Port Saint John Announces New Appointments to Board of Directors

Chris MacDonald, Charlene Hayes, Charlie Harling, and Nicole Paquet step into new three-year Board roles

For Immediate Release

Saint John, NB (June 16, 2026) — Port Saint John is pleased to announce the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors, adding depth of experience and strengthening governance during a period of growth and transformation for the gateway. Chris MacDonald, Charlene Hayes, Charlie Harling, and Nicole Paquet have been appointed to three-year terms on the Port’s board, effective this spring.

The appointments include directors named through federal and provincial processes, reflecting the governance framework established under the Canada Marine Act.

The incoming directors bring significant experience across governance, public affairs, leadership, economic development, and stakeholder engagement, supporting the Board’s role in providing oversight and direction for one of Canada’s rapidly advancing trade gateways.

These appointments support continuity and effective governance as Port Saint John continues to build on its momentum and deliver on its long-term vision for sustainable growth and trade-enabling infrastructure.

“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.”

Port Saint John thanks its outgoing directors- Shelley Rinehart, Thomas O’Neil, and Shilo Boucher for their dedicated service and valuable contributions over their respective terms.

The Saint John Port Authority Board of Directors is composed of seven members: five federal appointees, one provincial appointee, and one member appointed by the City of Saint John.

Port Saint John Media Contact

Becky Knox
Manager, Public Affairs & Executive Communications
bknox@sjport.com

About Port Saint John

Port Saint John is a rapidly advancing Port, striving to be a catalyst for growth and recognized for community leadership. A critical part of Canada’s national supply chain, the Port has a diverse cargo base and unparalleled flexibility through three Class I Railways. By championing innovation, promoting meaningful engagement, and investing in infrastructure, Port Saint John aims to be a safe, efficient port of choice while delivering economic prosperity in New Brunswick and beyond. 

About Chris MacDonald

Chris MacDonald is the retired Vice-President, Government Relations, of J.D. Irving, Limited, with more than 30 years of experience in legal counsel, government relations, and stakeholder engagement. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Saint John Airport and brings significant governance and transportation supply chain expertise to Port Saint John’s Board. Mr. MacDonald was appointed on May 26, 2026, by the Government of Canada.

About Charlene Hayes

Charlene Hayes is the Special Assistant to the Honourable Frank McKenna, with a background spanning high-level leadership environments, community organizing, and non-profit leadership. Her career reflects strong national connections, broad community insight, and extensive experience delivering complex initiatives. Ms. Hayes was appointed on June 2, 2026, by the Government of Canada.

About Charlie Harling

Charlie Harling is the Founder and CEO of Harling Management Group, where he provides executive business development advisory services to leading public and private sector enterprises. Mr. Harling’s background includes executive sales roles with Bell Canada and driving economic development priorities in the Office of the Premier of New Brunswick. A champion of entrepreneurship and innovation, Mr. Harling is actively involved in the start-up and angel investment communities, boasts extensive governance experience, and is a certified corporate director. Mr. Harling was appointed by the Government of Canada on June 11, 2026.

About Nicole Paquet

Nicole Paquet is Founder of NPL Advisory and a strategy, leadership, and transformation advisor with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations navigate complex change. Her work spans the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, with expertise in strategic planning, governance, organizational transformation, and stakeholder engagement. Ms. Paquet was appointed on June 8, 2026, by the Government of New Brunswick.