Brandy D. Christian
Photo / Port of New Orleans
Christian Takes Helm at Port of New Orleans
Brandy D. Christian
Photo / Port of New Orleans
The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans has announced that, effective Jan. 1, 2017, Brandy D. Christian has begun service as the Port’s president and chief executive officer following her two-year tenure as its chief operating officer.
"Brandy is an experienced maritime professional with a strategic mindset and clear focus on actionable goals," said Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners Michael Kearney. "The Board’s competitive national search for a COO was part of an executive succession plan. We had hoped the successful candidate would eventually be able to lead the Port. Brandy exceeded our expectations by quickly understanding our challenges, identifying opportunities to improve efficiencies, and developing a plan for future growth. She is the right person to lead the Port in today’s increasingly competitive environment."
Christian’s credentials include broad maritime experience encompassing cargo and cruise operations. Prior to her service as COO with the Port of New Orleans, she held leadership positions with the Port of San Diego for 14 years, culminating in her role as vice president, strategy and business development. During her tenure with California’s fourth-largest cargo port, Christian was the driving force behind securing major accounts for the cruise and cargo business lines at the Port. She was also instrumental in significantly improving operational processes and reducing costs for the public agency.
"I am honored to build on the Port of New Orleans’ legacy of leadership by embracing growth opportunities and partnering collaboratively with stakeholders locally and throughout the state for our collective benefit," said Christian. "We are capable of achieving great successes, and will need to be both bold and practical to reach our goals. I look forward to meeting the challenge."
Christian is the first woman President and CEO in Port NOLA’s 120-year history and one of the few women port directors in the country. She succeeds Gary LaGrange, who served as president and chief executive officer for the past 15 years.
Port of Coos Bay Hires Margaret Barber as New External Affairs Manager
The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay is pleased to announce Margaret Barber will join the staff as External Affairs Manager. For the past decade, Barber has served in various roles in communications and economic development. Currently, Barber is Community Development Coordinator of Coos and Curry Counties for the CCD Business Development Corporation.
Barber will start at the Port of Coos Bay on Monday, January 9. She will serve as the primary contact for public relations and external affairs matters, manage Port leases, and lead the communications strategy of the Port. Throughout her career, Barber has worked for the Oregon Coast Community Action (ORCCA) where she received over $7 million in grants for ORCCA as a grant writer. She also started her own consulting firm, Margert Barber Consulting, LLC which specialized in project, community, and economic development. As a consultant and CCD’s Community Development Coordinator, Barber has successfully worked with a diverse group of local and state organizations. Barber holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Southern Maine and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Utah.
Barber steps into her role during a transformative period for the Port as we intensity our efforts on development of all Port assets.
"I am thrilled to begin employment with the Port of Coos Bay. The Port has an extensive and rich history in our area, and a crucial impact on our regional economy," said Barber. "I look forward to working with the Port’s dynamic staff and commission."
The Port of Coos Bay welcomes Margaret Barber to the team.