Cassandra Caldwell, a Tulsa, Oklahoma native, is a proud U.S. Navy veteran whose diverse career path reflects a deep commitment to service, infrastructure, and community. Following her honorable discharge, she transitioned into the civilian workforce while pursuing higher education, earning Associate of Science degrees in Legal Studies and Biology. She later advanced her studies in Medical and Molecular Biology at Rogers State University. 

In December 2024, Cassandra was appointed to the newly created role of Government Affairs Manager for the Mississippi River & Tributaries at American Cruise Lines. Before joining ACL, she served as Executive Director of the Arkansas Waterways Commission and previously worked with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's Waterways Program—where she discovered her passion for the nation's inland waterways. Her professional background also includes extensive experience in the medical field and in corporate law, with a focus on contracts, regulatory compliance, and business development. 

Cassandra is a certified Professional Community and Economic Developer and Inland Maritime Port Manager, and a distinguished graduate of Leadership Arkansas Class XVIII. She is a member of the International Association of Maritime and Port Executives and has served on numerous national and regional committees and boards, including: 

  • Arkansas-Oklahoma Port Operators Association 
  • Maritime Transportation Research and Education Center (MarTREC) at the University of Arkansas 
  • National Waterways Conference Navigation Caucus 
  • Inland Rivers Ports and Terminals (Board of Directors & Legislative Committee) 
  • Mississippi Valley Flood Control Association Nominating Committee 
  • American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Council on Water Transportation 
  • Arkansas State Freight Advisory Committee 
  • Governor's Infrastructure Planning Advisory Committee (Arkansas) 

 Cassandra and her husband, Jon, live in Jacksonville, Arkansas, and are proud parents to three grown children. They share their home with a dog and two cats. In her free time, she enjoys kayaking, traveling, painting, playing piano and violin, attending live music events, and mentoring women in recovery.