Port People: Corpus Christi, Galveston, Vancouver (WA)

John LaRue steps down January 1 as executive director of  Port Corpus Christi and will be succeeded by Sean Strawbridge, the port’s deputy executive director and chief operating officer. Mr. LaRue will serve in a senior advisory capacity to Mr. Strawbridge until officially retiring from the port in June 2019. 

 

Mr. LaRue came to Port Corpus Christi chief executive in 1994 from the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, where he also served as executive director.

 

Mr. Strawbridge previously worked at Oxbow Energy, Ports America Group, and, finally, the Port of Long Beach, where he was managing director of port operations and trade development.

 

"As part of the Port of Corpus Christi Authority Commission’s vision for the future, we pause to thank John LaRue for his outstanding leadership and steady hand over the last 23 years," said Port Commission Chair Charles P. Zahn. "We also welcome Sean Strawbridge in his new role as CEO and, with John LaRue’s example, we have full confidence Sean will take the port to new highs and new frontiers." 

 

 

 

 

Rodger E. Rees takes over as port director and general manager of the Port of Galveston, effective January 15, 2018.

 

He was selected for the post by the Board of Trustees of Galveston Wharves following a nationwide search for a successor to Michael Mierzwa, who retired as the port’s chief executive in December 2016.  Interim general manager Peter Simons chose not to apply.

 

"It was imperative that the port director position be filled and having interviewed a number of strong and highly qualified applicants, the board decided that Mr. Rees has the right mixture of maritime experience, and leadership skills, particularly in the financial area, to fill such a vital position within the organization," said Board chair Ted O’Rourke. 

 

Mr. Rees is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 25 years of executive management experience and has served as deputy executive director and chief financial officer at Port Canaveral since June 2013.  In this executive role, he is responsible for safeguarding the port’s financial assets and overseeing its financial functions.

 

Previously, he served as chief financial officer of various private sector corporations. Mr. Rees graduated from East Tennessee State University with a BS in accounting and completed the Certified Port Executive Program.  He is vice chair of the AAPA Finance Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

Alex Strogen will be joining the Port of Vancouver USA January 16 as chief commercial officer. 

 

His maritime experience includes the sourcing of ocean transport and port operations; business development across the U.S., Middle East, Pacific, Atlantic and Latin American regions; and managing various aspects of marine terminal activities, including vessel planning and stevedoring.

 

His new responsibilities will include planning and implementing short- and long-range maritime marketing strategies, objectives and programs to promote domestic and international trade; planning and directing the marine cargo development program; guiding industrial recruitment and customer service; and developing and maintaining relationships to promote utilization of the port.

 

Mr. Strogen comes to the port after six years as a Senior Global Category Leader for General Electric Global Operations. He has also held positions with ocean carriers, including American Roll On Roll Off Carrier (ARC), APL and Maersk Line.

 

Mr. Strogen holds a BS in Maritime Business from Texas A&M University at Galveston. He has also completed executive education programs at Kings Point Federal Maritime Academy.

 

He is replacing Alastair Smith, who retires in March 2018 after 45 years in the maritime industry.

 

"Alex brings a wealth of experience to the Port of Vancouver. He’s been on both sides of the table as a customer and a sales manager, so he really understands the needs of both and how to navigate those relationships," said Port CEO Julianna Marler. "He also shares our dedication to industry leadership, stewardship and exceptional partnership. He’s a great addition to the team, and we look forward to welcoming him to our port and community in January."