Familiar face and voice for the Port Authority set to chart course for new adventures

Changes are in motion for the staff listings
at the Prince Rupert Port Authority

For many in Prince Rupert and the North Coast, Michael Gurney has been the familiar face and voice of the news from the region's major economic engine of the Prince Rupert Port Authority

Through his years with the Port, the Corporate communications specialist offered some of the first notes related to port initiatives, to go along with background on much of the work of the PRPA as it increased its footprint in the shipping industry.

However, the go to guy for media and non media Rupertites alike, has stepped away from his duties as Communications Manager with the Port, departing from his post at the end of July, bringing to a close his six years at the Port Authority.

In an email with the North Coast Review, Mr. Gurney confirmed his departure from the PRPA, adding that the first item on his plan ahead is to take a vacation to recharge, following which he will be exploring his future career options, with hopes of making Prince Rupert his base.

That would be good news for the North Coast, as beyond his work at the Port, Gurney had become quite active with a number of community groups and initiatives.

Over the course of his six years in town, Gurney has invested in his time and talents to help rebuild the Prince Rupert Toastmasters, as well as to take to the stage, as well as produce a range of theatrical presentations at the Lester Centre and with Harbour Theatre.

As well he has been a long time supporter of the North Pacific Cannery Historical Site and member of the Board of the Port Edward Historical Society, to name just some of the commitments he has made to the community.

Prior to his arrival in Prince Rupert, Mr. Gurney had served in a communications capacity with BC Hydro's Power Smart Division, as well as Director of Communications with the non-profit organization Alpha Ministries Canada.

For six years, Michael Gurney had been the voice of the Prince Rupert 
Port Authority, providing background on many of the Port's ongoing initiatives.
The Communications Manager wrapped up his time with the port in late July.
(photo above a screen shot from a recent TV 7 appearance)

There has yet to be any formal announcement from the Port as to who will step into the role of Communications Manager in the communications department at the Atlin Terminal offices, though the first task on the to do list for whomever takes on the role may be to update the staff listings, which still lists Gurney as Manager, Corporate Corporations..

The departure of the spokesman for the Port, marks the second significant departure at the PRPA in recent months.

In April of this year, Andrew Mayer, the Port's VP, Commercial and Regulatory Affairs and General Counsel accepted an appointment to the bench of the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

For more items related to Port of Prince Rupert see our archive page here.