Jim Athanasiou was named President and CEO of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) in July 2024, after holding several senior executive positions in the organization.

Jim’s educational background includes engineering and management studies, and prior to joining the Seaway in 2008, he worked in the pulp and paper industry.

His leadership is currently focused on growth and ensuring the long-term viability of the St. Lawrence Seaway and the many partners and stakeholders who depend on the waterway for their livelihood and their sustainability. 

Sean is the Director, Marine Operations & Harbour Master at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. With over 20 years of experience in the maritime and ports industry, he is a recognized leader in marine and port operations. Sean is responsible for safe and efficient navigation and environmental protection at Canada’s largest port. He led the implementation of the Active Vessel Traffic Management program and was named a Business in Vancouver Forty Under 40 award recipient in 2025.

Alan Arcand est économiste en chef à Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Canada (MEC). 

Au sein de l’équipe des politiques nationales, il dirige les principales initiatives de recherche nationales de MEC, notamment la production de prévisions économiques, l’élaboration de rapports de politiques et la conception ainsi que la gestion de sondages. Il appuie également les efforts de relations gouvernementales et de mobilisation du public de l’association, et fait régulièrement des présentations à des fabricants, à des décideurs et à d’autres publics clés. 

Avant de se joindre à MEC, Alan a travaillé pendant 20 ans au Conference Board du Canada, où il a occupé plusieurs postes, dont celui de directeur associé du Centre for Municipal Studies. Son parcours témoigne d’une expertise en enjeux économiques municipaux, régionaux et nationaux, avec un accent particulier sur les prévisions économiques et les politiques publiques. 

Alan est titulaire d’une maîtrise ès arts en économie de l’Université Queen’s et d’un baccalauréat ès arts en relations internationales de l’Université de Windsor. 

Diplômé en géologie appliquée, Paul Bird possède une vaste expérience dans la gestion de projets de grande envergure. Ayant joint les rangs de l’APM en 2020 à titre de directeur principal du projet d’expansion à Contrecœur puis de vice-président exécutif au développement commercial et à l’exploitation, il a notamment œuvré à l’obtention des permis environnementaux, de la finalisation du design et de l’ingénierie, du développement d’ententes de partenariats et du début des travaux préparatoires du projet de terminal. Il avait été précédemment responsable pendant près de 10 ans de l’infrastructure pour les secteurs minier, ferroviaire et portuaire chez ArcelorMittal.

Tanya Alvaro est présidente de la Société d’intervention maritime, Est du Canada – Eastern Canada Response Corporation (SIMEC-ECRC). Elle possède une vaste expérience en leadership acquise au sein du gouvernement du Canada, notamment dans le cadre de fonctions occupées à la Marine royale canadienne et à la Garde côtière canadienne. Experte des politiques stratégiques dotée d’une solide expérience dans le secteur maritime, elle se spécialise dans la planification à long terme et la vision organisationnelle. Tanya est titulaire de diplômes d’études supérieures de l’Université Western et du Collège militaire royal du Canada, et elle est diplômée du Programme de sécurité nationale du Collège des Forces canadiennes. 

Frank Montecalvo est vice-président des opérations chez LOGISTEC. Fort de plus de 30 ans d’expérience dans les opérations portuaires et la logistique, il supervise le rendement des terminaux, les initiatives de croissance stratégique et l’excellence opérationnelle en Ontario et dans le Canada atlantique. 

Depuis son arrivée chez Logistec en 2016 à titre de gestionnaire, Ventes et marketing pour l’Ontario et l’Ouest canadien, Frank joue un rôle clé dans l’amélioration du rendement opérationnel et le développement des affaires. En janvier 2021, il a été nommé vice-président des opérations, poste dans lequel il continue de promouvoir l’innovation, la sécurité et la durabilité dans l’ensemble des activités maritimes de l’entreprise. 

Tout au long de sa carrière, Frank s’est consacré à l’amélioration de l’efficacité et de la collaboration dans l’industrie du transport maritime. Son leadership témoigne d’un engagement ferme à renforcer la compétitivité de la région des Grands Lacs et du Saint-Laurent ainsi que l’ensemble de l’écosystème du transport maritime. 

En plus de ses fonctions au sein de l’entreprise, Frank contribue activement à la communauté maritime. Il siège au conseil d’administration du Marine Club depuis 2008, a été élu président en 2021 et siège actuellement au conseil d’administration de l’Ontario Marine Council. 

Alexandre Beauchamp-Parent est président-directeur général de Navigation Desgagnés, où il supervise les activités commerciales d’une flotte de 13 navires de vrac sec opérant sur le fleuve Saint-Laurent, les Grands Lacs, au Canada atlantique ainsi que sur les marchés internationaux.

Depuis son arrivée chez Desgagnés en 2013, il a joué un rôle clé dans la modernisation et la croissance des activités de vrac sec de l’entreprise, notamment par le renouvellement de la flotte, l’optimisation des opérations et l’expansion de sa présence à l’international. Il est activement engagé dans la promotion du transport maritime à courte distance (short sea shipping) comme solution résiliente et durable complémentaire aux réseaux de transport existants. Il collabore étroitement avec les ports, les expéditeurs et les partenaires de l’industrie afin de renforcer le corridor commercial des Grands Lacs–Saint-Laurent et d’accroître la compétitivité, l’efficacité et l’attractivité du transport maritime au sein de l’écosystème logistique canadien.

Avant de se joindre à SNC-Lavalin Capital, Alexandre a participé à la structuration d’investissements en capitaux propres et au financement par emprunt de grands projets de concession dans les secteurs du transport et des infrastructures au Canada et en Europe.

Alexandre est titulaire d’un MBA avec distinction de la London Business School, ainsi que d’une maîtrise et d’un baccalauréat en génie électrique de Polytechnique Montréal.

Drew Dilkens is a lifelong resident of the City of Windsor. He holds business and law degrees from the University of Windsor (called to the bar in 2012) and an M.B.A. from Wayne State University. He received his Doctorate of Business Administration from the International School of Management in Paris, France with a focus on municipal amalgamation in Ontario. He obtained the Chartered Director (C.Dir.) designation from The Directors College (2021), and also holds the professional designation of a Certified Human Resources Leader, along with training certificates from the Canadian Foreign Service Institute, Canadian Securities Institute and Federal Bureau of Investigations in the United States.

Drew Dilkens was elected Mayor of the City of Windsor on October 27, 2014. He was re-elected on October 22, 2018, for his second term, and on October 24, 2022, for his third term. Mayor Dilkens is committed to a program of fiscal discipline, economic diversification, and investment in growth for the City of Windsor. Since being elected, he has continued to focus on improving the city’s infrastructure – including roads and sewers, holding the line on taxes, supporting economic development that creates jobs and attracts investments, and positioning Windsor as a destination of choice for those looking to build homes, careers, and families.

In 2017, Mayor Dilkens presented an 8-Point Plan to address flooding – including a push to expedite completion of the City’s Sewer Master Plan; the $5B plan for the next 50 years of sewer investments received Council approval in 2020. Under Mayor Dilkens’ leadership, significant investments have been made, and master plans approved that guide work for roadways, public transit, active transportation, parks, recreation and culture, public art initiatives, theming and districting, and more. While leading the community through major climate events involving floods and tornadoes, as well as the global pandemic (2020-2022), Mayor Dilkens also spearheaded the “Windsor Works” initiative to develop an economic strategy for Windsor’s future growth. Less than a year after Council adopted the plan, Mayor Dilkens helped secure a monumental investment of $5B for the first domestic EV battery manufacturing facility (NextStar) – the largest investment in Canada’s auto industry, and one of the largest investments in Windsor in a century. The results of that plan are also tied to Windsor attracting and leveraging additional opportunities connected to large-scale infrastructure projects including the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the new Windsor-Essex Acute Care Hospital, and more.

As communities across Ontario and Canada have tackled significant challenges connected to housing and the impacts of homelessness, mental health, and addictions issues, Mayor Dilkens led the City’s establishment of the H4 Homelessness and Housing Help Hub to support vulnerable residents. He was also a key leader in developing the Housing Solutions Made for Windsor plan, and helping to create a robust Downtown Windsor Revitalization strategy.

Deputy Commissioner Mes was appointed in May 2024 and is responsible for all Canadian Coast Guard 
programs and assets, including its fleet of ships, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, operations centres, and 
associated systems. He provides strategic leadership and operational direction, establishes program policy, 
and ensures effective delivery aligned with the priorities of the Canadian Coast Guard, the Department of 
National Defence, and the Government of Canada. In this role, he oversees key services such as fleet 
operations, marine navigation, maritime security, safety management, and emergency preparedness and 
response, including search and rescue, environmental response, and risks posed by hazardous vessels in 
Canadian waters.

Deputy Commissioner Mes is an experienced senior executive with more than 24 years of national and 
international experience in national security and public safety.

Following a career in teaching, he joined the federal public service in 2002 with the Department of Foreign 
Affairs and International Trade as a Counter-Terrorism Policy Officer. He later moved to Transport Canada, 
where he held progressively senior roles, including Director of Marine Security Operations. In 2010, he joined 
the Canadian Coast Guard as Director of Maritime Security and was appointed Senior Director, Operational 
Support in 2015.

From 2017 to 2020, he held several Director General positions at Health Canada. He returned to the Canadian Coast Guard in June 2020 as Director General, Fleet and Maritime Services.

Deputy Commissioner Mes has built strong relationships with domestic, international, and industry partners. 
He also brings significant international experience through his work with the International Maritime 
Organization, the G8, the Organization of American States, various Coast Guard forums, and the Asia-Pacific 
Economic Cooperation.

Anick Métivier cumule plus de 30 ans d’expérience dans le secteur maritime et portuaire. En novembre 2025, il a été nommé président‑directeur général du Port de Trois‑Rivières, après avoir été vice‑président du développement stratégique depuis 2021. Leader reconnu pour son approche mobilisatrice, il a contribué à des projets majeurs comme la modernisation des quais 16 et 17 ainsi qu’au déploiement du plan stratégique Cap sur 2030. Actif au sein de la communauté trifluvienne et de l’Association internationale Villes et Ports, il positionne le Port dans un réseau international tourné vers l’innovation et l’intégration des activités portuaires en milieu urbain. Sa vision : faire du Port de Trois‑Rivières un acteur durable et transformationnel, au cœur d’une ville portuaire ambitieuse et fière et d’un écosystème logistique intelligent et vert. 

Frank Montecalvo is Vice-President of Operations at LOGISTEC. With over 30 years of experience in port operations and logistics, Frank oversees terminal performance, strategic growth initiatives, and operational excellence across Ontario and Atlantic Canada. 

Since joining Logistec in 2016 as Sales & Marketing Manager for Ontario and Western Canada, Frank has played a key role in driving operational performance and business development. In January 2021, he was appointed Vice-President of Operations, where he continues to champion innovation, safety, and sustainability across the company’s marine operations. 

Throughout his career, Frank has been dedicated to advancing efficiency and collaboration across the marine transportation industry. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence region and strengthening the broader marine transportation ecosystem. 

In addition to his corporate role, Frank has been an active contributor to the marine community. He has served on the Marine Club Board since 2008, was elected President in 2021, and currently sits on the Board of the Ontario Marine Council. 

Paul Blomerus dirige l’équipe de Clear Seas dans ses efforts visant à faire progresser la sécurité et la durabilité du transport maritime. Avant de se joindre à l’organisation en 2020, il a occupé divers postes dans l’industrie, notamment en chaîne d’approvisionnement, en développement de produits et en stratégie chez Westport Innovations et Rolls Royce. Dans le cadre de ses activités de consultation, il s’est spécialisé dans l’impact de la technologie sur le secteur des transports et dans la création de grappes d’innovation grâce à la recherche universitaire. Il est titulaire d’un doctorat en sciences de l’ingénierie de l’Université d’Oxford. 

Chris Avery is the President & CEO of the Arctic Gateway Group (AGG), an Indigenous- and community-owned organization that owns and operates the Hudson Bay Railway and the Port of Churchill. Chris is an accomplished executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in the transportation industry. Since his appointment in July 2024, he has championed Churchill and the railway as a critical Canadian infrastructure that unlocks new economic opportunities for northern Manitoba and strengthens national supply chains. Under his leadership AGG has set a vision to be a major port in Canada and a significant set of trade enabling infrastructure in support of our national goals to diversify our trade, become an energy super power, and assert our sovereignty in the North.

As the former President & CEO of Canadian North and First Air, Chris led the successful merger and integration of the two airlines and guided the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, Canadian North was named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies and recognized as Regional Airline of the Year (2022) by Air Transport World. He spent 13 years at WestJet in a variety of senior leadership roles and has also held management positions with Alaska Airlines, Canadian Airlines, and other companies in the travel and transportation sectors.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Economics from Western University and an MBA from the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University and serves on the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Board of Directors.

Hannah Bowlby manages Government Relations & Public Affairs at Algoma Central Corporation and is the Chair of the Ontario Marine Council. Hannah has worked at Algoma since 2012 and in January 2025, she was appointed Chair of the Ontario Marine Council. She leads advocacy initiatives to advance strategic goals, influence policy, and strengthen partnerships that support a resilient, competitive, and sustainable marine sector. In both her roles, she engages with all levels of government, represents industry perspectives on key maritime issues, and oversees external communications.

Mike a été nommé chef de la direction de la Charlottetown Harbour Authority Inc. (CHAI), qui exerce ses activités sous le nom de Port Charlottetown, en mai 2018. Sous sa direction, Port Charlottetown a redéfini le rôle d’un port moderne en misant sur l’aménagement à grande échelle des installations riveraines, l’expérience des visiteurs et une croissance durable. Mike a été un moteur de plus de 50 millions de dollars en projets d’immobilisations dans le secteur riverain du centre-ville de Charlottetown, contribuant à créer un pôle dynamique qui conjugue vitalité commerciale, accès communautaire et attrait culturel. 

Depuis son arrivée à Port Charlottetown, il a dirigé un projet d’agrandissement qui a doublé la capacité d’accostage afin de soutenir la croissance de l’industrie des croisières à Charlottetown. Il demeure au fait des tendances actuelles de l’industrie, avec un intérêt particulier pour les initiatives de décarbonation, notamment l’alimentation électrique à quai, ainsi que pour une croissance opérationnelle durable. Axé sur le service à la clientèle et l’équilibre des besoins des utilisateurs, il est convaincu que les ports doivent se moderniser et s’adapter aux tendances actuelles des industries qu’ils desservent. 

Chef de file reconnu des secteurs du tourisme et du transport maritime au Canada atlantique, Mike a guidé le retour réussi de l’industrie des croisières à Charlottetown et au Canada atlantique après la pandémie. Il a rétabli les relations avec les compagnies de croisières internationales et veillé à ce que le port soit prêt à reprendre ses activités grâce à des opérations sûres, efficaces et respectueuses de l’environnement. Son engagement envers une croissance durable des croisières se reflète dans la stratégie environnementale à long terme de Port Charlottetown, qui concilie possibilités économiques et protection de l’écosystème côtier de l’Île. 

Au-delà des activités portuaires, Mike a appuyé des initiatives qui mettent en valeur l’excellence culinaire et la culture créative de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard, faisant du secteur riverain une destination où les visiteurs peuvent découvrir la cuisine, la musique et l’esprit communautaire authentiques de l’Île. En collaboration avec des partenaires locaux, Port Charlottetown continue d’intégrer le tourisme, le développement économique et la durabilité à tous les aspects de ses activités. 

Fort de plusieurs décennies d’expérience en leadership et animé par une passion pour le développement communautaire, Mike Cochrane demeure déterminé à renforcer la position de Charlottetown comme destination de premier plan pour les croisières et le secteur riverain, reliant les visiteurs du monde entier au cœur et à l’hospitalité de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard. 

Larissa Fenn is Vice President, Corporate Affairs at HOPA Ports, leading a team responsible for strategic initiatives, public affairs, sustainability reporting, corporate governance and culture.

In progressive roles over 14 years, Larissa has helped to define and execute the strategy that has grown HOPA Ports into Ontario’s largest and most dynamic port authority. Her previous experience includes policy and communications management roles in financial services and municipal government.

Larissa holds a B.A. in Political Science from Queen’s University, and an MBA from the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University. A champion for the Great Lakes and vibrant waterfront cities, Larissa serves as a Board Member of the Ontario Marine Council and is former Vice Chair of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton/Burlington, Ontario.

Grantly Franklin is a Canadian diplomat serving as Consul for Political, Economic, and Public Affairs at the Consulate General of Canada in Detroit. A proud graduate of the University of Windsor, he spent ten years on Parliament Hill before joining the foreign service. He has previously served at the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations in New York and the Embassy of Canada to the United States in Washington, D.C.

Grantly works to strengthen Canada-U.S. ties by engaging leaders and policymakers, supporting intergovernmental coordination, and advancing shared priorities on trade, economic competitiveness, and regional cooperation. Outside of work, he is a dad to two young boys, enjoys exploring local cafés, and cheers on the Toronto Raptors whenever his schedule allows.

Daniel-Robert Gooch has served as President and CEO of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities (ACPA) since February 2022. Reporting to ACPA’s Board of Directors, he leads the association’s five-member team and oversees the operations of the national organization representing Canada’s port authorities. He also plays a leading role in engagement with the federal government, industry partners, and the media on issues affecting ACPA and its members. 

Before joining ACPA, Daniel spent 16 years with the Canadian Airports Council (CAC), including 11 years as President. In that role, he led the organization’s Ottawa office, directed government advocacy and industry promotion efforts, and coordinated policy and regulatory initiatives to advance the interests of Canada’s airport sector. 

Daniel brings nearly 30 years of experience in government and industry relations, communications, and marketing, with a particular focus on transportation and aviation. Prior to joining the CAC, he was Publisher and Editor of Commercial Aviation Today, a daily electronic news publication serving airline industry executives worldwide. He also worked in marketing and media relations for U.S. and Canadian clients in the financial services, healthcare, and business-to-business technology sectors. 

Daniel holds a degree in Political Science and History from Concordia University in Montreal. 

Dave is a northeast Ohio native and has more than 30 years of experience in transportation and logistics, including senior level operations and business development positions in trucking, intermodal, and third-party logistics. He joined the Port as Vice-President of Maritime & Logistics in 2010, was promoted to Chief Commercial Officer in 2018, served as Interim President & CEO beginning January 1, 2025, and was named Chief Operating Officer on October 15, 2025. His responsibilities include the strategic management of all aspects of the maritime functions at the Port, including business development and operations. He sits on various local and national maritime and logistics committees and boards focusing on marketing and business development in the cargo industry. He graduated from Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH with a BA in Economics. He and his wife, Julie, have two grown children and after living in southwestern Ohio in the 1990’s, relocated back to northeast Ohio in 2001.

Chief Executive Officer of Ship and Rail Compensation Canada and Administrator of the Ship Fund and the Rail Fund

Caroline Healey is the Chief Executive Officer of Ship and Rail Compensation Canada. She was appointed Administrator of the Ship Fund and Rail Fund in March 2025 for a five-year term. Ship and Rail Compensation Canada is the joint operating name for the two Funds.

She holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) in North American common law from the Université de Montréal, a graduate certificate in Chinese law from the China University of Political Science and Law in Beijing, as well as an MBA and a Bachelor of Civil Law (LL.B.) from Université Laval.

With 20 years of experience in the transportation industry, her career includes senior leadership positions at VIA Rail, the Railway Association of Canada (RAC), and Genesee & Wyoming, the largest operator of shortline railroads in Canada, the United States, and globally. She has held various management positions in legal and regulatory affairs, risk management, and government and external relations.

Caroline has also worked as a lawyer at several major national law firms specializing in corporate, commercial, and transportation law. She is a certified commercial arbitrator and previously served as Director of Legal Services at the International Air Transport Association. Additionally, she worked at Bombardier Aerospace, a leading aircraft manufacturer, where she negotiated large-scale procurement transactions.

She serves on multiple boards of directors and is actively involved in numerous charitable and community organizations.

Meredith Lilly, Ph.D., is a full Professor and Simon Reisman Chair in International Economic Policy at Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. Her research focuses on North American trade relations, Canada’s trade diversification strategy, economic sanctions, and the use of research evidence in policy making. Prior to her appointment at Carleton, she served as Foreign Affairs and International Trade Advisor to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. She was previously appointed at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, and has worked in policy roles in several Canadian government departments.  She engages regularly with foreign governments and diplomats, and is a frequent media commentator on North American trade issues.

She is a member of CD Howe Institute’s International Economic Policy Council, a non-resident scholar at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy in Texas, an Advisory Board member for the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, and serves as the Academic Partner for Canada’s delegation to the North American Forum. 

Expertise: Canada-US relations; international trade policy; free trade negotiations; labour economics; economic sanctions

Steve Salmons is President and CEO of Port Windsor (since 2018), Ontario’s third largest port.  He has held several previous leadership roles including General Manager for the City of Windsor, Director of Community Services and Development at Lakeshore, and CEO of the Windsor Public Library.  For several years, Steve was a senior advisor to several Cabinet Ministers in Ontario, including the Minister of Finance. He began his professional career as Manager of Branch Services and Operations for the Royal Bank of Canada.

Steve is a lifelong resident of Windsor, graduating from the University of Windsor with undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Business (Labour Relations), and an MBA in Strategic Studies from the Odette School of Business, University of Windsor.  Steve is also a graduate of the Policy Governance Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Professionally, Steve serves on several Boards: Association of Canadian Ports Authorities (ACPA), Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC), and Chair of the Ontario Marine Council (OMC).

Adam Tindall-Schlicht is the Americas Sector Lead for Ports, Transportation, and Infrastructure at Ramboll, where he leads strategy and client engagement across the United States and Canada focused on sustainable port development, resilient infrastructure, and maritime decarbonization. His career has been defined by deep binational collaboration between the U.S. and Canada. Previously, Adam served as Administrator of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation within the U.S. Department of Transportation, where he worked to advance the safe and efficient operation of one of the world’s most integrated binational maritime transportation systems. Earlier, he served as Director of Port Milwaukee, where he strengthened cross-border trade relationships and championed Great Lakes shipping as a vital link between U.S. and Canadian industries. Across government and private-sector leadership roles, Adam has been a prominent voice on North American supply chains, port modernization, and the economic importance of the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence corridor, helping foster closer collaboration among ports, governments, and industry on both sides of the border.

Ansis Zeltiņš has a Bachelor's degree from Latvian Maritime Academy in Maritime Transport and a Master's degree in Business Administration from University of Salford (United Kingdom).

Previously, he was the Chairman of the Council of theSJSC “Latvijas dzelzceļš” and Member of the Board of “Rīgas Brīvostas flote” Ltd. He has gained diplomatic experience in the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Latvia to the European Union in Brussels,
working as a Transport Adviser. Prior to that, he was the Chairman of the Board of the subsidiary company “LSC Shipmanagement” Ltd. of JSC “Latvijas kuģniecība” and
managed the JSC “Latvijas Jūras administrācija” (Maritime Administration of Latvia) for more than 9 years.

The CEO of the Freeport of Riga since 2017. Ansis Zeltiņš has been involved in the maritime industry for 20 years now, representing the country at various international maritime  industry forums such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International
Hydrographic Organization (IHO), Member of the Board of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the Head of the Shipping Working Group of the Council of Europe.

Member of the Board of the Baltic Ports Organization (BPO) since 2018. Member of the Board of the Employers' Confederation of Latvia (LDDK) since March 2022, has served as Vice-Chairman of the European Sea Ports Organization (ESPO) since November 2022 and was elected Chairman of ESPO in November 2024.

Ansis Zeltiņš has the qualification of a chief mate on ships of 3000 BT and above.