Charlie Jenkins

Chief Executive Officer Port Houston

Charlie Jenkins was named Incoming Chief Executive Officer in April 2024. In this role, he will oversee the advocacy and stewardship of the Houston Ship Channel, the nation’s busiest waterway, working in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Channel maintenance and improvements. More than 200 public and private facilities conduct business alongside the Channel and together support $906 billion in annual economic value.

Mr. Jenkins also oversees the efficient and effective operations of Port Houston’s public facilities, which handle a diverse range of imports and exports including container, general cargo, breakbulk, and bulk commodities and include the area’s largest breakbulk facilities and two of the most efficient container terminals in the nation. 

Mr. Jenkins has been with Port Houston for more than 32 years and has served in various capacities during his tenure. He started with the Port as the first intern the organization ever had. Throughout his Port Houston career, he has led several departments including container ops, strategic planning, environmental affairs, channel development, financial planning, Bayport Container and Cruise Terminal, and the grants department. Most recently, he was the Chief Channel Infrastructure Officer, overseeing channel development, the Port Houston Strategic Asset Management Program and GIS.  

Mr. Jenkins earned his bachelor’s degree in marine sciences as an Honors graduate of Texas A&M University in Galveston. He later returned to school to further his education, receiving his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Houston.