Homeland Security Adds APL Executive

The National Maritime Security Advisory Committee of the Department of Homeland Security now has a maritime executive as a member.

Earl Agron, Vice President of Security for global container shipping line APL, has been appointed by outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. Agron is the only shipping line executive on the eight-member committee. The group counsels the US Coast Guard and Homeland Security on issues such as national maritime security strategy and policy and the actions required to meet security threats.

“On behalf of APL I’m honored to be chosen for the advisory committee,” said Agron, a veteran of more than 25 years in the shipping business. “Security is paramount in everything we do and this appointment reflects my company’s commitment to the safe transport of global trade.”

For Agron, the appointment is the latest in a series of government and industry engagements related to maritime security. His other memberships include COAC (Commercial Operations Advisory Committee), a private sector group advising the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of DHS and the commissioner of Customs and Border Protection. Agron is also a mamber of the World Shipping Council's Security Advisory Committee.

A former US Naval Reserve officer and a Coast Guard-licensed marine engineer, Agron holds an MBA from Northeastern University, Boston; and a Marine Engineering degree from the US Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY.