The City of Prince Rupert and District of Port Edward have appointed John Farrell as their chosen director on the board of the Prince Rupert Port Authority.
Farrell is the general manager of Community Futures of the Pacific Northwest, is the outgoing president of the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce, co-chairs the Port Edward Harbour Authority and is the vice-president of Tourism Prince Rupert.
"There were a few factors we were looking at including skills in marketing, an understanding of port activity, an understanding of legal framework and working with different levels of government. John has all of these attributes," said Prince Rupert Mayor Lee Brain, who thanked Macarenko for her service over the past two years.
"His name stood out as someone who is very active in the community," added Mayor Dave MacDonald.
For his part, Farrell said he is looking forward to joining the board of directors of the Prince Rupert Port Authority.
"This is an exciting time for Prince Rupert and for the Prince Rupert Port Authority. I am honoured and excited to play a role in the growth of one of the fastest growing container ports in North America," he said.
"I have lived in both Prince Rupert and Port Edward, grown my family and businesses here. I believe deeply in the growth and potential of the North Coast and have aligned my career choices, leadership initiatives and volunteer commitments to realizing that vision ... the board's job is to provide governance and oversight of the Prince Rupert Port Authority. That will be my priority. And as an appointee for the City of Prince Rupert and the District of Port Edward I will bring forward the communities aspirations and concerns to the Board table."
Farrell will replace outgoing port authority director Maureen Macarenko, who was appointed to the position by both Prince Rupert and Port Edward councils in March 2013.
"At this time council felt John was the best fit ... I feel confident our communities will be well represented with John as a director."