First female Chair for Belledune Port Authority

BPA President & CEO, Denis Caron commented: “We are very excited to have Ms. Keeley as Chair of the Board. With her knowledge and experience, we know she will be successful in the role and continue to bring great leadership to the Board.”

According to the BPA, Keeley part of a movement seeing more women occupying executive roles on serving boards. An article published by CBC News, between 2014 and 2017, noted that ‘the percentage of women on Canadian corporate boards has gone up to 14% from 11% three years ago.’ (The Canadian Press, 2017). Although that statistic is still quite low and slow to increase, it is encouraging to see it growing. A study called “Women in Business: the Value of Diversity” conducted a thorough overlook of corporations in the US, UK, and India, and in each found that having women in leadership roles often leads to better performance by companies.

The BPA has reportedly made considerable strides in becoming more progressive with their business operations. In May this year, the BPA signed a historic protocol with the Mi’gmaq communities around the region for a Relationship and Engagement Consultation for projects being considered at the port, as it is located on unceded traditional land.

The port also announced this year that it is now shipping 24 different products, and in July 2018, broke the record for the most tonnage handled at the port in one month. The port is also in the works of expanding on opportunities and are working on possible projects for the site.

The newly-appointed Chair, Danika Keeley, commented on her recent appointment. She said: “I am fortunate to be part of a group of highly talented professionals representing the various regions of Northern New Brunswick who are working together to ensure the good governance of the Belledune Port Authority. I am thankful for this opportunity, proud to be one of the Women of Transport and honoured to have been selected to serve as Chairperson of the Board of Directors.”

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/ports-terminals/14092018/first-female-chair-for-belledune-port-authority/