Galveston Port Director Rees Appointed TPA President

Galveston Port Director Rees Appointed TPA President

October 27, 2026

GALVESTON, TX (Oct. 27, 2026) – Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO, has been elected president of the Texas Ports Association (TPA) for a 2-year term effective Oct. 21. TPA is a member alliance of 21 maritime ports and industry affiliates, spanning the Gulf Coast and inland waterways. The election took place a the TPA’s membership meeting on Oct. 21. 

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.

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 8^th 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.”

Rees has led Galveston Wharves since January 2018, with responsibility for cruise and cargo operations and implementation of 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 extensive experience in port finance, capital investment, and business development.

About the Port of Galveston

Located at the entrance to Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel, the Port of Galveston has been a thriving maritime commercial center since 1825. Just 45 minutes from open seas, the port has infrastructure and assets to serve growing cruise, cargo and commercial businesses. 

The port is the fourth-ranked cruise home port in the U.S. with four cruise terminals. In 2026 the port projects 445 sailings and 3.9 million passenger movements, a new record for the port. 

Galveston also leases and maintains a wide range of cargo facilities on the deep-water Galveston Harbor, which is ranked among the top 40 busiest U.S. cargo waterways. About 3 million tons of cargo move through the port annually.

The Galveston Wharves is a self-sustaining city entity whose mission is to generate and reinvest port revenues to benefit the Galveston community with economic growth, jobs and sales tax revenues. www.portofgalveston.com

About the Texas Ports Association

The Texas Ports Association (TPA) serves as the statewide voice for Texas ports, bringing together maritime ports and industry partners along the Gulf Coast and inland waterways. TPA advances public policies and infrastructure investments that strengthen maritime commerce, improve freight movement, and support Texas’ economic competitiveness.

Through advocacy, member collaboration, and coordination with lawmakers and public agencies, TPA communicates the shared priorities of Texas ports. Its work supports port infrastructure, ship channel improvements, and road and rail connections that move goods between Texas communities and global markets.

Texas ports support jobs, attract private investment, and connect businesses across the state to international trade. TPA works to ensure these essential gateways have the infrastructure and resources needed to serve a growing Texas economy.

Texas Ports. Global Markets.

www.texasports.org

Media Contact

Kathy Thomas

Communications Director

Galveston Wharves: kathy@communitystrategiesllc.com