Port People: Montreal, New Orleans, Portland

 

Montreal Port Authority (MPA) President and CEO Sylvie Vachon was pleased to award the famous Gold-Headed Cane to Captain Rakesh Kumar, an Indian national, Master of the Ottawa Express, the first ocean-going vessel to reach the Port of Montreal without a stopover in 2018. The Ottawa Express left the Port of Liverpool, England, on December 21, 2017. It crossed the Port of Montreal's limits on January 1, 2018 at 11:55.

 

"I want to congratulate Captain Rakesh Kumar and the entire crew of the Ottawa Express, who braved the ice and cold on the St. Lawrence River to make it safely to their destination. The arrival of Captain Kumar and his container ship is a great reminder at the start of this new year that container handling is part of the Port of Montreal's DNA and has been growing here for over 50 years," said Ms. Vachon.

 

The Gold-Headed Cane Ceremony, a tradition for 179 years, kicks off a new year of activity at the Port of Montreal. In the past, the first ship arrived at the Port in the early spring, after the break-up and thawing of ice on the St. Lawrence River. In present times, awarding the Gold-Headed Cane is a reminder that the Port of Montreal has been open year round since 1964.

 

 

Port of New Orleans President and CEO Brandy D. Christian has been appointed to the Trade and Transportation Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. The council is designed to provide insights into key economic information related to transportation and the domestic and international trade sectors in the Sixth Federal Reserve District. Representatives are chosen for their extensive knowledge in areas including trucking, rail, maritime shipping, ports and air cargo.

 

"It is an honor to represent the Port of New Orleans and share perspective on maritime trends and potential impacts to the economy," said Christian. "I look forward to working with the council members to provide trade and transportation information in support of the Atlanta Fed’s mission."

The council assists in the bank’s assessment of economic conditions by providing an important channel of communication between the bank and key constituents in the region’s business community.

 

The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta is part of the central bank of the United States. The Federal Reserve System consists of twelve Reserve Banks located around the country, as well as the Board of Governors in Washington, D.C. The Atlanta Fed territory covers the Sixth Federal Reserve District, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and portions of Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

 

The Sixth District is headquartered in Atlanta with branches in Birmingham, Jacksonville, Miami, Nashville and New Orleans. Through its six branch offices, the Atlanta Fed plays an important role in the nation’s payment system by providing financial services, which include distributing currency and coin to banks, savings and loans, and other depository institutions, and processing electronic payments.

 

 

Governor Kate Brown has appointed Alice Cuprill-Comas as Port of Portland Commission President, effective Dec. 27. Cuprill-Comas is senior vice president and general counsel for Oregon Health & Science University, and she replaces Jim Carter who completed an eight-year term as Commission President, and who agreed to remain as a commissioner until his replacement is selected. 

 

"I sincerely appreciate Jim Carter’s years of service, and welcome Alice Cuprill-Comas to the Port of Portland Commission," Governor Brown said. "The Port Commission plays a key role in propelling statewide economic prosperity, and Alice’s visionary leadership will help ensure our marine ports and air terminals continue to meet the needs of Oregonians in the competitive, global economy."

 

Before joining OHSU in November 2012, Cuprill-Comas was in private practice for more than 15 years, most recently as a partner at Ater Wynne, LLC in Portland. She has also served as general counsel to Prometheus Energy Company, an alternative fuels company with international operations headquartered in Seattle. Originally from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Cuprill-Comas earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree with honors from the University of Texas in Austin in 1992, and a Juris Doctor from Lewis & Clark in Portland in 1994.

 

"It’s an honor to lead the Port Commission at a time when the organization is facing so many exciting opportunities," Cuprill-Comas said. "From a major airport expansion, to Portland Harbor Superfund cleanup and our marine future, these are complex issues that can make a difference in quality of life for families in our region."

 

"On behalf of all of us at the Port of Portland, we thank Jim Carter for his tremendous leadership over the years," said Curtis Robinhold, Port executive director. "Jim presided over important opportunities for the Port with a thoughtful approach and keen guidance that benefits the thousands of people who rely on our airports, marine terminals and business parks every day."