About
Our WPA Board of Directors
Walter Benzinger
Chair
Appointment By:
Federal Government
Term:
June 26, 2026
Tom O'Brien
Vice-Chair
Appointment By:
Federal: User Group
Term:
June 28, 2027
Denise
Ghanam
Director
Appointment By:
Provincial Government
Term:
December 31, 2025
Karen Behune
Plunkett
Director
Appointment By:
Federal: User Group
Term:
June 28, 2027
Sophia
Chisholm
Director
Appointment By:
City of Windsor
Term:
June 30, 2027
To Be
Determined
Director
Appointment By:
Federal: User Group
Term:
TBD
To Be
Determined
Director
Appointment By:
Federal: User Group
Term:
TBD
About Port Windsor
The Windsor Port Authority is one of just 17 national ports created by the Canada Marine Act (1999).
This strategic system of 17 ports promotes the national, regional, and local social, environment, and economics objectives of:
- Competitiveness and trade
- Safety, security, and environment
- Commercial development
As such, Port Windsor is focused on promoting and encouraging economic growth in the Windsor-Essex region by leveraging its unique location at the heart of the Great Lakes, a region that represents the third largest global economy. Port Windsor truly connects Windsor-Essex to the world.
As the Authority receives no federal funding to support its operations, it must generate business revenues through leasing of properties, cargo fees, harbour fees, and permits to support a self-sufficient and self-sustaining operation
The Port is governed by a Board of 7 appointed community representatives:
- 1 Federal
- 1 Provincial
- 1 Municipal
- 4 from Port Users (federally appointed)
Vision Statement
To Connect Windsor-Essex to the World
Mission Statement
Face 2 Face Interview
Featuring our CEO, Steven C Salmons
WPA Leadership Team
President and Chief Executive Officer
Steve Salmons was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Windsor Port Authority in 2018, bringing to the position extensive business experience in growth, development and economic expansion. Prior to joining Port Windsor, Steve oversaw community development in Lakeshore, held the positions of Senior Advisor to the Minister of Finance (Ontario) and Senior Advisor for the Herb Gray Parkway project, General Manager of Community Services at the City of Windsor, and CEO of the Windsor Public Library. Steve has spent his career serving in senior roles, providing strategic leadership with a consistent focus on economic expansion.
His education includes an MBA (Strategic Studies), an Honours BComm (Labour Relations) and a BA (Psychology) from the University of Windsor, ON. Steve serves as a Board member for the Association of Canadian Port Authorities and the Ontario Marine Coalition, Chamber of Marine Commerce, and is active with the Windsor Transportation Group.
Steve is a life-long resident of Windsor.
Steven C Salmons
Peter Berry
Patricia Leblanc-Jaeger
Suhair Ali
Port Windsor will be the catalyst that transforms the future of the Windsor-Essex region as a hub of integrated international transportation.
