The Board of Directors is responsible for governing the activities of the Port Authority.

As a federal entity responsible for port operations on behalf of the federal government, the Port Alberni Port Authority (PAPA) is committed to ensuring that its operations, business practices, and partnerships, reflect its commitment to sustainable and transparent business practices reflecting the public interest. Part of this commitment is ensuring good governance practices.
The PAPA board of directors is responsible for governance and strategic oversight of the port authority, including through hiring and managing the role of the CEO/President, and engaging in financial and risk assessment oversight of port authority operations.
The board of directors is comprised of up to seven directors, appointed by all levels of government: federal, provincial, and municipal. Two of the seven directors are appointed by the federal government based on recommendations made by user-groups made up of members of the local and regional business community.
Board directors are chosen for their extensive business and professional experience and skills in several areas, including, community relations, environmental management, finance, human resources, forestry, governance, marine transportation, public policy, and risk management.

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
Shelley Chrest has served as the federally appointed director on the PAPA Board since 2019; for the last five years in the capacity of Board Chair.

Shelley’s governance experience is as a director, chair and vice-chair, of public and non-profit boards, including a national news media board and a provincial public transportation related board.

Shelley Chrest is a chartered mediator, a lawyer, and an arbitrator. Shelley’s work experience includes mediating individual and group disputes and adjudicating local government bylaw and land use issues. She also assists groups and organizations in developing policies and best practices reflecting regulatory and statutory obligations.

Shelley’s educational background includes a Juris Doctor degree, and a Master of Laws degree, as well as extensive dispute resolution training.

Jeff Cook
Jeff Cook Vice Chair
Jeff Cook is recognized for his decades of service to the Huu-ay-aht First Nations and his dedicated volunteer work with numerous community organizations. Mr. Cook has served as a valued member of the Port Alberni Port Authority Board, representing one of the port’s key user groups since 2018. A Hereditary Chief of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Mr. Cook brings a wealth of experience in community leadership, governance, and collaboration. His work has consistently bridged relationships between First Nations, local government, and regional stakeholders, ensuring that diverse voices are represented in decision-making. Beyond his board responsibilities, he is an active member of the Rotary Club of Port Alberni and regularly contributes his time and expertise to organizing and supporting community events, cultural initiatives, and economic development projects. Mr. Cook’s deep connection to the area, coupled with his ongoing commitment to service, has made him an influential advocate for both the maritime sector and the broader Alberni Valley community.
Arne Elias
Arne EliasDirector
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.
Ken Mcrae
Ken McraeDirector
Mr. Mcrae was appointed by the Provincial Government. He is well-known locally as the former elected mayor of Port Alberni from 2001 – 2011, and has previously served on our board. Since then, he’s served as a Director on the board for the Island Corridor Foundation, Upnit Power Corporation and Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICE-T).
YOU?
YOU?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.