(OTTAWA) — The board of directors of the Chamber of Marine Commerce has announced the appointment of Raymond Johnston as interim president effective Oct. 1.
Johnston will oversee the implementation of the merger between the Chamber of Marine Commerce and the Canadian Shipowners Association (CSA) announced last week and will lead the association until the recruitment process for a new president is completed.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, the Chamber of Marine Commerce and the CSA will be combining resources to advocate for an efficient regulatory climate that promotes a strong and competitive marine industry for the benefit of all industry stakeholders throughout the bi-national Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region and along the eastern seaboard and northern coasts. Based in Ottawa, Ontario, the merged entity will continue to be called the Chamber of Marine Commerce.
“We’re pleased to have Ray on board as our interim president and to lead the association as it goes through this exciting transition. Ray has vast experience working in the marine shipping industry and is well respected by the memberships of both organizations,” said Wayne Smith, chairman of the Chamber of Marine Commerce.
Johnston served as president of the Chamber of Marine Commerce between 2000 and 2013. He also currently serves as president of the Green Marine Management Corp., the legal entity that manages the Green Marine environmental certification program.
Johnston's background includes more than 35 years of experience in the marine industry. Prior to joining the Chamber of Marine Commerce in 2000, Johnston held the position of president and chief executive officer at Canada Steamship Lines Inc. of Montreal, Quebec.
