The global supply chain is in a time of evolution. With ships getting larger and cargo increasing, the constant focus on growth is undeniable. More equipment and upgrades to infrastructure will be necessary, but so is a properly trained workforce. Who will be the next generation of maritime workers supplying that manpower to sustain the supply chain? Whether truckers, equipment operators, logistics specialists, longshoremen or crane technicians, these are all key roles that keep operations running efficiently; and the industry needs more of them. A lot more.

Port Houston Helps Expand the Workforce

As a port operator and advocate for the Houston Ship Channel, Port Houston plays a special role in the nonstop dance to operate equipment, move cargo, make space available and process trucks coming through the gates. Port Houston is on the path of expansion, both with the Channel itself as well as with Port infrastructure. The Houston Ship Channel Expansion – Project 11 will widen the Channel from 530’ to 700’ and deepen some upstream segments.

Port Houston is also making enhancements to optimize its terminals and adding cranes and other infrastructure to handle seven million TEUs by 2040. These terminal enhancements alone will generate more than 32,000 additional jobs. “The limited availability of labor has led us through a path of discovery; analyzing better ways to improve operations and remove disparity. We are working diligently with our partners in labor and training to ensure that the port’s goal to increase capacity is met with the necessary labor to sustain that growth,” said Ryan Mariacher, director of container terminals at Port Houston.

Working with the ILA and WGMA

Port operations along with the International Longshoremen Association (ILA) and the West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA) have recently developed opportunities to streamline the certification process for ship-to-shore crane operators and RTG operators, among other roles, through added trainers and investments in simulation equipment to better equip trainees in the program.

“Since revamping the RTG training program on September 1, 34 new RTG operators have been certified, increasing the pool by 20%.” said Mariacher. “We have done this not by cutting corners – everyone going through the program must still meet the thresholds and requirements to be certified – but by finding ways to streamline and utilize equipment to train individuals and leveraging our veteran operators to supplement the training program.”

West Gulf Maritime Association operates two crane simulators, one of which Port Houston invested in back in 2018 to improve training capabilities. The WGMA’s training arm supports a variety of certifications including safety, longshore skills, yard tractor, supervisory skills, and STS/RTG operation.

The ILA, the union of maritime workers in North America, supplies the necessary labor to move cargo and represents more than 65,000 longshoremen on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, Great Lakes, major U.S. rivers, Puerto Rico, and Eastern Canada. At Port Houston, consistent communication with the area hiring halls of Local 24, Local 28, and Local 1351 as well as the ILA District Office has created a strong bond that enables both organizations to work smarter and faster despite the challenges. More than 200 people are hired daily to work at both container terminals and additional workers are added as demand requires.

First Women to Complete the RTG Certification Program

The ILA is also reaching great milestones as they continue to recruit workers to complete ship-to-shore (STS) crane and RTG operator certification. Just this October, Samantha Piña became the first woman in the history of the ILA local 28 to be certified as an RTG operator.

“The program is rigorous. It requires nerves of steel, but most of all determination to complete it. Workers looking to move up the ranks must go through a vetting process and have accumulated hours of experience.” said Tim Harris, Executive Vice President of the ILA local 28.
Samantha Piña has been working in the ILA for seven years, and she waited three years to enroll in the program. “You need 2,000 hours of hands-on experience. I worked with heavy machinery, and on top loaded, heavy-lift, pencil, and empty yard jobs. I also had to complete a minimum of 250 hours of ‘on the seat’ training and take a written test to get to this point.”

More women have also enrolled and completed the program since, noting the impact of making a commitment to push forward. Chataria Biscoe has been working with the ILA local 28 for 17 years and originally came to the ILA with her father to work. After her father passed and the pandemic hit, she knew that she wanted more for her career. “I felt like everything finally fell into place once I started the RTG operator certification process. Although I was nervous and felt pressure at first, I was encouraged to keep going to pursue my dream,” she states. “Now I have a great sense of accomplishment and can be a role model for the next women.”

Tasha Williams also went through the certification process and felt overjoyed when she completed the rigorous test. She states, “I started as a truck driver eight years ago and didn’t think I would be where I am today. Putting in the long hours of work, ride-alongs, simulator trainings, and several weeks of monitored training has been worth it. Although this is a male-dominated field, I want to inspire the next generation of workers.”

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Maersk’s rainbow container made its way around the world to Port Houston’s Barbours Cut Container Terminal. This colorful container has served as a symbol of equity, inclusion and diversity where all employees, partners, and customers feel welcomed and can be themselves without judgment or fear.

The container not only serves as a symbol for Maersk, but also the entire maritime industry. The maritime industry has historically been a predominantly male world, but the industry is seeing more women and minorities entering the maritime workforce. According to the Diversity Study Group in London, employers are embracing the benefits of DEI data to support decision-making and respond to the growing importance of DEI issues.

As an international port in the most diverse city in the U.S., Port Houston has a duty to encourage and stimulate diversity, equity and inclusion in the maritime industry. In May of 2021, Port Houston formalized its commitment by officially adopting a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Position Statement. Additionally, DEI was formally established as a key priority for Port Houston with the adoption of the 2020 Strategic Plan providing direction for the entire organization.

Tom Heidt, Port Houston Chief Operating Officer, states that from his perspective, diversity can develop naturally as you strive for inclusion. He is challenging himself to intentionally bring more and different perspectives to the table, and he reminded everyone that we can all ask if we want to be included in something.

One of Port Houston’s strategic goals is to become “the best place to work.” Creating the right environment is a must to attract the specialized talent required by our multifaceted operations. A workplace culture that supports the success, psychological safety and professional confidence of every individual is the ultimate goal.

Kerrick Henny, Port Houston's Chief Government & Public Relations Officer, states that as a black man growing up two miles from the port, he recognizes that fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace is not only morally right but also great for our business. A culture of DEI means every employee is supported, accepted, respected and safe at work, which leads to greater morale and results.

Port Houston has a tremendous opportunity to be an agent of positive change in our region and beyond, and we are grabbing that opportunity.

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Cheryl D. Creuzot has been appointed to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority by the City of Houston.

Creuzot is the president and chief executive officer of Wealth Development Strategies, LLC, a position she has held since 2001. The company, which is one of Houston's oldest comprehensive financial planning firms, offers personalized solutions for individuals and business professionals who want to protect, grow and efficiently distribute their wealth.

She is a director at the Greater Houston Partnership and on the board of several organizations, including: The University of Houston Board of Visitors, the University of Houston Foundation and the Board of Visitors of the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Creuzot succeeds Theldon Branch III, who has served as a Port Commissioner since 2013.

Stephen H. DonCarlos has been reappointed by the Harris County Mayors and Councils Association as Port Commissioner. He was first appointed in 2013 by the association, which is an organization representing 26 cities in Harris County. DonCarlos chairs the Governance Committee and serves on the Community Relations Committee.

DonCarlos was elected as mayor of Baytown in May 2006 and served in that capacity for more than twelve years. He is an attorney with Reid, Strickland & Gillette, L.L.P.

Wendy Montoya Cloonan was also reappointed to the Port Commission by Harris County Commissioners Court in late January. She was originally appointed to the position in June of 2019, succeeding former Port Commissioner John D. Kennedy, who retired after serving on the commission since December 2012.

Cloonan most recently served as Director of Legal for the Houston Endowment. Before joining the Houston Endowment in 2015, she was an attorney with Andrews Kurth LLP and Vinson & Elkins LLP. On the Port Commission, Mrs. Cloonan serves on the Community Relations Committee, Compensation Committee and Procurement and Small Business Task Force.

Port Commissioners are responsible for providing guidance to the Port Houston executive team and enacting appropriate policies to ensure that the Port continues to lead as an economic engine for the region, state and nation. These policies can involve adopting plans, such as Port Houston’s new strategic plan adopted earlier this year. Other Commission responsibilities include approving the purchasing or disposing of real estate and other property, setting rates and adopting budgets.

Learn more about the Port Commission here: https://porthouston.com/leadership/the-port-commission/.

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Caption: Port Commissioner Wendy Montoya Cloonan and her family with Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

Wendy Montoya Cloonan was appointed to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority June 4 by the Harris County Commissioners Court. Mrs. Cloonan was sworn in as Port Commissioner June 19 by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo along with Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia in attendance as well as her family and friends.

Professionally, Cloonan currently serves as Director of Legal for Houston Endowment. Before joining Houston Endowment in 2015, she was an attorney with Andrews Kurth LLP and Vinson & Elkins LLP. Houston Endowment is a private foundation that partners with others in the nonprofit, public and private sectors to improve quality of life for the residents of greater Houston.

Her additional community work includes interviewing students for her university alma mater, Yale University, and serving as the PTO President of her children’s elementary school.

Port Chairman Ric Campo welcomed Cloonan to the Port Commission remarking, “her professional expertise and commitment to the community will provide a great benefit as we work together to increase jobs and generate more economic impact to the region through the Houston Ship Channel.” As part of the swearing in ceremony, Cloonan held a meet and greet with Port Houston employees at the port’s executive office building.

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Dean E. Corgey has been reappointed to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority in February by the Houston City Council. He serves on the port’s Pension and Benefits Committee.

He has been vice president of the Seafarers International Union (SIU), and has been responsible for the Gulf Coast region since 1990. He supervises SIU activities ranging from Charleston, South Carolina, to Brownsville, Texas. Corgey oversees a staff of 25 representatives and administrative assistants while representing 7,500 members.

Corgey is also a trustee for the Seafarers Pension Plan, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, Joint Employment Fund, Training/Safety Fund and Transportation Institute.

A graduate of Houston’s Milby High School, Corgey attended Southwest Texas State University. He graduated from an apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, earning a chief engineer’s license.

Port Commissioners serve two-year terms without pay.

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Caption: Port Commissioners Clyde Fitzgerald and Roy D. Mease

Clyde Fitzgerald and Roy D. Mease have been reappointed to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority.

Fitzgerald was reappointed by the Harris County Commissioners Court. He serves on the Port Authority’s Audit committee and chairs the Pension and Benefits Committee.

He is a veteran of the Port of Houston and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), and is a member of the ILA’s Executive Council.

Mease was reappointed to the Port Commission by the Pasadena City Council. An active member of the community, Mease serves on the port’s Procurement and Small Business Task Force.

He was chairman of the Pasadena Second Century Corporation, which is the city’s economic development entity and helped Pasadena earn the annual Community Economic Development Award for 2013, awarded by the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC).

Port Commissioners serve two-year terms without pay.

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Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria was recognized for her 16 years of service to Port Houston during the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority’s last regular monthly meeting of 2018, which was held Dec. 12. Chairman Longoria has volunteered on the Port Commission since 2002.

She has served in the position of Chairman since she was unanimously appointed by the governing bodies of the City of Houston and Harris County Commissioners Court in a joint session held January 2013. Her six-year term ends in January of 2019.

Actions taken by the Port Commission Wednesday were consistent with Chairman Longoria’s priority to seek continuous support for improvement and maintenance of the Houston Ship Channel. The commission unanimously authorized the Executive Director to negotiate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for an agreed recommendation to identify and pursue one or more alternatives for the federal feasibility study for improvements to the Houston Ship Channel.

Executive Director Roger Guenther was one of many to praise Chairman Longoria’s leadership. She received several resolutions and expressions of gratitude from elected officials including a video tribute with comments from Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, state Senator-Elect Carol Alvarado, and U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, among others.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick also expressed their appreciation for her service. Texas State Rep. Mary Ann Perez presented a resolution from the State of Texas, and District H Houston City Councilmember Karla Cisneros read a proclamation from the City of Houston.

“It has been my great honor to serve as Port Commission Chairman for the past six years,” said Chairman Longoria in response to the accolades and ovations received throughout the meeting.

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Port Houston continued its tradition of giving back to the community this holiday season though the Angel Tree program and preparing care packages for seafarers. 

More than forty Angels, identified by The Salvation Army as children and seniors in need, were sponsored by more than 100 Port Houston employees. “Receiving a specific individual to sponsor this holiday season significantly increased our end-of-the-year giving, as it created a more personal connection for our team members,” said Leslie Herbst, community relations director at Port Houston.

As part of Chairman Longoria’s final Citizen Advisory Council meeting, she and council members filled and wrapped boxes containing personal, toiletry and other useful items as part of the Shoeboxes for Seafarers program. The program, which has been operating for more than 40 years, is organized by the Houston International Seafarers’ Center, which serves as a home away from home for mariners that work aboard ocean-going vessels. “We are delighted to help spread holiday cheer to visiting seafarers, as many long-time mariners look forward to calling our port during the Christmas-giving season,” said Herbst. 

Throughout the year, Port Houston strives to provide outreach programming that brings value to the community and engages Port Houston team members in unique and memorable ways.

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Port Chairman Janiece Longoria was honored with a Hispanic Hero Award by Comcast Sept. 21.

Comcast paid tribute to individuals from the Houston Hispanic community who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment in making a difference in the areas of volunteerism, mentorship, advocacy and civic engagement. The event also recognized Hispanic Heritage Month.

The 2018 honorees were judged on criteria that included their personal impact in the community, helping further the mission of a nonprofit organization and overcoming personal obstacles.

Longoria has served as chairman of the Port of Houston Authority, the leading economic engine for the greater Houston region, since she was unanimously appointed by the City of Houston and Harris County in January 2013. She has received numerous honors and recognitions since becoming a port commissioner in 2002.

Port Houston owns and operates eight public terminals in the greater Port of Houston. The port is the nation’s no. 1 port for foreign waterborne tonnage and is an essential economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas and the nation. 

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Port Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther was named one of the “Most Admired CEOs” by the Houston Business Journal Aug. 23. The honor is given to local executives who have provided contributions to company success and civic involvement and have demonstrated career achievement.

“This recognition is particularly important because it was Port Houston employees who submitted the nomination for Roger to receive this award,” Chairman Janiece Longoria said at a recent public meeting. “We appreciate the leadership and vision that he brings to the port.”

Guenther has been Executive Director of the port since 2014. With 30 years of experience at the port, Guenther brings operational leadership and a proven track record to the position. He is also the current president of the Texas Ports Association.

Port Houston is the largest port in Texas, with eight public terminals on the Houston Ship Channel. The entire channel includes nearly 200 facilities.

As well as leading his employees, Guenther and Port Houston staff work in collaboration with federal, local agencies and stakeholders to ensure the 52-mile long waterway is efficiently maintained and improved.

The Houston Business Journal event celebrates the achievements and success of Houston’s top business leaders.

An independent panel of expert judges from multiple industries selected the honorees. The inaugural event was held at the Hilton Americas Hotel.

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