Executive Team

The Prince Rupert Port Authority is a local port authority constituted under the Canada Marine Act, and Letters Patent issued under the Act, to operate the Port in the Prince Rupert Harbour. We’re an autonomous and commercially viable agency, governed by an independent Board of Directors with full control over all Port decisions. Our mandate is to facilitate and expand the movement of cargo and passengers through the Port of Prince Rupert.

Kurt Slocombe

Interim President

Bio
Kurt joined PRPA in May 2019. He moved to Prince Rupert in 2007 as part of the Maher Terminals start up team for Fairview Container Terminal. Since that time, he held positions of increased responsibility at the Terminal, including Director of Operations as well as Director, Gateway Operations Centre (a joint venture between DP World and CN Rail). Kurt moves into the Interim President role at PRPA from his previous responsibility as Vice President, Operations, Planning & Infrastructure
Photo of Katherine Bamford
Katherine Bamford

Vice President, Business Development

Bio
Katherine joined PRPA in 2025. She is a seasoned communications and engagement professional with over 25 years experience in business development. She offers extensive understanding of multiple supply chains and the cruise industry, with proven expertise in industry engagement, issues management, integrated marketing and communications, business strategy, and government relations. 
Vice President Commercial and Regulatory Affairs and General Counsel Shelby O'Brien
Shelby O’Brien

Vice President, Commercial and Regulatory Affairs & General Counsel

Bio
Shelby joined PRPA in 2013. She oversees regulatory matters affecting port operations, leads commercial negotiations for new developments and terminal expansion projects, and is responsible for the negotiation and implementation of settlement agreements with First Nations. Shelby is a member of the Canadian Maritime Law Association and sits as Chair of the association’s Ports and Harbours Committee.
Vicde President Finance Agnes Piotrowski
Agnes Piotrowski

Vice President, Finance

Bio
Agnes joined PRPA in 2022. As a CPA, she leads the financing, financial control and reporting, business analysis, risk management, and information technology activities of the organization.
Will Pederson

Vice President, Operations, Planning & Infrastructure (Acting)

Bio
Will has been with PRPA since 2022, leading the Operations and Planning team as Director of Gateway Operations and Planning prior to this role.