Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1515951
PORT LOGBOOK 20 | NORTH STAR PORT | WINTER 2024 When Becky McMillan began working for the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, the Paul McCartney- Michael Jackson duet "Say Say Say" topped the Billboard Hot 100 and the annual First Ship contest was merely an idea under discussion with Visit Duluth. To say they've stood the test of time is an understatement. The song went platinum, the contest still gen- erates thousands of entries each year, and on Jan. 16, 2024, McMillan crossed the 40-year threshold with the Port Authority, an unprecedent- ed accomplishment that will likely never be matched. Port Authority staff celebrated their longest-tenured teammate with gifts and her favorite pizza, saluting a career that has thus far spanned four executive directors, three office buildings and more than 1 billion tons of maritime cargo through the Port of Duluth- Superior. Originally the maritime com- merce secretary, McMillan now serves as senior executive assis- tant and human resources coor- dinator. In less official terms, she's a versatile, cheerful Jill-of- all-trades with a deep commitment to learning and serving. Her institutional knowledge is unequaled. "She's an immeasurable asset to the Port Authority and to maritime inter- ests throughout the Twin Ports," said Deb DeLuca, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. "In this day and age, it's truly remark- able what she's accomplished — to serve 40-plus years with a single organization —and to skillfully navi- gate all the change and challenges that come with that length of service. "I'm grateful for her each day, and I know our entire team shares that sentiment." T E A M P L AY E R THEN AND NOW: Becky McMillan remains a constant in her fifth decade with the Port Authority. Patrick Boyle Boyle reappointed to Port Authority Board of Commissioners The St. Louis County Board of Commis- sioners recently reappointed Patrick Boyle to a second term on the Duluth Seaway Port Authority Board of Commissioners. Originally appointed on Jan. 3, 2017, Boyle's reappointment is a six-year term set to expire Dec. 31, 2029. He serves cur- rently as vice president of the Port Author- ity board. The Duluthian also chaired the St. Louis County board in 2023 and is currently the District 2 commissioner, serving also as chair of the board's Public Health and Human Services Advisory Committee. He served previously on the Duluth City Council. A graduate of Superior Senior High School and the University of Wiscon- sin-Madison, Boyle earned his master's degree from St. Catherine University and works as a nurse practitioner for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The Port Authority is governed by a sev- en-member board of commissioners — two appointed by the governor of Minnesota, two by the St. Louis County board and three by the Duluth City Council. McMillan sets the standard for length of service