Ashley Letson
Chesapeake,USA
Summary
Strategic operations professional with 16 years of experience pursuing a Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) leadership role. Demonstrates strong management and administrative expertise in fostering a culture of safety and regulatory compliance. Leads cross-functional teams in driving continuous improvement while ensuring budget discipline and effective ILA relations.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Operations Manager
Port of Virginia
Norfolk, USA
11.2020 - Current
- Organized and coordinated daily operations to maintain workflow efficiency, promote safe work practices, and consistently exceed internal performance goals.
- Managed daily equipment issues and shortages while ensuring safe operating conditions and adherence to terminal safety standards and environmental regulations.
- Collaborated with CBP, MNR, ship lines, and internal divisions to meet daily operational demands while maintaining regulatory compliance, cargo security, and environmental requirements.
- Partnered with the VIT Customs Internal Team and Cargo Systems Team to streamline operational processes, reduce inefficiencies, and support compliance-driven improvements.
- Led cross-functional collaboration with Cargo Operations, Cargo Systems, Billing, Rates, and IT teams to modernize cargo processes, improve sustainability, strengthen compliance, reduce operational risk, and eliminate systemic inefficiencies and revenue loss.
- Actively supporting enterprise system implementation (Navis 4.0-Cargo) alongside IT, programmers, Sales, and Billing to deploy a compliant, auditable rating system for OOG customers, ensuring operational continuity and change-management alignment.
- Recognized as a trusted operational leader capable of stepping into any functional area to stabilize operations, reinforce safety expectations, and guide teams through complex operational challenges.
Operations Manager/Accounting
Marine Forwarding Co of VA
Chesapeake, USA
10.2011 - 11.2020
- Managed equipment, systematic, and employee HR needs to support operational efficiency.
- Worked with Customs, FDA, USDA, and EPA regarding all Import and Export shipments.
- Coordinated with clients, shippers, and carriers to ensure seamless shipping details across trucking, vessels, and rail.
- Complied with DOT and IMDG Regulations.
- Maintained company financial records accurately.
- Maintained data management system for tracking shipments and introduced new programs to enhance productivity.
Education
Bachelor of Medical Science -
OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY
Norfolk, VA12-2026
Skills
- Interpersonal communication
- Navis and SPARCS expertise
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Problem-solving abilities
- Leadership qualities
- Team collaboration
- Problem solving
- Leadership skills
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Organizational abilities
- Composure under stress
- Recruitment training
- Project management
Certification
- CIFF
- D.O.T. / Hazmat
- I.A.T.A
- IMDG 49CFR
Hobbies and Interests
- Family
- Beach
- Camping
- Fishing
- Travel
- Volunteering
- Advocacy
Timeline
Assistant Operations Manager
Port of Virginia
11.2020 - Current
Operations Manager/Accounting
Marine Forwarding Co of VA
10.2011 - 11.2020
Bachelor of Medical Science -
OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY