World Trade Association of Philadelphia Chooses OHL Leader as President

Brentwood, TN (January 12, 2010) – Joseph (Joe) P. McDermott, manager of market development for OHL Global Freight Management and Logistics, has been named president of the World Trade Association of Philadelphia (WTA), an international trade organization. McDermott, a Philadelphia resident, assumed presidency of the association on September 16, 2009, and will hold the position for a term of one year, followed by a second year as presidential advisor to the incoming president.

“Joe McDermott was nominated as third vice president of The World Trade Association of Philadelphia in 2006 and has eagerly and enthusiastically worked his way to the top, demonstrating the necessary skills to effectively serve as president of one of the most prestigious associations in this industry,” said Deborah Ingravallo, executive administrator of the WTA. “His commitment and support over the years is unparalleled, and we look forward to working with him as president.”

“I am humbled and profoundly grateful to be chosen to lead such a fine group of professionals, and I look forward to the challenges laid before us,” said McDermott. “My goal is to increase the visibility of the World Trade Association of Philadelphia throughout the tri-state area and engender a spirit of helpful cooperation among our members to exchange ideas and experiences.”

McDermott has been a member of the WTA for more than twenty years and has been a board member for more than eight years. Some of his accomplishments during that time include revitalizing a series of workshops with high-ranking individuals such as the president of the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association, the vice president of the trade publication Journal of Commerce, the captain of the U.S. Coast Guard Philadelphia Port and the CEOs of various steamship lines. He was also instrumental in improving WTA’s scholarship program which assists students pursuing degrees in international trade. Joe has been with OHL, for almost thirty years and has served in operations and business development roles for the company.

To obtain a photo of McDermott or to view this release online, please visit http://media.ohl.com/news/2010/01/world-trade-association-philadelphia-chooses-ohl-leader-president.com

About WTA
The World Trade Association of Philadelphia was established in 1931 with the purpose of promoting international trade and currently has 100 volunteer members representing every segment of the maritime industry. Its meetings and seminars, held on a monthly basis, offer extraordinary networking opportunities to members and non-members. For three consecutive years, the association has raised $50,000 to support Autism Speaks and has provided numerous scholarships to young adults pursuing studies in international trade. Incoming directors and the executive board members are installed each September at the annual banquet.