Port People: Florida, Freeport, Vancouver USA

Florida Ports Council Names Jessie Werner as Vice President of Public Affairs

The Florida Ports Council announced that Jessie Werner has been named Vice President of Public Affairs, responsible for all facets of communications and marketing for the Council.

Werner brings more than a decade of communications and public affairs experience to the Florida Ports Council. She comes from the Coalition for College Cost Savings (The Coalition), where she served as the Director of Programs and Communication. There, she was responsible for communication strategies and marketing programs that promoted the collaborative efforts of private higher education institutions nationwide.

"Werner’s background and experience will be critical in our outreach efforts to promote Florida’s dynamic system of seaports, as well as educating Florida’s leadership and public about the significant economic benefits ports bring," said Doug Wheeler, president and CEO of the Florida Ports Council.

Earlier in her career, Werner focused on client acquisition efforts for Wade Trim, a civil engineering, planning and surveying firm in Tampa. Her previous work has also included developing advertising campaigns for Gambit Weekly, a local newspaper in New Orleans, and creating freelance graphic design projects through J. Werner Design.

Werner received her bachelor's degree in Integrated Strategic Communication with an emphasis on Advertising and Marketing from the University of Kentucky and holds a Graphic Design degree from The Art Institute of Tennessee-Nashville. She lives in Tallahassee with her husband and their two sons.

Port Freeport Director of Operations, Al Durel, and Brazos Pilots Association President, Captain Billy Burns, were honored by the U.S. Coast Guard for their service during the events of Hurricane Harvey. Rear Admiral Paul Thomas presented the award to the Greater Houston-Galveston Port Coordination Team at the Lone Star Harbor Safety Committee meeting on February 2, 2018.

Mr. Durel and Captain Burns were also recognized for their service at the February 8, 2018 Port Freeport Commission meeting. "The dedication by both Mr. Durel and Captain Burns to the Port Coordination Team during the preparation for and response to Hurricane Harvey was instrumental in the timely reopening of the Freeport Harbor Channel," said Paul Kresta, Port Freeport Commission Chairman.

The Port Coordination Team is an essential group of area port representatives that work together to keep communication flowing throughout the maritime and industry communities. The team works closely with the U.S. Coast Guard during heavy weather and emergency events to relay critical information both to and from maritime community and industry partners.

Captain Burns has served the Brazos Pilots for 20 years. He began working with the Port Coordination Team upon its establishment in the early 2000s.

Al Durel graduated from the University of New Orleans and has held various positions throughout his career including Ship Superintendent, Vessel Agency, Terminal Operator, Terminal Manager, and Port Captain. Al joined Port Freeport as Director of Operations in 1999 and serves on numerous committees including the PCT – Port Coordination Team, BMAT – Brazosport Marine Action Team and Lone Star Harbor Safety Committee.

Port of Vancouver USA CEO Julianna Marler recognized with 2018 Iris Award

Port of Vancouver USA CEO Julianna Marler is being recognized for exceptional leadership with a 2018 Clark College Iris Award. Marler and three other local women of distinction will be honored at an awards reception on International Women’s Day, March 8.

Throughout her 10 years and in multiple leadership positions with the Port of Vancouver, Marler has helped move the port through challenging times, including organizational growth, economic changes and public and political challenges. She has earned the trust, respect and support of community leaders and port staff, constituents and tenants.

"Through everything the port’s experienced over the last few years, Julianna has been a steadying and uplifting hand, leading the port team, building on our partnerships and keeping everything running smoothly as we grow," said port commission President Eric LaBrant. "We're very fortunate to have her at the helm and proud that she's being recognized for her hard work."

"The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce benefits greatly from the insight and perspective Julianna brings to our Board and we are delighted with the recognition of her with this year’s Iris Award," said Chamber CEO John McDonagh. "Julianna has spent most of her career as one of our community’s quiet leaders, working diligently out of public view but nonetheless contributing significantly to the community during her time with the City of Vancouver and continuing that diligence at the Port of Vancouver."

The Port of Vancouver and its tenants generate $2.9 billion in annual economic benefit, provide 3,200 direct jobs and support an additional 20,000 jobs in the community. Marler leads this economic engine, and the port is improving and marketing industrial land; partnering with sister ports in Clark County to attract more employers and jobs; and partnering with the City of Vancouver to transform the downtown waterfront into a destination for locals and visitors alike.