AARON J KELLEY

Aaron has been with the company since 2015.  He holds the title of Director of Business Development.  He works closely with new and existing clients, agents, and government agencies to assure continuity throughout the planning and implementation process.

Born in Cincinnati, OH and raised in Portsmouth, VA, Aaron holds a BA from Old Dominion University and an MBA from Regent University. 

Prior to entering the shipping world, he spent time developing small businesses in the Czech Republic and other countries along Eastern Europe. He spent 10 years in the banking industry and furthered his knowledge at the University of Virginia while also pursuing interests in Economic Development (University of Oklahoma). 

He also holds a UAS FAA pilots license which he operates Open Air Optics LLC, a subsidiary of Tidewater Global.  It is not uncommon to see him with his drones or underwater ROV during ship loading and discharging.  Aaron is also certified in Concrete and Masonry, Commercial Real Estate and Beach Replenishment. 

He spent time serving his community by sitting on local boards and commissions; including:  Local economic development authorities, Port and Industrial committees, Virginia State Bar Assoc. disciplinary action committee, and creating his own historical 501c the Portsmouth Heritage Initiative.