Thomas Jones, Jr., has been appointed as the Port Commissioner of the Port of Houston Authority, embarking on a two-year term.
Commissioner Jones will attend his first Port Commission meeting in this capacity on 26 March.
A host of local, state, and federal officials and business and community leaders were in attendance, showing their support for Commissioner Jones.
State Senator Carol Alvarado delivered greetings, emphasizing the importance of the Houston Ship Channel to the state, and remarked to Mayor Whitmire that “Commissioner Jones was a smart appointment.”
Commissioner Jones is a founding partner of McConnellJones, LLP, believed to be the largest African American public accounting firm in the US, and recognised as one of the largest CPA practices in the Southwestern US. Now retired, Commissioner Jones continues to serve the firm as a consultant.
Commissioner Jones has served as Chairman, President, and Director on many community boards, including among many others the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors board (past Chairman), Greater Houston Partnership, co-founder and Board President of Dominion Community Development Corporation (a church-based CDC), Houston Fund for Social Justice and Economic Equity (HEF), the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Foundation board, Jazz Houston, and Trees for Houston.
Commissioner Jones fills the seat of former Port Commissioner Cheryl Creuzot, who chose not to seek a third term.
The City of Houston-appointed Port Commissioners, as all others, serve for two-year terms without pay, and may serve a maximum of 12 years.
“I am blessed and honoured to have this opportunity to serve the people of Houston. The port is a critically important business and economic engine for Houston, Texas, and the nation,” Commissioner Jones said.
“I am excited to help lead and guide Port Houston’s current and future plans for growth and expansion.”
READ: Port Houston hits new container volume record for January
“We welcome Jones to the Port Commission and look forward to the perspective he brings,” said Ric Campo, Chairman of the Port Commission.
“His strong background in finance coupled with his long history of commitment to philanthropic endeavors makes him well-prepared to help guide Port Houston to serve our region.”
In February this year, Port Houston announced that ZIM Shipping Company’s new line, Gulf Toucan, arrived at the Barbours Cut Container Terminal.
