Leadership Transition for Corner Brook Port Corporation

Corner Brook, NL, June 27, 2025 — After 20 years of dedicated service, Jackie Chow is retiring as Chief Executive Officer of the Corner Brook Port Corporation (CBPC) on June 30. The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Kelly Smith has been appointed as the new CEO of the Corporation effective July 1, 2025.

Since stepping into leadership in 2005, Jackie has played a pivotal role in shaping the Port’s growth, development, and strategic direction. Under her leadership, the Port of Corner Brook became a key driver of economic activity in the region, supporting trade, tourism, and industrial development through diversified lines of business.

“It’s been a pleasure to lead the Corner Brook Port Corporation over the past 20 years. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together—from growing our operations to strengthening our role in the community—and I’m confident the Port is well-positioned for continued success under new leadership,” said Jackie Chow.

“We are deeply grateful to Jackie for her outstanding leadership and commitment over the past 20 years,” said Dennis Bruce, Chair of the CBPC. “Her vision, steady guidance and relentless pursuit of new business opportunities has established the Port as a cornerstone of the region’s economy. As we welcome Kelly to the role, we’re excited to build on that legacy and continue moving the organization forward.”

Bruce added, “Kelly brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the Port, and the Board is confident in her ability to lead us into the next phase of growth and opportunity.”

Born and raised in Corner Brook, Smith joins the Port with strong leadership skills and an extensive background in commercial banking and management. Most recently, she served as Senior Account Manager at TD Commercial Bank, where she worked closely with businesses throughout Western NL and Labrador to provide advice and support. Her expertise will be instrumental as the Port continues to grow and evolve in the years ahead.

“It’s an honour to join the Corner Brook Port Corporation at such a dynamic time,” said Smith. “I look forward to working with the board, staff, partners, and the community to build on the Port’s strong foundation and continue positioning Corner Brook as a key gateway for trade, tourism, and regional growth.”

This appointment marks a new chapter for the Port of Corner Brook, which recently celebrated 20 years as an independent marine port following its divestiture from Transport Canada. With continued growth and investment across its operations, the Port is well positioned to drive regional prosperity into the future.

For media inquires or further information, please contact:

Emily Penney
Marketing Coordinator
Phone: 709-634-6600
Email: epenney@cornerbrookport.com

About Corner Brook Port Corporation:

CBPC is an independent and community-based organization that provides high-quality ocean transportation and distribution services through strategic partnerships. Its vision is to create economic value by connecting Western Newfoundland and Labrador globally through tourism and trade. The Corporation achieves this through its three lines of business: industrial port operations, real estate, and cruise tourism.