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Phyllis Saathoff – Executive Director/CEO Port Freeport

Phyllis Saathoff is an accomplished executive with 25 years of service in the port industry. With a strong accounting and finance background combined with her operational leadership, Phyllis brings a proven track record to Port Freeport.

Saathoff began her maritime career at Port Freeport in 1992. She served as Managing Director, and then in April 2012, became the Interim Executive Port Director/CEO before joining the Port of Houston Authority in October 2012. Saathoff served in various capacities during her tenure at the Port of Houston Authority including, Chief People Officer and Deputy Executive Director of Corporate Affairs, she was responsible for public affairs, strategic planning, channel development, freight mobility and environmental affairs. Saathoff returned to Port Freeport in April 2016 as the Chief Executive Officer.

During her prior tenure at Port Freeport, Saathoff was successful in obtaining U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit to deepen the Freeport Harbor Channel to 55 feet, and in financing and initiating the development of the Port’s first container terminal. Saathoff received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for 21 consecutive years.

Education
Saathoff earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, from the University of Houston- Clear Lake, is a certified public accountant and is certified as a Professional Port Manager®.

Affiliations & Community Involvement
Saathoff was recognized as one of the Top 10 Women in Gulf Transportation by Gulf Shipper Magazine. A recognized expert in port emergency preparedness, she is the author of the Emergency Preparedness and Continuity of Operations Planning Manual for Best Practices for ports.

Past president of the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones and former treasurer of the Texas Gulf Ports Association, Saathoff also serves on the Port Authority Advisory Committee to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Transportation Policy Council. She is actively engaged with industry groups such as the American Association of Port Authorities and Texas Ports Association regarding maritime transportation, regulatory and policy matters and serves on the board of directors and executive committee of the Economic Alliance of Brazoria County. Saathoff is also currently serving as a member of the University of Houston – Clear Lake College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council.

Personal
A resident of Brazoria County since 1983, Saathoff enjoys outdoor activities including golfing and hiking.

Port Freeport
Port Freeport is ranked 10th in chemicals and 26th in containers. The Channel serves Dow Chemical, Phillips 66, BASF, Tenaris, Vulcan Material, Mammoet, Freeport LNG, Riviana, Dole, Chiquita, Seaway, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and Hoegh Autoliners. You can learn more about Port Freeport at www.portfreeport.com.