Port of New Orleans President and CEO Brandy D. Christian has been recognized for her work with the World Trade Center’s 2020 C. Alvin Bertel Award.
The C. Alvin Bertel Award was established in 1967 and is presented each year to an
individual who has made significant contributions to the Louisiana port and maritime
community. Christian oversees all cargo, cruise and industrial real estate operations at
Port NOLA. She is also CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt, setting strategic direction and oversees all railway holdings.
“At Port NOLA, we are focused on meeting demand as a vital economic engine for the state and the region,” Christian said in an announcement. “Receiving the Bertel Award is a validation of our collective efforts to strengthen the Port NOLA gateway and drive Louisiana forward.”
The Bertel Award is presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to the
advancement of the Greater New Orleans port area, with the recipient chosen by 11
international trade, transportation and economic development organizations that make
up the selection committee.
World Trade Center Board Chairman Stephen Hanemann said Brandy’s leadership and vision have “elevated the Port of New Orleans to a new level of excellence, and her efforts
have helped our region serve as a global catalyst for international trade.”
Under Christian’s leadership, Port NOLA has increased the state’s competitive
advantage and strengthened the region’s supply chain options with the strategic
alignment of NOPB and investment plans designed to meet current and future demand.
In 2018, the port established a strategic master plan that it continues to execute
throughout the port’s jurisdiction.
Port NOLA is now an international brand that reaches 60 ports directly and an additional
450 ports via transshipment. Trade volumes have been increasing dramatically,
doubling over the past 10 years and with double-digit growth in container volumes in
2018 and 2019.
Despite COVID-19 disruptions, Port NOLA has operated uninterrupted.
Christian noted the port is investing $100 million to add four new 100-gauge ship-to-shore cranes at our current terminals and developing a big ship ready container terminal
downriver. “With 50-plus feet of water draft, no air draft restrictions, protected by the $14 billion investments in flood protection and offering unmatched rail, barge and road service from day one,” she said, “we will be the only port in the Gulf that is big rail, big ship and big river ready.”
Christian has worked in the maritime industry for nearly two decades. After 14 years
with the Port of San Diego where she ultimately served as vice president of business
development and strategy, the Port NOLA Board of Commissioners recruited Christian to become COO of the port in 2015. She was named president and CEO of the port.
