Rodger E. Rees

Port Director & CEO, Galveston Wharves at the Port of Galveston

Rodger E. Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and chief executive officer, oversees one of the nation’s major cruise and cargo ports. The Port of Galveston is the fourth most popular cruise port in the United States, hosting more than 1 million cruise passengers a year. The deep-water port also is a major cargo hub, moving more than 4 million tons a year, including bulk grains, liquids, vehicles and wind turbine components.

Since Rees took the helm in January 2018, the Port of Galveston has increased net profits, developed and implemented a 20-year Strategic Master Plan, and partnered with Royal Caribbean International to build a $125 million cruise terminal complex. The port’s third cruise terminal opened in 2022.

Under Rees’s leadership, the port has developed a successful grants program, a long-term business strategy and environmental sustainability goals. In 2021, the Galveston Wharves earned its Green Marine certification, making it only the second Texas port to become accredited in the voluntary environmental program for the North American marine industry. 

Rees previously served as Deputy Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer for Port Canaveral, the world’s second busiest cruise port. A certified public accountant, recognized by the State of Georgia, he was responsible for managing and safeguarding the port’s financial assets, as well as all financial functions.

EXPERIENCE

Port Director and CEO, Galveston Wharves at the Port of Galveston, Galveston, Texas

2018-Present

Responsible for the successful overall management of a 100-person staff and the 840-acre port, including operations, capital projects, engineering and facilities, port security and police, all administrative functions, business development and growth, strategic marketing, finance and administrative functions.

Deputy Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, Canaveral Port Authority Cape Canaveral, Fla.

2013-2018

Responsible for the management and safeguarding of the port's financial assets, as well as all financial functions of the 3,300-acre seaport. Rees worked with investors and banks to place more than $200 million in financing for a new cruise terminal, as well as major projects including renovations of the port's existing cruise terminals, road projects, and real estate acquisitions. He was executive sponsor for implementation of a port-wide integrated software system and managed a departmental staff of 16 professionals.

Previous Experience

More than 25 years in executive management, including entrepreneurial founder and CEO of two successful financial services companies. In addition to financial and administrative responsibilities, Rees displayed business development talents. 

EDUCATION

East Tennessee State University

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Continued -

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Public Accountant - State of Georgia 

Port Executive Certification

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Recipient, Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce Galvestonian of the Year for positively contributing to the betterment of the region’s business community, 2023

Recipient, Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce Vic Pierson C-Crewe Award for helping to strengthen the local community, 2020

Committee member, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Port Authority Advisory Committee (PAAC), 2020-Present

Board member, Galveston Economic Development Partnership, 2018-Present 

Board member, Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce, 2018-Present

PERSONAL

Rees is married with three children. He enjoys bicycling, skiing and golf.