Nancy-crop-webPort of Vancouver USA Commission President Nancy Baker was one of five recipients of the 2015 Distinguished Service Award at this year’s Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) Annual Convention. The convention, which hosted approximately 150 members of the Pacific Northwest maritime community, was held Oct. 7-9 in Portland, Oregon.

After serving 14 years as a port employee, Baker was elected to the board in 2003, becoming the first female commissioner in the port’s history. During Baker’s 26 years of service, the port completed a 20-year project to deepen the Columbia River for ocean-going vessels, purchased key acreage for light industrial use, and saw the 1 millionth Subaru roll across the terminal.

Baker also helped oversee the largest capital project in the port’s history – the $275 million West Vancouver Freight Access Project – and she approved the purchase of two mobile harbor cranes, allowing the port to be a leader in heavy lift cargo. Most recently, Baker has been a passionate voice for the redevelopment of 10 acres of port-owned prime waterfront property in downtown Vancouver.

In addition to her tremendous contributions to the port, Baker was also honored for her many years of community work with the YWCA, Southwest Washington Labor Roundtable, Partners in Careers, Vancouver Downtown Association and City of Vancouver International Affairs Commission.

PNWA is a regional trade group that has supported the interests of ports, public utilities, farmers and shippers in the Pacific Northwest for 80 years. It works to improve the economic efficiency and environmental sustainability of the region through collaboration with the U.S. Congress, federal agencies and regional leaders on policies related to environmental issues, transportation, energy and trade.