June 13, 2025 — The Port Alberni Port Authority (PAPA) is proud to announce a significant step in its leadership evolution with the appointment of a Co-CEO structure, effective July 1, 2025. This move reflects the organization’s focus on long-term succession planning, leadership continuity, and future growth of the Port.
Current President and CEO Zoran Knezevic will be joined in executive leadership by Mike Carter, PAPA’s Vice President of Operations, who will assume the position of Co-CEO.
“I am privileged to have been given this opportunity,” says Mike Carter, “I’m excited to build on previous successes and look forward to helping the Port realize its full potential.”
This decision reflects Mike’s operational expertise, leadership capabilities, and longstanding contributions to PAPA. His dedication and commitment to our shared vision position him well for this expanded role.
“The new leadership model provides an opportunity to build on existing leadership expertise, by developing future leadership capacity as PAPA grows,” said Shelley Chrest, Chair of the Board. “The model also allows Zoran; whose leadership has been instrumental in transforming PAPA into the dynamic and respected port authority it is today, to focus on future initiatives and developments on behalf of the port.”
This new leadership model is designed to enhance executive capacity, support knowledge transfer, and ensure leadership continuity during both planned and unplanned absences. The Co-CEO Leadership Model allows Knezevic to focus on strategic initiatives while maintaining overall leadership, and it provides Carter the opportunity to expand his executive capabilities in preparation for future leadership roles.
“With Mike’s deep operational roots, intimate knowledge of PAPA’s history, and professional relationships he is the ideal partner to lead us into the future.” said Knezevic, “His experience from the ground up gives him a unique perspective on the work, the people, and the long-term potential of the Port Authority.”
While core duties and responsibilities as outlined in each role’s job description remain unchanged, the Co-CEOs will be consultative and collaborative, with ultimate decision-making authority retained by Knezevic. Carter will also have formal reporting obligations to the Board of Directors during this time. The structure will be in place for three years, at which point it will be evaluated and adjusted as needed by the President/CEO and Board of Directors.
The Port Alberni Port Authority is excited about how this new structure will strengthen our leadership and reinforces our commitment to strategic, and sustainable growth for our organization.
