AGG
AGG on Aug. 20 announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Chief Maureen Brown of Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN), Western Investment Company of Canada President and CEO Paul Rivett, and Gary Rennick. Together, the company says, “they bring a strong blend of business acumen, Indigenous leadership, and rail operations expertise to guide AGG through its next phase of growth.”
Rivett joins the board with extensive management and board experience across Canada. He was previously involved in the establishment of AGG with Fairfax Financial, where he worked jointly to support the effort that resulted in the repurchase of the Hudson Bay Railway and Port of Churchill. His family’s deep connections to Churchill date back to the port’s original construction in 1937 through Wolfe Stevedores Ltd.
Brown of OCN also joins the Board. OCN is a vital partner in AGG’s operations, with significant operations, training and staffing activities located in OCN and The Pas, Manitoba. Chief Brown’s leadership “will ensure that the perspectives and priorities of OCN and northern Indigenous communities remain central to AGG’s mission,” the company said.
Rennick brings decades of senior railway experience as a former CN executive. His deep knowledge of railway operations, financial management, and industry strategy “strengthens AGG’s capacity to deliver safe and efficient transportation and training services across northern Manitoba,” the company noted.
“With expanded freight operations, new construction and upgrades at the Port of Churchill, and upcoming modernization projects, AGG is investing in the long-term strength of Canada’s Arctic trade corridor,” said Mike Spence, Mayor of Churchill and Chair of the AGG Board of Directors. “As an Indigenous and community-owned company, we welcome Paul, Maureen, and Gary to our Board. Their leadership and expertise will be critical as we continue to build strong partnerships and deliver results for northern communities and all of Canada.”
AGG says its Board continues to reflect its unique ownership model, which includes 41 Indigenous and northern communities, including 29 First Nations.
SC Ports
After three years of leading the South Carolina Ports Authority as President and CEO, Barbara Melvin has announced her resignation, with plans to pursue other opportunities. She will be replaced by CFO and Vice President of Administration Phillip Padgett, who will serve in an interim capacity, effective immediately.
Melvin joined SC Ports in 1998, serving in a variety of roles and leading major infrastructure initiatives like the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have served South Carolina and the Ports Authority over these many years,” said Melvin. “However, for personal and professional reasons, I want to pursue other opportunities. I take pride in what has been accomplished by the Port while I have served it in multiple roles. Knowing the resiliency of the Ports Authority and its people, I have no doubt even more success is in its future,” said Melvin.
Bill Stern, Chairman of the SC Ports Board of Directors, accepted her resignation on behalf of the Board.
“The Board thanks Barbara for her long public service to the State through her work at the Ports Authority,” said Stern. “She has been instrumental in moving the Ports Authority in a positive direction as CEO these last three years and advancing several critical infrastructure projects, including overseeing the reopening of the Leatherman Terminal. We wish her the best as she embarks upon new challenges and opportunities.”
Padgett joined SC Ports in 2016 as Controller. As CFO he is responsible for the financial, risk management and real estate activities of the Port.
“I look forward to continue serving the Port and leading our team as interim CEO until a replacement is named,” said Padgett. “SC Ports remains committed to providing reliable and efficient port service to our customers and continuing to serve as a trusted partner to the entire South Carolina maritime community.”
NYS&W
NYS&W on Aug. 21 announced that it has appointed Katherine Bourdon as General Counsel, effective Aug. 20, 2025. She brings more than 20 years of experience in the railroad and transportation industry, including 15 years as an attorney, strengthening NYS&W’s legal strategy across its regional network.
Bourdon will lead NYS&W’s legal affairs, with responsibilities including regulatory compliance, litigation, and contract management, while serving as a key legal advisor to the President and the Board of Directors. She joins the company from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), where she provided legal counsel on rail infrastructure programs and federal grant initiatives.
Prior to the FRA, Bourdon worked as an attorney at the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) and held positions at both national infrastructure law firms and a Northern Virginia litigation firm. Bourdon earned her undergraduate degree from the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech and her Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. Upon earning her law degree, Bourdon served as a judicial law clerk for Judge Charles E. Erdmann on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.
“Katherine’s extensive experience in railroad regulatory matters, litigation, and legal strategy makes her an ideal fit for NYS&W,” said NYS&W President James Bonner. “She will continue to manage the critical and complex needs of our organization.”
