Ports Association of Louisiana - Executive Director
Jennifer L. Marusak was named the executive director of the Ports Association of Louisiana in October 2018.
In addition to joining the association management team, Marusak leads PAL’s governmental affairs and lobbying efforts. She is also tasked with partnering with the local port representatives to implement an effective grassroots strategy that will showcase Louisiana ports to the Legislature and community stakeholders.
Marusak earned the designation of Certified Port Executive in 2018.
Marusak was previously vice president of governmental affairs for the Louisiana State Medical Society (LSMS). In that role, she headed the lobbying and grassroots advocacy efforts for more than 7,000 physicians across the state and served as the executive director for LAMPAC, the political arm of the LSMS.
Upon Governor John Bel Edwards’ appointments, Marusak also previously served on the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council and the Prescription Monitoring Program Advisory Council.
She also owns and operates On Track with Marusak, the longest operating online news clipping service in the state.
The Natchitoches native holds a bachelor of art’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in mass communication from the University of Louisiana-Monroe (formerly Northeast Louisiana University).
Previously, Marusak was the spokesperson and chief lobbyist for Driving Louisiana Forward, a coalition of business organizations across Louisiana advocating for better intermodal infrastructure. She also formerly served as confidential assistant, press secretary and legislative affairs director for both Secretary of State Al Ater and Secretary of State Fox McKeithen, executive director of the Louisiana River Pilots Association, legislative affairs director and communications director for former Governor Mike Foster, and as government and infrastructure vice president and communications director for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce.
Jennifer also served on the Louisiana State Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Board of Directors for 13 years, two of those as chair.