Freight News, People

Galveston Chief Rees Elected TPA President

[ October 30, 2026   //   Gary Burrows ]

Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO, was elected president of the Texas Ports Association for a two-year term.

Rees, who has served on the association’s board since 2023, began his term Oct. 21. The organization represents 21 maritime ports and industry affiliates along the Texas Gulf Coast and inland waterways.

During the 2027 Texas legislative session, Rees will work with association members and Executive Director Jade Gillespie to advocate for port infrastructure, ship-channel improvements and the road and rail connections serving the state’s ports.

“There’s never been a more important time to champion investments in our Texas ports to strengthen the transportation network that keeps Texas competitive,” Rees said.

Gillespie said Rees will help the association present a unified case for port investment in Austin.

“Texas ports have a powerful story to tell, and Rodger will help us tell it with a strong, united voice,” she said. “He understands what’s at stake for our ports and the communities they serve.”

Rees has led Galveston Wharves since January 2018, with responsibility for cruise and cargo operations and implementation of the port’s 20-year strategic master plan. He previously served as deputy executive director and chief financial officer at Port Canaveral.

Separately, Galveston Wharves received $1.18 million through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Port Security Grant Program. Combined with about $394,000 in port funding, the awards will support four projects totaling about $1.57 million.

The work includes expanded video surveillance along cruise-terminal and cargo-area access roads, cybersecurity updates and maintenance, digitally tracked smart locks and a mobile anti-ram vehicle-barrier system.

Rees said the investments are intended to protect the port’s facilities, tenants and visitors as cruise and cargo activity grows.

Galveston Wharves oversees an 840-acre deep-water port that handles about 3 million tons of cargo annually. The port also operates four cruise terminals and projects 445 sailings and 3.9 million passenger movements in 2026.

Tags: Galveston Wharves, Texas Ports Association