Rodger Rees Takes Over as President of the Texas Ports Association
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Rodger Rees, port director and CEO of Galveston Wharves, was elected president of the Texas Ports Association (TPA) for a two-year term effective October 21. The election took place during the TPA members meeting held that same day. The TPA is an alliance bringing together 21 seaports and industry affiliates along the Texas Gulf Coast and inland waterways.
Rees's Background
Rees has served on the TPA board since 2023 and has led Galveston Wharves since January 2018, overseeing cruise and cargo operations and carrying out a 20-year strategic master plan to optimize the assets of the deepwater port, which covers 840 acres. Prior to his time at Galveston, he served as deputy executive director and chief financial officer of Port Canaveral, with experience in port finance, capital investment and business development.
2027 Legislative Agenda
During the 2027 Texas legislative session, Rees will work alongside member ports and TPA Executive Director Jade Gillespie to advance investments in port infrastructure, navigation channel improvements, and the road and rail connections needed to move Texas cargo to market.
Statements
Rees said there has never been a more important time to advance investment in Texas ports, with the goal of strengthening the transportation network that keeps the state competitive and sustains its position as the world's eighth-largest economy, and said he was honored to share that message in Austin on behalf of TPA members. For her part, Gillespie stated that Texas ports have a powerful story to tell and that Rees will help carry it forward with a strong, unified voice, adding that she is excited to work alongside him to turn that momentum into concrete investments.
The Port of Galveston
According to Cruise Industry News, the Port of Galveston, located at the entrance to the bay of the same name and the Houston Ship Channel, has been a maritime trade hub since 1825 and ranks fourth among U.S. cruise homeports, with four cruise terminals. The source adds that in 2026 the port projects 445 sailings and 3.9 million passenger movements, which would represent a new record.
