On Wednesday morning, the Port of Corpus Christi Commissioners unanimously voted to appoint Kent Britton as the permanent CEO. Britton, who acted as the Interim CEO following Sean Strawbridge’s departure, expressed his gratitude. “Being entrusted with the leadership of such a significant asset to the Coastal Bend region is an honor. I’m eager to advance our mission with our outstanding leadership team,” said Britton.
“As the energy sector worldwide adapts to surging demand and swift technological innovations, ensuring the safe and efficient transport of fuels and chemicals from Texas to global destinations becomes pivotal for job creation and economic growth in the Coastal Bend area.”
Kent Britton, who boasts a CPA certification and a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology, has held significant roles at notable companies. He served as Director and Vice President at Blackbaud, Inc. — a leading provider of software and services for non-profit organizations. He was also the Chief Financial Officer at Sherwin Alumina Company, as detailed in his biography on the port’s website.
“Over the past six transformative years, Kent Britton has been an instrumental figure in the leadership of the Port of Corpus Christi,” commented Charles W. Zahn, Jr., the Port of Corpus Christi Commission Chairman. “Beyond his profound financial expertise and 30 years of experience, Kent possesses a leadership approach emphasizing humility, listening, and collaboration. Throughout our extensive search, we encountered several exceptional candidates nationwide. Still, Kent stood out as the ideal fit to guide the port in forging strong alliances with our shipping clientele and the communities we are committed to serving.”
Britton joined the port in 2017 as the financial controller and ascended to chief financial officer in 2019. Sean Strawbridge, his predecessor, submitted his resignation on May 16.
During the transition and search period that followed Strawbridge’s departure, there were calls from the public and officials alike for more transparency in the hiring procedures. This sentiment was reinforced in a letter dispatched to port commissioners in July, endorsed by 12 mayors from the Coastal Bend Mayors Coalition, including Corpus Christi’s Mayor Paulette Guajardo.
The letter emphasizes that the port’s limited transparency has diminished community trust and assurance. It specifically proposes the establishment of an independent committee to offer CEO recommendations. Moreover, the letter advocates for avenues for public engagement, such as town hall gatherings and forums. It also suggests incorporating an opportunity for the public to interact with and assess potential candidates during the interview process.