Board of Directors:
The Board of Directors consists of seven members. Director appointments come from the Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments. The remaining four appointments are made by the Minister of Transport with input from the Port Advisory Nominating Committee.
The Port Advisory Nominating Committee consists of seven members selected by businesses within the four “User Group” categories as stipulated in the Port Authority’s Letters Patent.
The Board is responsible for the management of the activities of the Authority. The Board of Directors hires a President/CEO to manage the day-to-day administrative and operational activities of the Port. The Port Authority is mandated to be ‘self-sufficient’, while satisfying the needs of users at a reasonable cost; maintaining a high level of safety and environmental protection; and managing the marine infrastructure and services in a commercial manner.

Shelley Chrest
Chair
Term: Sep 07, 2018 - Sep 06, 2021
Ms. Chrest, appointed by the Minister of Transport, is a seasoned lawyer with expertise in dispute resolution and mediation with experience understanding complex legislation and strategic policy. She is also greatly involved in our community. Highlights of her current community involvement include:
• Director of the Alberni Valley Hospice Society
• Member of the Alberni-Clayoquot Advisory Planning Committee
• Vice-Chair of the National News Media Council
Additionally, Ms. Chrest has been the Chair of the BC Press Council; Co-Chair of the Provincial Child Care Council; and Director of West Coast LEAF.

Jeff Cook
Vice Chair
Term: Sep 09, 2018 - Sep 08, 2021
Mr. Cook is very well-known in Port Alberni and throughout the region for his work on behalf of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations and as a volunteer for many community groups. Some highlights of Mr. Cook’s success and community involvement includes:
• Elected Chief Councillor of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations (2011-2015)
• Creating a positive working relationship and development of a Protocol Agreement between the Huu-ay-aht First Nations and PAPA to collaborate on the development of the proposed Port Alberni Transshipment Hub (PATH)
• Negotiating an agreement with Steelhead LNG to explore an LNG plant and shipping port within Huu-ay-aht First Nations’ Treaty Settlement Lands
• Recording Secretary, Port Alberni Toy Run Society
• Director, Alberni Community Women’s Society

Allan Haggard
Board of Director
Term: Jun 25, 2020 - Jun 24, 2022
Mr. Haggard has a vast array of construction experience with a number of marine and industrial-related projects. Examples of such projects include:
• Development of new container terminal at Centerm in Vancouver
• Installation of site services for Vancouver Ship Yard in North Vancouver
• Construction of a Reef Point Marina in Port Moody
Throughout his career in construction management Mr. Haggard has liaised with Ministry of Environment, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, First Nations, Coast Guard and various municipal officials.

Dennis Jonsson
Board of Director
Term: Jun 25, 2020 - Jun 24, 2022
Mr. Jonsson is a well-known Port Alberni businessman, having owned a General Motors dealership for 27 years. During his involvement with the dealership Mr. Jonsson led the construction of a larger, new facility that is still operating today and served as a director on the General Motors British Columbia Marketing Advisory Board. He was actively involved in a number of community volunteer activities such as:
• 20 years’ experience with Sproat Lake Fire Department
• City of Port Alberni Harbour Quay Committee
• BC Assessment Court of Revision
• Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce

Cynthia Dick
Board of Director
Term: Oct 24, 2021 - Oct 24, 2024
Ms. Dick is a member of the Tseshaht First Nation and has been appointed by the Province of BC. She brings her vision to continue the work of creating a brighter future for the community and future generations. Ms. Dick believes that through more community engagement she will be able to work towards common goals and visions on behalf of Tseshaht people. As the proud mother of a young daughter she holds value in creating a better place for future generations as her highest motivation.
In addition to her cultural and professional perspectives, Ms. Dick’s formal education includes a degree in Sociology and Psychology and Certificate in Management Skills for Supervisors from Vancouver Island University which contributes a unique perspective to board discussions.

Arne Elias
Board of Director
Term: Jul 01, 2021 - Jun 30, 2024
Mr. Elias, appointed to the Board by the City of Port Alberni, is well-known locally as the Vice Chair of the Air Quality Society and President of the Marine Rescue Society. Furthermore, he has an impressive background in the marine, transportation and resource management sectors with a PhD and an MBA from the University of British Columbia. With a focus on sustainability, Dr. Elias has conducted a number of important studies and participated in numerous initiatives within these sectors including:
• Marine sector academic research for Port of Vancouver, the cruise industry and the Neptune undersea project
• Strategic advisor on sustainable energy for Blue Energy Canada tidal generation corporation
• Founding of Canada’s National Cycling Federation and initiated the current National Active Transportation Strategy
• Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games’ Transportation Demand Management (TDM) study and transportation action plan
• Produced many trucking studies, conferences, and technical and keynote talks, on the future of transportation
• North American Super Corridor Coalition (NASCO)
Management :
None

Zoran Knezevic
President / CEO

Mike Carter
Vice President of Operations

Leslie Martin
Director of Finance

Cecilia Addy
Manager Marina and Dock+ Operations

Lisa Scherbarth
Manager of Administration and Properties

Kate Smith
Manager of Public Relations and Global Affairs

Heather Newton
Manager Campground and Marina Facilities

Marissa Olson
Corporate-Executive Secretary

Carmela Ferro
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Staff:

Jenifer Hirmer
Marina Coordinator

Brenda Caldwell
Marina Coordinator

Angie Taylor
Marina Coordinator
