Port Houston employees have made everything possible this year even as the supply chain continues to see record high demand. Port Houston knows the value of its people and continues to make investments into their futures with training, succession planning, organizational development and more. In this blog, we highlight some of longest tenured employees to see how they have progressed in their careers and why they enjoy working at Port Houston.

YOLANDA “NESSIE” RAMIREZ-FRANCIS – FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT

Nessie Ramirez-Francis is celebrating her 44th work anniversary at Port Houston in August 2022. She began her career at Port Houston in August 1978 as a Manifest Clerk before moving to and helping start the Accounting department. She has spent most of her tenure in the Accounting department helping with financial analysis, financial planning, accounts payable, special projects and more. In her current role, she is responsible for collecting, tracking, and reporting finances for the Executive Division and Financial Division.

During her time at the port, Nessie has witnessed many changes in business and technology. She has helped with the installment of three different financial softwares and even witnessed the first desktop computers being installed at the port. What keeps her going is the awesome people she works with everyday.  

TOM HEIDT – CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Tom Heidt celebrated 40 years at Port Houston in early 2022. He began his career at Port Houston on January 13, 1982 and it’s safe to say he’s done a little bit of everything. Heidt spent his first 11 years at Port Houston crunching numbers in the Accounting department.

Eventually, Heidt transferred to the Trade Development Division, now known as the Commercial Division, where he spent more than 12 years as Market Research Manager and Market Development Manager followed by four years overseeing the container terminal development in the Operations Division.

After more than 20 years at Port Houston, Heidt’s career led him to the Chief Financial Officer position, which he held for six years. Currently, he serves as the Chief Operating Officer, and the divisions he oversees include Commercial, Port Operations, Infrastructure, Safety, Security, Environmental, IT, and Finance.

“My main purpose over the past 40 years has always been to try and make Port Houston a better place,” Heidt said. “And my number one goal is to try and pass my knowledge on, as I want Port Houston to be even more successful in the next 40 years.”

CAROLYN ASHLEY – DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT & ENGAGEMENT

Carolyn Ashley is coming up on her 41st work anniversary at Port Houston in August 2022. She began her career as a secretary at Port Houston on August 12, 1981 shortly after moving to Houston. Her hard work and devotion to the company speaks for itself as she was promoted to World Trade Center Supervisor in 1986 where she served for five years.

Ashley has worn plenty of hats during her time at Port Houston. Some of her other titles include Real Estate Coordinator, Manager of Office Services, Employee Relations Manager, Training and Development Manager, Senior Manager of Learning and Organizational Development and Talent/Organizational Development Senior Business Partner.

After recognizing her true passion was the development of Port Houston employees in 2014, Ashley moved into the role of Manager of Organizational Training and Development. In November 2019 she was promoted to Director of Employee Development and Engagement where she currently serves.

“I had a one-year plan that worked out to be 40 one-year plans so far,” Ashley said. “Working at Port Houston has been challenging but rewarding. I wouldn’t want to have spent my career anywhere else.”

KENT STILLWELL – PORT POLICE OFFICER

Kent Stillwell celebrated 40 years at Port Houston in March 2022. Officer Stillwell started working at the Port in January of 1982, but his journey in Public Service began in 1979, when he first served as a Texas Commissioned Security Officer after graduating from the University of Houston-Downtown Law Enforcement Academy (Class # 72). When he joined Port Houston, Officer Stillwell earned several awards, including the Port Houston Police Department Life Saving Award, the Safe Driver Award and Officer of the Quarter. He played a key role in moving the department forward in using technology for Police and Dispatch services, when they received new computers to replace older surplus equipment.

Officer Stillwell retired in March 2022 and is enjoying using his time to practice hobbies like photography, astronomy, reading and music.

DOUG MIMS – SENIOR CAPTAIN OF THE M/V SAM HOUSTON

Doug Mims celebrated 35 years at Port Houston in May 2022. His career at Port Houston began in the Fire Department in 1987. He was promoted to Pilot on the M/V Sam Houston tour boat and has been a key leader on this team ever since. As Senior Captain of the Sam Houston crew, Doug leads his team in providing free tours to the public. The past few years have been unique with the boat tour closed during the pandemic, but Doug has continued to support the growth of his crew as they prepare to lead tours without him in the future.

Although Doug is retiring this year, he will be missed at the Sam Houston boat tour pavilion. In retirement, Doug plans to do a lot of surfing, building computers for gaming, watching zombie movies and spending time with family.

PATRICIA RAMSEY – PSEO PROGRAM MANAGER

Patricia Ramsey celebrated 18 years at Port Houston in May 2022. Trish started at Port Houston in 2004 as a secretary in the Planning & Environment Department but moved to PSEO division shortly thereafter. She has served as a “super admin” since joining the PSEO group, taking on increasing levels of responsibility over the years. Patricia has led the ISO 28000 (Supply Chain Security) Program from its inception at Port Houston and is still asked to speak globally on the topic. She is also certified as a PMP (Project Management Professional) and has used this expertise to assist several departments with project management. In 2020, Patricia was redesignated as PSEO Program Manager, overseeing all budgeting, projects, and contracts for the division.

Patricia retired in May 2022 and plans to build a house in Canada, which will serve as her summer home.

OTHER PORT HOUSTON RETIREES IN 2021 & 2022

• Donald W. Miller – 1st Class Electrician – 44 years
• Robert D. Waller – Foreman RTG Wharf Electrical – 43 years
• Kathleen M. Swift – Customer Billing Services Analyst – 41 years
• Randall K. Pugh – Tradesman II – 39 years
• Rudolph J. Lechuga – RTG Wharf Mechanic – 34 years
• Maria A. Lewis-Miller – Inventory Specialist – 32 years
• Douglas E. Johnson – 1st Class RTG Wharf Mechanic – 31 years
• Edward W. Fouts – RTG Wharf Mechanic – 29 years
• Charles B. McCary – Police Sergeant – 28 years
• Carol A. Neidert – Logistics Lead Yard Planner – 26 years
• Eric P. LeBeaux – Tradesman IV – 26 years
• Jeffrey B. Best – Tradesman IV – 26 years 
• Diana K. Robbins – Gate Operations Supervisor – 25 years
• Jerry L. Matheson – 1st Class RTG Wharf Mechanic – 25 years
• Kevin T. Keena – Equipment Shop Mechanic – 25 years
• Milton P. Mifflin – RTG Wharf Mechanic – 25 years
• Ricky C. Murray – Foreman RTG Wharf Electrical – 25 years

Although these are just some of the many port employee stories, the Port Houston team is grateful for all current and retired employees who have served diligently and evolved in their career with us. To learn more about careers at Port Houston, visit www.porthouston/careers-2/.

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More than half of the region’s maritime workers are age 50 or older and quickly approaching retirement. There is a growing need for talent in all areas of maritime and industry-related occupations, including transportation, logistics and supply chain management, environmental, security, emergency management and various positions with ocean-going carriers.

The post Building the Next Generation of Maritime Workers appeared first on Port Houston.

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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Port Houston hosted the Shared Quarters National Maritime Workforce Conference at the San Jacinto Maritime Technology & Training Center in 2018.

The conference attracted industry professionals and educators from across the country to focus on the expansion of the maritime industry and efforts to incorporate community colleges for maritime workforce training.

Then-Port Chairman Janiece Longoria noted that the conference was a “critically important gathering aimed at addressing the need for a strong maritime workforce for the future.” More than 1,000 students in the region are in the pipeline for potential maritime industry careers.

“The Houston Ship Channel remains the backbone of the economic activity and the lifeblood of our region, our state and our nation,” Longoria said. “We continue to grow because tremendous investment is being made in our ship channel region to produce goods that are exported through our port.”

The event was comprised of panels that focused on military to maritime workforce crosswalks; and accreditation and curriculum for military and maritime professionals who are transitioning to college courses after military service.

Brenda Hellyer, Ed.D., Chancellor for San Jacinto College, noted that the port played a key role establishing the institution’s maritime facility near the port’s Bayport Container Terminal. The facility has a ship navigation and training simulator that was donated by the Houston Pilots Association.

Workforce development is the focus of the Port of Houston Partners in Maritime Education, a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 by the port. The program encourages area students to pursue career opportunities in the maritime transportation or affiliated fields, including logistics, freight, security and environmental affairs.

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Port Houston held its semi-annual Port University workshop during the month of April. Port University, a four-week training course, is an outreach program designed to educate small businesses about procurement opportunities at the port. The workshops are presented in collaboration with the University of Houston Small Business Development Center.

More than 25 small business representatives attended the class, where they learned about port procurement opportunities, port facilities, contracting language, bonding, insurance requirements and the port’s BuySpeed Procurement System. Since inception in 2003, more than 722 small business owners have graduated from Port University.

Port Houston staff from the procurement, real estate, project and construction management, risk management, legal, environmental and channel development departments provided insight on doing business with the port.

“This program offers businesses the opportunity to learn the basics of contracting and procurement with the port,” said Pedro Gonzalez, P.E., small business mentoring program manager for Port Houston.

In addition to the course, the port offers a small business mentoring program for companies enrolled in the port’s small business program. Since the beginning of the program, awards and commitments to small businesses have totaled more than a half a billion dollars.

Port Houston's Small Business and Education Outreach department participates in more than 200 events every year through the collaboration with various chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and private and public agency partners.

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Port Houston’s Senior Director of Small Business and Education Outreach Gilda Ramirez provided a port and small business update at the Hispanic Houston Chamber of Commerce’s December Networking Breakfast and Business Development Forum.

The chamber’s annual forum event program features keynote speakers sharing current market trends and product innovations with attendees.

The chamber’s president recognized the port with opening remarks. “Port Houston is the running model for growing small business programs. They do excellent engagement,” said Dr. Laura G. Murrilo, President and CEO.

Ramirez highlighted the port’s significance as an economic engine for the region. “We continue to grow because tremendous investment has been and continues to be made in our ship channel region, to produce or distribute goods that are destined to be imported or exported through our port,” said Ramirez.

The port’s small business development program is designed to help contractors made good faith efforts to include small business participation in a variety of contracts.

This year marks the program’s 15^th year of actively supporting the community’s workforce and Port Houston has reached a new milestone: providing over one half billion dollars in awards and commitments to small businesses.

“The port’s education efforts also well align with our small business development efforts since job creation is such a key aspect of both,” noted Ramirez.

The event was held at the Amergy Bank Building in the Houston Galleria.

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Port Houston held its quarterly Small Business Advisory Council meeting recently, with Senior Director of Small Business and Education Outreach Gilda Ramirez and staff providing an update on port small business engagement activities and events.

Port Commissioner John Kennedy, chair of the group, noted that Port Houston had no major impact as a result of Hurricane Harvey.

Kennedy also commended the Houston Astros for winning the Major League Baseball World Series Championship.

Paul Puente, Executive Secretary of the Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council, provided a presentation on local workforce and apprenticeship opportunities. “Houston has one of the best economies in the world,” said Puente.

The Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council helps build an exceptionally trained and skilled workforce for the commercial and industrial construction trade industry.

Other port representatives highlighted the port’s procurement process, policies and advertising initiatives.

In 2016, Port Houston awarded $272 million commitments and awards to small businesses. 

The Port Houston Small Business Advisory Council is a citizen group created to assist program council members to achieve goals, carry out procedures and make operations improvements.

The 16–member council represents a broad spectrum of leaders in small business, contracting, minority and women-owned business associations, community and labor groups.

The post Port Houston’s Small Business Advisory Council Meets; Building Partnerships appeared first on Port Houston.

Hurricane Harvey took a toll on many Texans as flooding affected homes and businesses and brought a demand for various recovery related services.

Port Houston’s small business and education outreach department has recently participated in several events around Harris County related to the storm.

Port Houston staff participated in a Hurricane Harvey Recovery Town Hall Meeting for small businesses at The Power Center Sept. 11.

The event included many other participating local and state agencies, such as the City of Houston's Office of Business Opportunity, Houston METRO, Houston First and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The agencies shared information about how to prepare for business opportunities after a natural disaster as well as current procurement projects in the region.

Small Business Administration Procurement Center Representative Valerie Coleman shared past experiences and challenges that she saw businesses face during Hurricane Ike in 2008. A resident of Dickinson, her goal is to help small businesses rebuild.

Port Houston is also a gold level sponsor for “Greater Houston Rebounds,” a half day event presented by the Houston East Chamber of Commerce Sept. 19.

“We are here to provide access and support to local businesses impacted by the storm,” said Gilda Ramirez, senior director of small business and education outreach at Port Houston. 

“The port did not have much of any damage from the flooding, and we will continue moving forward helping other companies and organizations who were not so fortunate,” added Ramirez.

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