Charlie Jenkins assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer in late August 2024. In this role, he oversees advocacy and stewardship of Houston’s port and the Houston Ship Channel, the nation’s busiest waterway. More than 200 public and private facilities conduct business alongside the Channel and together support $906 billion in annual economic value.

Mr. Jenkins also oversees the efficient and effective operations of Port Houston’s public facilities, which handle a diverse range of imports and exports including container, general cargo, breakbulk, and bulk commodities and include the area’s largest breakbulk facilities and two of the most efficient container terminals in the nation.

Mr. Jenkins has been with Port Houston for more than 34 years and has served in various capacities during his tenure. He started with the Port as the first intern the organization ever had. Throughout his Port Houston career, he has worked in several departments including container operations, strategic planning, environmental affairs, channel development, financial planning, Bayport Container Terminal, and the grants department. Most recently, he was the Chief Channel Infrastructure Officer, overseeing channel development, the partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to maintain and improve the Houston Ship Channel, as well as the Port Houston Strategic Asset Management Program and GIS.

Mr. Jenkins is actively involved in several industry organizations. He is a Board Member of the Texas Ports Association, the Port Authority Advisory Committee, and the Greater Houston Port Bureau. Additionally, he serves on the Texas A&M University at Galveston’s Board of Visitors, where he is part of the Committee on Student Affairs. He is also a member of the H-GAC Transportation Policy Council.

An honors graduate of Texas A&M University at Galveston, Mr. Jenkins earned a bachelor’s degree in marine sciences and later completed his MBA at the University of Houston. He resides in the Clear Lake area with his wife, and they are proud parents of three and grandparents of two.