Sylvie Vachon, president and chief executive officer of the Montreal Port Authority, has been named chair of the board of directors of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities (ACPA).

The appointment was announced during the ACPA’s 55th annual conference held in Nanaimo, British Columbia, from August 18 to 21.

“I have been a board member for two years and am pleased to now hold a leadership position that supports and promotes the strategic importance of Canada’s port system to the economy,” Vachon said. “I thank the members of the board for the confidence they have shown in me and promise that I will take on this role with great enthusiasm.”

ACPA was founded in 1958 and groups together ports, harbours and related marine interests into one national association. ACPA represents all Canadian Port Authorities, various government entities, and companies doing business in the marine sector.

It is the leading association for the advocacy and advancement of the Canadian port industry. ACPA members handle more than $162 billion worth of goods annually and contribute significantly to the local, regional and national economy of Canada.