Who will be the next port commissioner? Here are the applicants

Kirsten Crow, Corpus Christi Caller Times
·2 min read

The Corpus Christi City Council may make its choice Tuesday on who will fill one seat of the three on the commission representing the city on the Port of Corpus Christi Authority.

The panel is considered to be among the most prominent and consequential boards in the region.

The position is currently held by Rajan Ahuja, president of SV Energy LLC and CEO of Texegy LLC. He was appointed in February 2021, and is seeking a second term, according to council documents.

Port commissioners are expected to help guide the agency’s policies and budget.

Most recently, the board has been among the most influential decisionmakers on desalination development, a controversial proposition that has led to high-profile discussions – as well as disputes – between other governmental entities and surrounding communities.

Commissioner Rajan Ahuja listens to public comment during a meeting on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Commissioner Rajan Ahuja listens to public comment during a meeting on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The upcoming appointment will be the first time city officials will make a decision on an open position since the departure of former CEO Sean Strawbridge in May.

Kent Britton, who formerly served as the port’s chief financial officer, has since been hired for the role.

The seven-member commission comprises three people representing Nueces County, three people representing the city of Corpus Christi and one person representing San Patricio County.

The city of Corpus Christi’s two other representatives are Gabe Guerra, CEO and president of Kleberg Bank, and David Engel, consultant.

Port commissioners do not earn pay for their service on the board. Terms are for three years, with a maximum of four terms.

Including Ahuja, there are 15 applicants seeking appointment by the City Council.

As listed in self-reported applications and resumes, they are:

Rajan Ahuja

  • Occupation: President and chief operating officer of SV Energy Co. LLC; CEO of Texegy LLC

  • Current board and committees: Seeking reappointment to the port commission for a second term.

Isabel Araiza

  • Occupation: Assistant professor of sociology at Del Mar College

Bart Braselton

  • Occupation: Vice president, Braselton Development

Rachel Caballero

  • Occupation: Self-employed, owner

Teresa A. Carrillo

  • Occupation: Research specialist at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Center for Coastal Studies

Steve Garza

  • Occupation: Aircraft electronics mechanic at Corpus Christi Army Depot

Janie Gifford

  • Occupation: Recruiter for Coastal Bend Employment LLC

Kristen Heslip

  • Occupation: Dispatcher at Refinery Terminal Fire Company

Diane LaRue

  • Occupation: Retired; independent manager of doTerra

Frank L. McNiff Jr.

  • Occupation: Self-employed, retired maritime attorney

John A. Michael

  • Occupation: Senior vice president, Hanson Professional Services

Eloy H. Salazar

  • Occupation: Self-employed, owner

Kristin W. Schmidt

  • Occupation: Chief of development, Ellison Helmsman Inc.

Lamont C. Taylor

  • Occupation: CEO of L.C. Taylor & Associates

Elgin Wade Williams

  • Occupation: Owner, D2 Engineering LLC

Port Commission Applications by callertimes on Scribd

More: Council selects Rajan Ahuja to serve on Port of Corpus Christi commission

More: Kleberg Bank's Gabe Guerra sworn-in as newest Port of Corpus Christi commissioner

More: In split vote, Corpus Christi City Council reappoints David Engel to port commission

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: here is who wants to be on the port of corpus christi commission 2023