October 31, 2023

RICHLAND, Wash. – The American Association of Port Authorities certified the Port of Benton’s General Counsel David Billetdeaux as a Port Professional Manager (PPM®) last week at its Annual Convention.

Billetdeaux completed the industry’s preeminent education program in just under three years. The program provides graduates with a comprehensive understanding of port operations, administration and management. Courses include supply chain and trade, port operations and management, finance, legal, security, facilities engineering, government relations, leadership, mentoring, and training on other core topics.

Billetdeaux’s capstone paper, International Cluster Models and the Opportunities they Represent for North American Ports examined international cluster models, specifically focused on transformative prospects that these models can provide for North American ports. The paper examined case studies and established domestic and international port clusters to identify key characteristics of successful cluster models.

“David earned this well-deserved distinction through his hard work and commitment to service,” said Port Commission President Christy Rasmussen. “This rigorous certification is not easy to achieve, and we’re proud of David’s accomplishment that will add value to our port, our community, and the broader port industry.”

Billetdeaux has worked as the port’s in-house general counsel since 2017. Billetdeaux graduated cum laude from Seattle University School of Law and worked as a partner at the Cowan Moore Billetdeaux Law Firm where he practiced municipal law, estate planning, and family law from 2012-2017. In his current role, he has liaised with outside counsel and worked directly on litigation matters in front of the Benton County Superior Court, U.S. District Court for Eastern Washington, the Surface Transportation Board, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, Division III Court of Appeals, and the Washington State Supreme Court.

Billetdeaux researches and develops policies to modernize and develop the Port of Benton into a regional leader in the industry. This role involves everything from human resources to commercial negotiations. He was named a Young Professional by the Tri-Cities Journal of Business in 2021. Billetdeaux is currently serving as the President of the Benton Franklin County Bar Association and as the Chair of the Columbia Basin College Foundation.

About the Port Professional Manager (PPM®) Program
The PPM® program is a comprehensive port and supply chain education curriculum that has certified over 100 professionals. These graduates are now contributing their enhanced knowledge and leadership skills to port and transportation communities across the Americas. Established in 1995, this educational and training initiative provides a port management certification in the Americas. Candidates must meet eligibility requirements that include being a manager with more than five years of experience and a full-time professional in the port or supply chain industry.

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