Michael Ziesemer joined the Port of Houston Authority in October 2011, where he serves as a Security Manager and Facility Security Officer. He has over 10 years of experience in Security Management, beginning at the Port of Galveston. In 2015, Mr. Ziesemer earned his designation as a Certified Port ExecutiveTM, demonstrating his comprehensive knowledge and experience in port operations and management. He also holds a Certificate in Infrastructure Protection through TEEX (Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service), an International Diploma for Harbour Masters through IBC Global Academy and is a certified Facility Security Officer/Vessel Security Officer/Company Security Officer. He is a graduate of the fall 2019 Business/Civic Leadership Forum through the Center for Houston’s Future. Mr. Ziesemer is an active member of ASIS International, the Coast Guard’s Area Maritime Security Committee, and was elected Chair of the FSO Sub-Committee under the Area Maritime Security Committee. He is a combat veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and served seven months in Iraq, where he earned a Certificate of Commendation for superior performance of duty while attached to his unit’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal Detachment Security Element. He is an alumnus of the Seaborne Challenge Corps, Texas A&M University and Texas National Guard, Galveston, Texas, and is presently attending American Military University in pursuit of a Bachelor’s in Homeland Security and a Certificate in Terrorism Studies.

Mr. Ziesemer is a proven leader in maritime security, emergency preparedness, port operations, and cruise terminal management. He is responsible for ensuring the physical security of the Port and its assets, as well as compliance with all maritime security regulatory requirements. In addition to managing the security operations of one of the largest breakbulk complexes in the country, Mr. Ziesemer also serves as the Port’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) primary point of contact, threat liaison officer, and liaisons with local, state, and federal agencies on all matters pertaining to maritime security.