Heather Stebbings has been appointed as the executive director of the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, according to a report from Capital Press (Salem, Oregon). Stebbings most recently served the Port of Vancouver and Shaver Transportation, but she previously served as the association in a communications and government relations position for 13 years.

Stebbings replaces Kristen Meira, who served as the executive director for 10 years. She was with the association for 20 years in total. Meira accepted a position as Pacific Northwest director of government affairs for American Cruise Lines.

The Pacific Northwest Waterways Association supports producers who use the Snake and Columbia rivers to transport grains and goods. It reviews federal policies and ensures funding is in place to maintain infrastructure for trade, transportation and energy production. Membership reaches up to the Puget Sound down to the Oregon Coast.