35 year career (and counting!) in public port industry, highlighted by ten years as CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities, which represents ports throughout the US and the western hemisphere, followed by another decade as CEO of the North Carolina State Ports Authority. At NC Ports, I led our largest capital program in the port’s history, including a $440 million channel improvement project. In addition, and relevant to SE Texas, I weathered six named storms at our two deepwater ports in my first five years, developed security protocols and grant funding following 9/11, and initiated numerous business management practices. The next ten years were in the port consulting business where I focused on strategic asset management, strategic and business planning, and government relations. I came to Lamar at the invitation of President Ken Evans to develop our new Center for Port Management into the nation’s leading advanced education and research program focused on ports and terminals. I began my career in the early eighties in the US House of Representatives as a Sea Grant fellow, followed by a short stint at the Federal Maritime Commission. I received by bachelors in poli sci, and masters in marine affairs at the University of Washington in Seattle.