Brandy D. Christian, newly named President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans, arrived from the Port of San Diego two years ago following a competitive national search for a chief operating officer. During her more than 14 years in San Diego, she oversaw nearly every division, last serving as Vice President, Strategy and Business Development. Christian’s broad maritime expertise, management successes and commitment to progressive quality management systems helped her earn the top position.
“The Board’s search for a COO was part of an executive succession plan,” said Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners Michael Kearney. “Brandy exceeded our expectations. She is the right person to lead the Port in today’s increasingly competitive environment.”
As Port NOLA’s COO, Christian demonstrated her customary hands-on, problem-solving management style and strategic mindset, working closely with commissioners, department directors, tenants and stakeholders to quickly understand critical issues and identify impediments to growth. After 18 months, she implemented a corporate reorganization for better customer service, aligning business functions and achieving efficiencies. Internally, it also allowed development of bench strength and growth opportunities for employees within the organization. The reorganization is part of Christian’s long-term goal to foster a culture of excellence and leads to greater employee satisfaction, teamwork, ongoing training and continual improvement.
Tom Spina, now Director, Business Development with Carnival Corporation, has worked with Christian for many years. “Brandy is highly respected in the industry,” he said. “She will lead the Port of New Orleans well because she is capable and forward-thinking. Yet I think her very best quality is that she truly cares about her work and the people she works with.”
Christian understands that, as one of Louisiana’s largest economic engines, Port NOLA supports industries well beyond the three-parish jurisdiction. Port wins reverberate throughout the state.
The plastics industry recently celebrated a new direct service to Asia that will carry resins from Louisiana faster and more efficiently than has been possible before. The container-on-barge service between New Orleans and Baton Rouge recently passed a milestone well in advance of expectations. Cruise customers continue to book cruises, then stay a few extra nights in the city.
Externally, Christian has been actively working to build closer relationships with economic development agencies and other partners throughout the state to attract new companies and industries that can utilize the commodities and construction materials that come through the Port or benefit by being located on waterfront industrial property.
“Brandy brings excellent vision and innovation to the region,” said Jerry Bologna, President and CEO of Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO). “This is an exciting time for the region as both JEDCO and the Port work to explore mutually beneficial opportunities.”
Of course, managing operations for efficiency and growth can be challenging. Capital investment is expensive, industry competition has intensified and market conditions are changing as well.
Key to Christian’s plan for growth is the development of a master plan that charts a strategic, focused and actionable path forward. The process is currently underway. When completed this fall, Port NOLA will be able to prioritize capital improvement and expansion opportunities for cargo, cruise and real estate. In keeping with Christian’s dedication to transparency and inclusion, stakeholders, broadly defined, will be invited to participate in the master planning process.
Port NOLA’s vibrant maritime traffic can be seen from the Port administration building’s river facing windows. Perfectly positioned under the Crescent City Connection bridge, the windows look out on the Mississippi River and port-related activity that includes the many different types of cargo vessels that travel up and down the river with goods and materials bound for international destinations or domestic consumption. The building is next to the Port’s two increasingly busy cruise terminals, adjacent to New Orleans Public Belt short line rail which provides a significant competitive advantage by giving access to six Class I railroads, and a car ride from the Port’s 1,000-acre industrial real estate park.
When asked what inspires her, Christian points out the window to the Mighty Mississippi. “I feel energized whenever I see a ship pass by, and I think most Port employees feel the same way,” she said. “It’s our collective opportunity to do what we can so future generations of Louisianans benefit even more from global maritime activity and I will do what I can to ensure responsible, sustainable growth.”
By Michelle Ganon
Port NOLA facilities are well-equipped to handle breakbulk and heavy-lift cargo.
