As we head into the busy summer shipping and cruise season of June 2026, the Saint John business landscape continues to evolve. At the heart of our region’s economic engine is Port Saint John, which has just announced a significant update to its governance team to help steer the gateway through its next phase of growth.

New Leadership for a Growing Gateway

Port Saint John has officially announced the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors. Each appointee will serve a three-year term, bringing a wealth of experience in governance, public affairs, economic development, and stakeholder engagement. These appointments come at a crucial time as the port continues to build on its momentum as one of Canada’s rapidly advancing trade gateways.

“On behalf of the Board, I’m pleased to welcome these new directors to Port Saint John,” said Jack Keir, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Their experience and perspectives will be a real asset as we continue to support the Port’s strategic direction and long-term success.”

Meet the New Appointees

The incoming directors were named through both federal and provincial processes, reflecting the collaborative governance framework established under the Canada Marine Act. The new members include:

• Chris MacDonald: Appointed by the Government of Canada, MacDonald is the retired Vice-President of Government Relations at J.D. Irving, Limited. He brings over 30 years of experience in legal counsel and stakeholder engagement, and currently serves on the Saint John Airport Board of Directors.
• Charlene Hayes: Also appointed federally, Hayes serves as the Special Assistant to the Honourable Frank McKenna. Her background spans high-level leadership environments, community organizing, and non-profit leadership.
• Charlie Harling: A federal appointee, Harling is the Founder and CEO of Harling Management Group. With executive sales experience at Bell Canada and a history of driving economic development in the Office of the Premier of New Brunswick, he is a strong champion of entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Nicole Paquet: Appointed by the Government of New Brunswick, Paquet is the Founder of NPL Advisory. She brings over 25 years of experience as a strategy, leadership, and transformation advisor across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.

Looking Ahead

As the new members step into their roles, Port Saint John also extended its gratitude to outgoing directors Shelley Rinehart, Thomas O’Neil, and Shilo Boucher for their dedicated service. The continuous evolution of the board ensures that the port remains a catalyst for growth, community leadership, and economic prosperity in New Brunswick.

For more details on the appointments, you can read the official announcement from Port Saint John.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the new members of the Port Saint John Board of Directors?

The new board members are Chris MacDonald, Charlene Hayes, Charlie Harling, and Nicole Paquet.

How long is the term for a Port Saint John Board Director?

Each newly appointed director will serve a three-year term.

How is the Port Saint John Board of Directors structured?

The Board is composed of seven members in total: five are appointed by the federal government, one by the provincial government, and one by the City of Saint John.