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Logbook PORT 12 | NORTH STAR PORT | SPRING 2025 DeLuca navigates award-winning farewell tour he American Association of Port Authorities presented its 2025 Distinguished Ser- vice Award to Deb DeLuca, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, during the organization's Legislative Summit on March 19 in Washington, D.C. AAPA President and CEO Cary Davis saluted DeLuca for her dedication to advanc- ing the maritime industry and strengthening the Great Lakes port community during her decade-plus in Duluth. DeLuca was recog- nized alongside Congressman Brian Babin of Texas, who earned AAPA Port Person of the Year honors. The event marked the AAPA's largest Legisla- tive Summit to date, bringing together 250 port executives and industry professionals for three days of learning and advocacy on Capitol Hill. For DeLuca, it was the second major award in a span of three weeks. On March 5, The Woman Today and the Duluth News Tribune selected her as recipient of the 2025 Rosie Award for Leadership. Presented annually to a woman who chal- lenges, motivates and inspires others in their field of endeavor, the Rosie Leadership Award is one of six award categories saluting women for outstanding contributions to the Northland community. A committee of past Rosie winners and The Woman Today staff members choose award recipients from a pool of nominees. "This recognition has been extremely kind, flattering and unexpected," said DeLuca, who joined the Port Authority as its govern- ment and environmental affairs director in 2014. Four years later, the Port Author- ity Board of Commissioners appointed her to the executive director role, making her the first woman to serve in that capacity. She will retire from the Port Authority in June 2025. "I'm so thankful for the experiences, people and projects that have shaped my time with the Port Authority. Retirement is bit- tersweet. This role has been the highlight of my career, so I'm sad for the ending of that season in life, but I'm also excited for the start of a new season and new adventures." T