Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber has appointed and the Oregon Senate Rules Committee has confirmed two new members to the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay Board of Commissioners. North Bend resident Robert E. Garcia and Coos Bay resident Brianna S. Hanson have been appointed to four-year terms on the commission. Mr. Garcia is the tribal chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, having served in that position since 2007. Prior to that, he was the Confederated Tribes’ economic development director from 2003-07. Mrs. Hanson is an analyst with The Sentient Group, a private equity firm and also works as director of sales, marketing and logistics with Oregon Resources Corp. Prior to that she worked for several years in the commercial real estate industry. “I feel tremendously honored to serve as a port commissioner and look forward to continuing to partner with the state for critical rail infrastructure and other important regional priorities,” Hanson said. Port Commission President David Kronsteiner said both individuals bring additional talent and unique perspectives to the board. “I have confidence these two new commissioners, in partnership with recently appointed commissioners Eric Farm and Donna Opitz, will help this port capitalize on opportunities to take advantage of the deepwater harbor, renovated rail line and talented workforce to strengthen the economy of this region and the state of Oregon,” Kronsteiner said. The Port of Coos Bay is transitioning to a new era in operations with renewed investment in the Charleston Harbor Complex facilities, the successful revitalization and continuing expansion of service on the Coos Bay rail line, and progression of new maritime commerce projects. Both Mr. Garcia and Mrs. Hanson are scheduled to serve until November 2017. They replace Jerry Hampel and R. Brady Scott who served from 2004 until their terms expired. Other port commission members are: President Kronsteiner, the owner of West Coast Contractors Inc.; Vice President Eric Farm, manager of The Campbell Group LLC’s North Bend operations; and Secretary Donna Opitz, a Realtor with Pacific Properties.
