Plaquemines Port

Last week, Executive Director Charles Tillotson presented our annual State of the Port with Plaquemines Association of Business & Industry. Notable milestones include over $77 million in grant awards, $28 billion in capital Infrastructure private investments, and a high economic impact resulting in $98 million in taxes collected by the parish in 2024 alone.

It is bittersweet that we announce the upcoming retirement of Christie Nielsen, CPE, Director of Administration! We cannot thank her enough for the tireless dedication to the Port and our staff. In her 35 years of experience, Christie has held positions in private, non-profit and governmental organizations throughout her career. Her experience comes from a wide range of positions in personnel management, finance, and construction fields. As the Director of Administration, Christie is responsible for the daily operations, personnel, human resources, employee benefits, risk management, records, employee trainings, compliance and leases. She also serves as Government liaison between the Port and the Board of Port Commissioners. Christie is a lifelong resident of Plaquemines Parish for over 50 years, where she and her husband are active members of the community. She has been married to her husband David for 40 years and they have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Christie is proud to have raised her family in her hometown. She is a graduate of Belle Chasse High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southeastern Louisiana University. She also obtained her Certified Port Executive (CPE) certification in 2017 giving her diverse training in Port Management, industry development and enhance leadership skills that addressed organizational management goals in preparation for future growth of the Port industry. Christie will retire with the Port at the end of the month. Enjoy retirement, Christie, you’ve earned it!

Welcome our new Director of Projects, Celeste Bergeron! A proud native of the Westbank of New Orleans, Celeste is a dedicated and experienced professional in the marine engineering industry. A graduate of Nicholls State University, Celeste has spent the last six years excelling in document control for multimillion dollar projects. Her expertise extends to regulatory project management, where she has successfully assisted clients in obtaining project permits through effective communication with various government agencies, including USACE, LA DNR, CPRA, Levee Districts, and LA DEQ. Celeste is a lifelong learner, always eager to expand her knowledge and skill set. She is driven by a commitment to her family and community, striving to set a positive example for her daughter. Celeste believes in the power of hard work and self-belief, instilling these values in her daughter to show that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance. In her free time, Celeste enjoys cooking, singing karaoke, spending quality time with family and friends, and exploring the beauty of nature. She embraces all that the world has to offer, finding joy in both simple and grand experiences.

Our Plaquemines We Work The Waterways event was a great success!

We are committed to key projects like the ferry landing rehabilitation to further the infrastructure and future of the community. The Pointe à la Hache ferry is scheduled to reopen in quarter one of 2025.

Plaquemines Port is pleased to announce the signing of the very first Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with Corn Belt Ports and the five Louisiana deep water ports, Plaquemines Port, Port of South Louisiana, St. Bernard Port, Harbor, & Terminal District, Port of New Orleans, and Port of Greater Baton Rouge. This historic partnership is poised to drive significant advancements in cooperation efforts toward business development, infrastructure investment, and federal support for port operations along America’s Marine Highways 35 and 55.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our former legal assistant, Jennifer Roth. Jennifer was an asset to our team, immensely strong in her faith, and most importantly, a proud mother and grandmother. Services will be held Monday, September 23 at The Venue in St. Amant, Louisiana. https://lnkd.in/gRHaYXmW

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy announced the U.S. Department of Transportation will grant Plaquemines Port $4,732,022 to improve port safety from his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This funding will replace two ferry landing barges for the Belle Chasse-Scarsdale ferry, as well as a maintenance barge. Plaquemines was one of 18 awarded out of 43 eligible projects. The project will improve safety and general state of repair as the Port provides vital east-west ferry service for Plaquemines Parish residents and commuters from St. Bernard and Jefferson Parishes. "This grant program allows us to plan ahead and be proactive in increasing the resiliency of our ferry system," said Jalen Brown, M.B.A., Director of Security and Vessels.

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Last week we held our inaugural Port Night, hosted by NOLA Terminal LLC. It was wonderful to have our legislators, elected officials, commissioners, tenants, and fellow ports in attendance. Together, we’re moving Louisiana forward!