) welcomes Lauren Gleason as the Authority’s new Deputy Port Director of Business Development.  Ms. Gleason will be responsible for developing the long-term sales and marketing strategies for all maritime initiatives, including containerized cargo as well as cruise tourism.  In her new role, Lauren will work with all Maritime staff at Massport, Beneficial Cargo Owners, shipping and cruise industry representatives, and internal and external partners integral to the success and support of the Port.  She will provide support and promote strategic growth to the New England business community as well as implement initiatives to build and strengthen services, volumes, and targeted business development objectives. She will also form marketing strategies to expand Massport’s footprint in both the cargo and cruise industries, research, create revenue in new areas and improve the overall position of the Port of Boston on a global scale.  Lauren started her career in supply chain and transportation at Hanjin Shipping.  She spent over five years as the New England Sales Manager and was responsible for all sales, strategic initiatives, and operations for New England and Canada-based importers and exporters.  Her tenure included increasing the footprint and market share for Hanjin in the Northeast as well as facilitating peak season planning meetings on behalf of Hanjin’s customers throughout Asia.  Prior to joining Massport, Lauren worked at Wayfair building the foundation and groundwork for their international supply chain program. Lauren is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, receiving dual degrees in Global Business Management and Spanish Language and Literature. She has been involved with industry associations such as CONECT and WESTCONN.  Lauren has held a position on the board of the CONECT Young Professionals and has facilitated relationships with senior-level executives and commercial teams of ocean carriers and global forwarders.  Her unique background of both ocean carrier and BCO experience brings new perspective to the Port of Boston’s long-term strategic outlook on growth and development in a rapidly evolving industry. Conley Terminal has achieved three consecutive record breaking years for volume, including over 256,000 TEUs in Fiscal Year 2017 – a 3.9% increase over FY 2016. Twelve of the world’s top 15 shipping lines call the Port of Boston home versus only five shipping lines four years ago. More than 1,600 New England businesses use the Port of Boston and Conley Container Terminal. Boston’s Flynn Cruiseport has also achieved a record-breaking season in 2017.  Boston has recorded over 388,000 reported passengers this cruise season.  This breaks Flynn Cruiseport Boston’s previous record of over 382,000 passengers in 2013.  The Port of Boston looks forward to even more sailings in 2018, with destinations to Cuba, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Northern New England, and Canada.