The Board of Directors is responsible for the management of the activities of the Authority.

The Board of Directors consists of seven members, they hire 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.

For a list of the current members of the Board of Directors please scroll down.

If you have interest in participating on the Board of Directors, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page.

Meet Our Board

Our current members of the Board of Directors.

Shelley Chrest
Shelley ChrestChair
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.
Jeff Cook
Jeff Cook Vice Chair
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.
Cynthia Dick
Cynthia DickBoard of Director
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.
Arne Elias
Arne EliasBoard of Director
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.
YOU?
YOU?Board of Director
If you could see yourself in this role scroll down to learn how to become a member on our Board of Directors.

We know that our country is stronger – and our government more effective – when decision-makers reflect Canada’s diversity. The Government of Canada has implemented an appointment process that is transparent and merit-based, strives for gender parity, and seeks to ensure that Indigenous peoples and minority groups are properly represented in positions of leadership.

How to become a member of the Board of Directors of the Port Alberni Port Authority

We know that our country is stronger – and our government more effective – when decision-makers reflect Canada’s diversity. The Government of Canada has implemented an appointment process that is transparent and merit-based, strives for gender parity, and seeks to ensure that Indigenous peoples and minority groups are properly represented in positions of leadership.

The Board of Directors consists of seven members.

  1. One Director is appointed by the Federal Minister. Applications for Federal Governor in Council appointed positions can be made here.
  2. One Director is appointed by the Province of BC. Applications for the Provincial Appointee can be made here.
  3. One Director is appointed by the City of Port Alberni.
  4. The remaining four Directors are appointed by the Governor in Council, who are nominated by the Minister, in consultation with the Port Advisory Nominating Committee (PANC). The following text explains how this process works.

When a vacancy arises on the Board of Directors in the last category, advertisements containing a Call for Nominees in the User Group Director category are placed in local print and online media.

Candidates are required to submit a Nomination Application form (below), along with a Cover Letter and a Resume by the stated nomination deadline.

PANC will meet to review all applications received and validate that the candidates are eligible and that their applications meet the format requirements as set by the Port Alberni Port Authority’s Letters Patent.

After the nomination period has closed, PANC informs candidates that they are qualified, then sends their recommendations to the Minister of Transport for review. When the Minister has made a decision, the PANC will be informed, and will in turn advise each nominated individual of the results.

The following individuals may not be directors of a Port Authority:

  1. an individual who is a mayor, councillor, officer or employee of a municipality mentioned in the Letters Patent;
  2. an individual who is a member of the legislature of a province, or an officer or employee of the public service or of a Crown corporation of a province, mentioned in the Letters Patent;
  3. a Senator or a member of the House of Commons;
  4. an officer or employee of the federal public administration, a federal Crown corporation or a port authority;
  5. an individual who is not a resident Canadian, as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Canada Business Corporations Act;
  6. an individual who is a director, officer or employee of a person who is a user of the port;
  7. an individual who is under eighteen years of age;
  8. an individual who has been declared mentally incompetent by a court in Canada or elsewhere; or
  9. an undischarged bankrupt.