Port Houston has appointed Amy Rister as Director of State Government Relations, tasking her with leading the port’s state-level advocacy strategy and strengthening its ties with Texas legislators and agencies.
Rister brings more than two decades of Texas legislative and public policy experience to the role. She joins from the Texas House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, where she served as Committee Director, and previously held senior leadership positions across multiple House committees, including oversight of transportation issues affecting Texas ports.
In 2025, she was recognised as a USLege Female Powerhouse of the Year, a peer-nominated distinction for standout women leaders in government affairs and state advocacy.
Based in Austin, Rister will serve as a key liaison between Port Houston and state government, working alongside legislators, agencies and stakeholders to advance policies and investment supporting Texas’ maritime and freight transportation network and the long-term competitiveness of the Houston Ship Channel.
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Kerrick Henny, Chief External Affairs Officer at Port Houston, said: “Amy brings deep experience in the Texas legislative process and a proven record of building strong working relationships to advance complex policy priorities. Her background, particularly her work on transportation and intergovernmental issues, will be a valuable asset as we continue to advocate for the long-term competitiveness of our port region and the economic growth it enables across Texas.”
Rister stated: “Port Houston plays a critical role in keeping Texas commerce moving, and I’m honoured to support that work. I look forward to partnering with state leaders and stakeholders to advance smart, practical policies that strengthen our transportation network and keep the Houston Ship Channel competitive for the long term.”
For more information:
Port Houston – https://porthouston.com/
