February Guest Speaker
Brandy Christian, President and CEO for the Port of New Orleans
Brandy D. Christian serves as the President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans, a public agency that manages more than $60 million in revenues, nearly 300 employees, and $200 million in capital projects. Christian is one of 11 female port directors in North America and the first female CEO in the Port of New Orleans’ 120-year history. She brings a global perspective and experience building high performance teams in complex organizations to the role, and emphasizes strategic focus, collaborative partnerships and bold action.
Prior to joining Port NOLA, she served 14 years with the Port of San Diego, California’s fourth largest cargo port and one of the State’s largest public land developers with a portfolio encompassing maritime, industry, hospitality and tourism. Serving as vice president of strategy and business development, Christian was the driving force behind streamlining the public agency’s operational processes, reducing costs, securing major accounts, and negotiating leases for the cruise and cargo business lines.
Before joining the Port of San Diego, Christian worked for KPMG Consulting as a quality management consultant in their public-sector practice. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California. Christian is a Certified Port Executive, Certified Six Sigma Green Belt, Board of Examiners – Malcolm Baldrige, and the recipient of the Examiner of the Year by the California Award for Performance Excellence.
Christian serves as the Cruise Committee Chair for the American Association of Port Authorities, and 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, World Trade Center of New Orleans Board of Directors, and the University of New Orleans Transportation Institute (UNOTI) Advisory Board. Christian was named an Alumna of the Year (2015) by the University of Arizona and 2016 Top Female Achiever by New Orleans Magazine.
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