Brett Milutin has been named chief operating officer (COO) of the Galveston Wharves.

In addition to the new title, he will continue serving as executive deputy port director, Port of Galveston said in a press release.

“This new title reflects the important and growing role that Brett plays in overseeing day-to-day port operations, including the port’s foreign trade zone, crisis response and recovery, dredging projects, and collaboration with port partners, including tenants and federal, state and local agencies, to name a few,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO.

For his part, Milutin said he was honored to serve as the port’s chief operating officer.

“I look forward to continuing to support this port’s phenomenal growth and exceptional operational performance.”

Milutin started working as Port of Galveston police officer in 2001, moving to facilities security officer, harbormaster and director of port operations.

He was then promoted to executive deputy port director in January 2021.

Milutin received public service commendations for his role in re-opening the Galveston Bay port complex after Hurricane Harvey and for work assisting cruise crew in returning to their home countries after the COVID-19 cruise industry shutdown.