Brandy D. Christian named 2020 C. Alvin Bertel Award recipient

Award ceremony to take place May 27, 2020

New Orleans, LA – The World Trade Center New Orleans has announced Brandy D. Christian, president and CEO of the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Corp. (NOPB), as the recipient of the 2020 C. Alvin Bertel Award.

“The World Trade Center New Orleans (WTC) is extremely pleased with the selection of Brandy Christian as the 2020 Bertel Award recipient. 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,” said Stephen Hanemann, World Trade Center Board Chairman. “New Orleans and Louisiana are fortunate to have Brandy at the helm of one our State’s key domestic and international ports.”

The 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 has increased the state’s competitive advantage and strengthened the region’s supply chain options with the acquisition of NOPB and investment plans designed to meet current and future demand. In her Port role, Christian oversees all cargo, cruise, and industrial real estate operations. As the CEO of NOPB, she sets strategic direction and oversees all rail holdings. The two public agencies have combined revenues of $100 million, nearly 500 employees, and more than $200 million in capital projects.

“I am humbled to be recognized by such a distinguished industry organization, and it is truly an honor to receive the 2020 C. Alvin Bertel Award,” said Christian. “At the Port we are focused on continuing to build on our success as a vital economic engine for the state of Louisiana and growing international commerce while creating jobs for the future of our region.”

In 2019, Port NOLA moved more containers than at any time in its history, totaling 648,538 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Port NOLA also handled more than 1 million cruise passenger movements six years in a row and set a record with 1.2 million passenger movements in 2019. Port NOLA’s alignment with NOPB is delivering measurable results, with intermodal growth up 20% in 2019, fueled by the Kansas City Southern (KCS) direct service between New Orleans and Dallas.

“The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans is appreciative of Brandy’s leadership, vision and clear direction for the future of the Port and Belt,” said Port NOLA and NOPB Board Chair Tara C. Hernandez. “She continues to execute and drive forward infrastructure for bold, strategic action to create opportunities on and off Port property and help drive a secure, sustainable future for our jurisdiction and the state of Louisiana.”

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 chief operating officer of the Port in 2015. Within two years, she was named president and CEO of the Port.

Christian currently serves on the Green Marine Board of Directors, Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council, Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank Trade and Transportation Advisory Council, Louisiana Board of International Commerce, the World Trade Center of New Orleans Board of Directors, the New Orleans & Company Board of Directors and on the Cruise Committee for the American Association of Port Authorities.

The award will be presented at the annual C. Alvin Bertel award ceremony and luncheon on May 27, 2020 at 11 a.m., venue information to follow.