HOUSTON, TX – The Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD) is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has hired Coalter Baker as the District’s new Executive Director. Baker succeeds Nicole Sunstrum, who had served in the role since the GCPD’s establishment in 2021.
A native Houstonian with a passion for public service, Baker brings a wealth of experience in state and federal government, public policy, and community advocacy. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Texas Tech University and has since built a distinguished career dedicated to advancing policies that strengthen communities and the economy.
Baker has held many key roles both at the federal and state level, including in the offices of: former Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, the United States Office of Management and Budget within the White House, the United States Office of Personnel Management, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Texas Office of State-Federal Relations within the Office of the Governor. His expertise spans both the political and nonprofit sectors, having contributed on multiple high-profile campaigns across the country.
Most recently, Baker served as Senior Director of Public Policy at the Greater Houston Partnership, where he was instrumental in advocating for policies that drive economic growth, infrastructure resilience, and regional development. His leadership in public-private partnerships and stakeholder engagement has made a lasting impact on the Greater Houston area.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Baker is deeply committed to community service. He serves on the Board of Directors at BakerRipley, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities and fostering economic opportunities throughout Houston.
As Executive Director, Baker will oversee the daily operations of the GCPD, working closely with regional, state, and federal partners to advance the District’s coastal protection projects.
“We could not be more excited to have Coalter on board,” said Michel Bechtel, GCPD President. “His experience, strategic vision, and deep-rooted connections at the state and federal levels will be invaluable in driving the mission of the Gulf Coast Protection District forward. We look forward to his leadership and the direction he will bring to the District.”
The GCPD is governed by an eleven-member Board of Directors, with representatives appointed by the Commissioners Courts of Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson, and Orange counties, as well as the Governor of Texas.
About Gulf Coast Protection District
The Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD) was created in 2021 by the 87th Texas Legislature to oversee the implementation of an integrated and comprehensive coastal resilience strategy for the upper Texas coast. Specifically, this includes assuming the role of non-Federal sponsor for major portions of the Federally funded and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers led Coastal Texas Project and Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Project. The GCPD contains approximately 5,220 square miles of land covering Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson, and Orange counties. For more information about the GCPD, visit https://www.gcpdtexas.com/.
