Who’s on the move this week [February 19, 2013]

Jim Vena is the new executive vice-president and chief operating officer at CN. Until the promotion, he held the role of senior vice-president, southern region. Jeff Liepelt moves from senior vice-president, eastern region into Vena’s former role, which is based in Homewood, Illinois. Both Vena and Liepelt began their careers with CN as brakemen. In other CN news, Sameh Fahmy, senior vice-president, engineering, mechanical and supply management, will retire at the end of March.

Stewart McGonigal has been named territory manager for the Toronto area for Saint-Georges-de-Beauce, Québec-based Manac Inc. McGonigal will lead the semi-trailer manufacturer’s sales and distribution in the region and will be based in Etobicoke, Ontario.

The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) has held its 2013 elections. The Vernon Hills, Illinois-based association elected Daryle Ogburn, president of Advanced Equipment Company, Mike Vaughan, CFO of Liftech Equipment Companies Inc and Chris Wetle, president of Pape Material Handling to serve on the board of directors. Also elected was Doug Bouquard, vice-president and general manager of motive power sales for East Penn Manufacturing. He will serve on the manufacturers board of advisors.

Port authorities across the country have new appointments to their boards of directors. Lantz Siteman has been appointed to the board of the Halifax Port Authority. He fills the port user position and will serve for three years. Robert Hallsor has been named to the board of the Prince Rupert Port Authority. He will also serve for three years. Murray Walberg has been added to the board of the Thunder Bay Port Authority, and will also serve for three years. Other appointments announced by federal minister of transport, infrastructure and communities, Denis Lebel include Sam Baron, to a five-year term with the Canadian Transportation Agency, and David Bromley, to a two-year term with Ridley Terminals at the Prince Rupert Port Authority