Port People: Halifax, Greater Lafourche, Vancouver USA
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The Government of Canada has appointed business leader and philanthropist Jim Spatz to serve as its representative on the board of directors of the Halifax Port Authority.
After 13 years as a medical doctor, Mr. Spatz became chairman and CEO of Southwest Properties Limited, one of Atlantic Canada’s leading real estate development firms. He serves on the boards of the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee, Blue Line Innovations Incorporated and the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank. He is a Life Director of Neptune Theatre. He is a past member and former chair of the board of governors for Dalhousie University. He currently sits on the National Executive Committee for the 2017 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.
"Jim Spatz is a tremendous addition to the HPA board of directors," said Port Authority Chair David Henderson. "He is a community leader with experience in business, arts, culture, education, and charitable causes. The maritime community and the larger business community are fortunate to have such an individual taking on this role."
Port authority board members are appointed to three-year terms - one each by the federal, provincial and municipal governments and four representing port users. The others are Vice Chair Hector Jacques O.C. and directors Ted Larsen, Lantz Siteman and Tom Hayes.
Jim Spatz
Photo/Halifax Port Authority
Rodney Gisclair Sworn in as Greater Lafourche Port Commissioner
Retired marine industry manager Rodney Gisclair, Sr., was sworn in May 11 as a member of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission board. Mr. Gisclair was elected April 9 by voters in the 10th Ward of Lafourche Parish in a special election to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Commissioner Donald Vizer.
The nine member board governs Port Fourchon and the South Lafourche Airport.
Mr. Gisclair retired in 2015 after 38 years in management level positions with Montico Offshore Inc. Earlier, he operated an oyster fishing business.
"Rodney is going to be a great addition to our board," said Board President Perry Gisclair. "He is recently retired from a decades-long career in the marine industry and has an inside perspective on how we can support our local businesses for the betterment of our port and our community."
Greater Lafourche port commissioners are elected to six-year terms. Mr. Gisclair will hold the seat for the remainder of the board's 2013-2018 term.
New Greater Lafourche Port Commission board member Rodney Gisclair, Sr., (left) is sworn in by GLPC Legal Counsel Bryce Autin. Seated at the table is Port Fourchon Executive Director Chett Chiasson
Photo/Port Fourchon
Vancouver USA Board Appoints Julianna Marler Interim Port CEO
The board of commissioners of the Port of Vancouver USA has appointed Julianna Marler the port’s interim CEO, effective May 20. Current CEO Todd Coleman departs the port on May 19.
"Julianna has exactly the skills we need right now," said port commission President Jerry Oliver. "She is a well-respected leader with the right perspective for the projects and issues at hand, and she has the support of the port’s leadership team. I have every confidence in her ability to keep us moving forward."
Ms. Marler joined the port in September 2008 as senior manager of contracts and was named chief financial and administrative officer in October 2014. As CFAO, her duties include developing and establishing business policies; overall operational and budget responsibility for administration, contracts, information technology, finance and accounting; and ensuring that all activities and operations are performed in compliance with local, state and federal regulations and laws governing port operations.
Earlier, she worked nine years for the City of Vancouver.
The commissioners also directed staff during the meeting to initiate the search for a new CEO. According to the port, the process could take three to six months and might entail hiring a recruiting firm.
Julianna Marler
Photo/Port of Vancouver USA
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