Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves’ port director and CEO, was elected president of the Texas Ports Association (TPA) for a two-year term, effective October 21.
TPA is a member of an alliance of 21 maritime ports and industry affiliates, spanning the Gulf Coast and inland waterways. The election took place at the TPA’s membership meeting on October 21.
Rees, who has served on the TPA board since 2023, said: “There’s never been a more important time to champion investments in our Texas ports to strengthen the transportation network that keeps Texas competitive and helps sustain its position as the 8th largest economy in the world. I’m honored to share this message in Austin on behalf of TPA members.”
Gillespie said: “Texas ports have a powerful story to tell, and Rodger will help us tell it with a strong, united voice. He understands what’s at stake for our ports and the communities they serve. I’m excited to work alongside him to turn that momentum into meaningful investment and make sure Texas ports remain a priority at the capitol.”
Galveston said in a press release that during the 2027 Texas legislative session, Rees will collaborate with member ports and TPA Executive Director Jade Gillespie to advance support for port infrastructure, ship channel improvements and the road and rail connections essential to the movement of Texas goods to market.
According to the release, Rees has led Galveston Wharves since January 2018, overseeing cruise and cargo operations and implementing a 20-year strategic master plan to optimize assets at the 840-acre deep-water port.
He previously served as deputy executive director and chief financial officer at Port Canaveral and has experience in port finance, capital investment, and business development.
Located at the entrance to Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel, the Port of Galveston has been a maritime commercial center since 1825.
The port is the fourth-ranked cruise homeport in the U.S., with four cruise terminals.
In 2026, the port projects 445 sailings and 3.9 million passenger movements, a new record.
