Earlier in February, the Houston City Council appointed Roland Garcia to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority.
Garcia is a founding shareholder of Greenberg Traurig, LLP’s Houston office. With extensive expertise in maritime affairs and a deep understanding of the Port Authority and the Houston Ship Channel, he brings valuable experience to his new role.
Before his appointment, Garcia served as Vice Chair of the Board of Pilot Commissioners for Harris County Ports but resigned from the position upon joining the Port Commission. In a memo to the Mayor, Houston City Council Member Joaquin Martinez endorsed Garcia’s nomination, stating, “Roland, a local attorney and current Vice Chair of the Houston Pilots Board of Directors – through 1 February 2025 – possesses the knowledge, experience, and qualifications to help strengthen and move the Port forward.”
Garcia holds various leadership roles at both local and national levels. He serves as Co-Chair of the Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Board and is a board member of the Greater Houston Partnership and the Harris County Hospital District Foundation. Additionally, he previously served on the board of the Houston Harris County Sports Authority.
A graduate of Baylor University with honours in 1981, Garcia earned his law degree from South Texas College of Law. He is a past president of the Houston Bar Association and a military veteran, having completed the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School/Platoon Leaders Class.
Garcia steps into the role previously held by Dean Corgey, a respected maritime leader and dedicated community advocate. Corgey’s term concluded this month after serving the maximum 12 years permitted on the Port Commission.
Port Commissioners serve two-year unpaid terms and are ineligible for reappointment after reaching the 12-year service limit.
Commenting on his appointment, Garcia said: “I am grateful to Mayor Whitmire and members of Houston City Council for their confidence in me to serve in this important role. Port Houston is the busiest waterway in the nation and vital to the region’s economy. I look forward to building on the legacy while working with my fellow commissioners and Port Houston’s executive leadership. As a young lawyer 38 years ago, I represented the Port in landmark cases and have worked on Port matters with Port leadership ever since. I have come full circle.”
