The Prince Rupert Port Authority today welcomed to its Board of Directors Maureen Macarenko, a lifelong Prince Rupert resident and businesswoman with nearly four decades of experience in the shipping and customs industries.
Macarenko will represent both the City of Prince Rupert and the District of Port Edward, filling a vacant role on the Board designated for an appointment made by the municipalities mentioned in the Port Authority's letters patent.
"On behalf of the Board and our staff, I extend sincere congratulations and a warm welcome to Maureen," said Mr. Bud Smith, Chairman of the Board of the Prince Rupert Port Authority. "Her deep roots in the Prince Rupert community, combined with her rich history of involvement in corporate governance, will be valuable as we steer the Port of Prince Rupert through ongoing expansion and into increased global influence."
Macarenko was born and raised in Prince Rupert. She has been involved in the transportation industry for most of her working life, and is past president of G. W. Nickerson Co. Ltd., a deep sea ship agency and custom house brokerage where she worked for over 35 years.
"As a resident, and from my vantage-point in the shipping industry, I have witnessed the fast-growing impact of Prince Rupert's trade gateway," said Ms. Macarenko. "I look forward to the challenge of helping to sustain that trajectory in a way that balances the benefits to our customers, our stakeholders, and our neighbours."
Macarenko possesses a deep sense of community and has been active in several areas of civic responsibility. She is a founding Director and currently President of the Prince Rupert Airport Authority. She is also a Director of BC Ferry Services Inc., and a past president of the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce.
Speaking on behalf of the City of Prince Rupert, Mayor Jack Mussallem noted, "One of the distinctive qualities of Prince Rupert is the collaboration and sense of respect between the City and the Port. The presence of Ms. Macarenko -- a trusted advocate for this community and for business -- on PRPA's Board will strengthen a mutually beneficial relationship."
District of Port Edward Mayor Dave MacDonald observed, "We're going to see awe-inspiring changes in our region over the next years, with positive impacts on jobs, industries, and community life. I am proud to have Ms. Macarenko working to guide that transformation in ways that are healthy and sustainable."
More information about the Port Authority's Board of Directors and its members can be found online at www.rupertport.com/portauthority/directors.