Paula Zorensky, Adams and Reese Government Affairs Advisor and Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA) Vice President, was recognized as one of the Top Women in Maritime for 2024 by MarineLog. A leading maritime industry publication, MarineLog selected 20 exceptional female leaders for their significant contributions to the maritime sector.
Top Women in Maritime honorees were celebrated on Nov. 11 at the Top Women in Maritime awards event held in conjunction with the International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans. They will also be featured in the December issue of MarineLog.
With more than 15 years of experience in the maritime industry, Zorensky has been a pivotal advocate for SCA — the national association representing the U.S. shipbuilding, maintenance, and repair industry. She advocates for shipbuilders, representing them before Congress, the administration, and key stakeholders like the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy. As a lead member of the Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus, she facilitates critical discussions between Congress, the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard officers, and industry leaders on policies impacting the U.S. shipyard industry. In her SCA role, she also engages with a vast list of stakeholders on industry trends and challenges.
“I am truly honored to be named one of MarineLog’s Top Women in Maritime for 2024,” said Zorensky. “This recognition highlights the incredible work done across the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry and I am proud to stand alongside so many talented women who are driving innovation and shaping the future of maritime. This award reinforces my commitment to advocating for the industry’s growth and sustainability, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of our nation’s economy and security.”
At Adams and Reese, Zorensky plays a pivotal role as a leading member of the Government Relations team and is based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. She provides strategic counsel to businesses, institutions, nonprofits, advocacy groups, and associations, guiding their grassroots and governmental affairs initiatives at both federal and state levels. Leveraging her background in public relations and her experience as a former analyst for Bloomberg Government, Zorensky brings a deep understanding of Congressional legislative processes, including committee dynamics, procedural strategies, and legislative considerations.
"Paula is a strong advocate for the shipyard industry, exemplifying exceptional leadership through her roles at SCA and Adams and Reese," said Matt Paxton, Adams and Reese DC Office Partner in Charge and SCA President. "With her knowledge of legislative processes and budget cycles, Paula expertly navigates the complexities of federal government relations and intricate government programs. Her insights empower SCA members and maritime clients to make strategic, informed decisions and effectively tackle challenges in public policy and governmental affairs. We proudly congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.”
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Zorensky demonstrates her commitment to the maritime community through her role as Treasurer of the DC Chapter of the International Propeller Club. She also contributed her expertise as a member of the 2021 National Maritime Awards Committee, supporting the National Maritime Historical Society, the National Coast Guard Museum Association, and the Naval Historical Foundation. In this capacity, she helped honor distinguished service members from the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine, and the Coast Guard Aviation Association.
Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA) members constitute the shipyard industrial base that builds, repairs, maintains and modernizes U.S. Navy ships and craft, U.S. Coast Guard vessels of all sizes, as well as vessels for other U.S. government agencies. In addition, SCA members build, repair and service America's fleet of commercial vessels. The Council represents 40 companies that own and operate over 80 shipyards, with facilities on all three U.S. coasts, the Great Lakes, the inland waterways system, Alaska and Hawaii. SCA also represents 87 partner members that provide goods and services to the shipyard industry.
Adams and Reese, founded in 1951, is a multidisciplinary law firm with more than 320 attorneys and advisors strategically located throughout the United States and Washington, DC. Adams and Reese ranks among the nation’s top law firms, included in the Am Law 200, NLJ 500, and Law360 Top 400.