Port Director Bill Masters administers the oath of office to newly-appointed Port Commissioner Nell Clark

Beaumont -- Nell Clark has been appointed to serve the remainder of her late husband's unexpired term as commissioner of the Port of Beaumont.

Mrs. Clark is the first woman ever to serve on the governing body of the port, according to Bill Masters, port director. A native of Arkansas, Mrs. Clark retired with 30 years of service from Sun Oil Company.

Her late husband, Le Roy, died in May after a long illness. He served as a commissioner for 14 years, and was last re-elected in 1997.

Mrs. Clark is active in civic and community affairs, including the advisory council of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, board of directors of the Best Years Center, and Womans Club of Beaumont. She previously served as secretary to the board of directors of Nutrition and Services for the Elderly and was a member of Beaumont's Community Development Block Grant Committee. Mrs. Clark is a member of Wesley United Methodist Church of Beaumont.