Valerie Beattie has been appointed to the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority that owns and operates the Peace Bridge.

Her appointment to the 10-person board was announced Monday by federal transportation minister Chuck Strahl.

“Her extensive experience with cross-border commerce will be a welcome asset,” Strahl said.

Mrs. Beattie began a long career with Peace Bridge Brokerage Ltd in 1975 and held senior roles with the company including accounting manager, treasurer, vice-president of finance and exsecutive vice-president until she retired in 2004.

She is a former director of the Douglas Memorial Hospital and has served on the Community Standing Committee for the Niagara Health System since 2000.

The board of the PBA is composed of five appointees of the Canadian government and five from New York State.