Gulf Coast Protection District is governed by a Board of Directors, as established by the 87th Texas Legislature under Chapter 9502 of the Special District Local Laws Code. There are 11 members on the Board who each serve staggered four-year terms. When a member’s term expires, the appointing entity selects a successor.
Five members are appointed by the Commissioners Courts of the five counties within the District’s territory.
Six members are appointed by the Governor of Texas, with the advice and consent of the Texas Senate, to represent:
Roger Guenther led Port Houston as Executive Director from 2014 to 2024, overseeing major growth and modernization of one of the nation’s busiest ports. His tenure was marked by strategic infrastructure investments, including the expansion of the Houston Ship Channel, and a strong focus on economic impact, sustainability, and innovation.
Michel Bechtel is the former Mayor of Morgan’s Point, Texas, and a respected leader in coastal protection and energy. As President of Bechtel Exploration Company and past Chair of the Board of Directors of the Gulf Coast Protection District, he has combined scientific expertise with civic leadership to advance infrastructure resilience and regional development across the Texas Gulf Coast.
Sally Bakko is the Director of Policy and Governmental Relations for the City of Galveston, where she leads legislative strategy and intergovernmental affairs. With extensive experience in public policy and administration, she brings a strong background in communications, law, and government operations to her role.
Larry Taylor is a former Texas State Senator who represented District 11 from 2013 to 2023, following ten years in the Texas House. Known for his leadership in education, coastal protection, and insurance reform, Taylor chaired the Senate Education Committee and played a key role in shaping state policy during his two decades of public service.
Robert Mitchell is the former President of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, where he led regional growth initiatives from 2008 to 2023. A champion of aerospace, infrastructure, and coastal protection, Mitchell played a key role in advancing the economic vitality of Texas’s Gulf Coast and continues to serve on several advisory boards.
Sharon Hulgan is the Lead Site Manufacturing Director for Dow Houston Area Operations, where she oversees production at Dow’s largest integrated site in Deer Park, the Bayport Site, and the Texas City VAM plant. With decades of experience, she is known for driving operational excellence, safety, process safety, and industry collaboration.
Lori Traweek served as CEO and General Manager of the Gulf Coast Authority, leading efforts to protect Texas waterways and advance sustainable water management. During her 27-year tenure, she guided major wastewater and water quality initiatives and played a key role in shaping regional and state water policy.
Dr. Tina Petersen is the Executive Director of the Harris County Flood Control District, where she leads efforts to reduce flood risks across one of the nation’s largest and most flood-prone counties. A licensed Professional Engineer, she brings extensive experience in environmental engineering and regional water management.
Allan Ritter is Chairman and CEO of Triple R Brothers, a Texas-based building materials company. He served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1999 to 2015, where he championed water infrastructure policy and chaired the House Natural Resources Committee.
Billy Combs is a longtime public servant and community leader in Chambers County, Texas. In addition to being the Founder & Co-Owner of Combs Commercial Investment Properties, he served as a county commissioner, mayor and school board trustee. He has extensive experience in business and public service, with a strong focus on economic development and regional infrastructure.
David Rutledge is the former Mayor of the City of Bridge City, Texas. He brings decades of experience in local government and public service as a member of Bridge City City Council before being elected Mayor in 2016. Rutledge has also held statewide leadership roles with the Texas Municipal League, serving as president from 2022–2023.
