Employee Newsletter - 2019 Q1

M O N T H L Y

N E W S L E T T E R

Making Waves with the Port Energy Crew

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E

2019 - Q1

MYPORT

Port Ponderings with the CEO: Sean’s favorite reads — page 03

Introducing Port of Corpus Christi Commissioner Catherine Hilliard — page 04

Unveiling the newly minted Port Volunteer Energy Crew — page 08

Department Spotlight

In This Issue 02

Department Spotlight: The Planning Department

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Port Ponderings with the CEO Sean’s Top 5 Reads

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Introducing Commissioner Hilliard

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Updates from Safety & Environmental

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Making Waves with the Port Energy Crew

The Port celebrates Public Risk Management Awareness Day

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Updates from Human Resources

Spring 2019 Newsletter Corpus Christi, Texas, USA: 222 Power Street, 78401 - P.O. Box 1541, 78403 Main: 361-882-5633 - Fax: 361-882-7110 - Toll free: 1-800-580-7110 © 2019 Port of Corpus Christi

Planning Department In August, the Port of Corpus Christi established its inaugural Planning Department with the hiring of Jeff Pollack as Director of Planning. Jeff is a “bigpicture” community and environmental planner who specializes in growth and land use issues in the coastal zone. The Planning Department includes: Leslie Ruta, Strategic Planner and Grants Developer; Adrianna Escamilla, Planning & Governmental Affairs Assistant; Daniel Martinez, GIS Coordinator; and Sascha SchwarzGrainer, Planning Coordinator. This team of five already has made significant strides at the Port of Corpus Christi.

The Planning Department generally focuses on three types of projects: 1. Organizational process - Organizational strategic planning and process improvement, including longterm vision/direction and corresponding allocation of property, staff, and resources as well as grant development.

2. Project planning at the site/parcel scale - Site plan analyses and concept development to optimize location and design of infrastructure and commercial improvements.

3. Master planning at the macro and/or community scale - Holistic analyses and planning to guide property acquisition, land use allocation, and strategic investment in infrastructure; includes strong focus on proactive engagement with community stakeholders about land use compatibility issues and placemaking opportunities and with community partners to cultivate technological innovation and collaborative workforce development.

Planning’s 2019 work-plan is heavily focused on development of a number of decision-support tools to help optimize and standardize data-driven decision making in Port operations. The department’s workload will transition to more project/site planning and macro/master planning efforts in 2020 and beyond.

CEO’s Corner

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PORT PONDERINGS WITH THE CEO PORT OF CORPUS CHRISTI CEO SEAN STRAWBRIDGE SHARES HIS FAVORITE READS IN THIS EDITION OF MYPORT

1. The Catholic Bible 2. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie 3. The Road by Cormac McCarthy 4. Charlie Wilson’s War by George Crile 5. To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee

Port of Corpus Christi CEO Sean Strawbridge holds up one of his favorite books, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

www.portofcc.com

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Port Commission

Photo Credit: Rachel Denny Clow/Corpus Christi Caller-Times. Reprinted with permission.

Introducing Commissioner Hilliard

By Chantal Ortiz, Public Affairs & Communications Specialist

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s Port of Corpus Christi employees, we are eternally grateful for our Port commissioners. Each one plays an integral role in guiding the development, growth and operations of all the port facilities and functions. Together, this team paves the way for a brighter future for the Port, its customers and our community.

The end of an era

The seven-member commission is responsible for setting the Port’s annual operating budget, piloting industrial expansion, reviewing and vetting policy, as well as building and maintaining terminals used by industry customers.

Judge Canales, Hilliard’s predecessor, vacated her Port Commission seat to serve as the first ever female Nueces County Judge. Hilliard will fulfill Canales’ remaining term, which ends on Dec. 31, 2019.

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Port Corpus Christi Newsletter

In January, The Port of Corpus Christi Authority appointed the newest Commissioner, Catherine Tobin Hilliard. Hilliard is only the fourth woman ever to be appointed to the Port Commission.

Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales administered the Oath of Office.

“I am grateful to Judge Canales for administering the oath and for blazing such a tremendous trail of success. I am ready to commit the time, energy and effort to furthering the goals of the Port and representing the citizens of Nueces County.”

— Commissioner Hilliard

San Patricio County appointee, Commissioner Wes Hoskins, and City of Corpus Christi appointee, Commissioner Rick Valls, Jr., also were sworn in for additional three-year terms.

“We are grateful for Judge Canales’ leadership while serving on the Port Commission, and we look forward to Commissioner Hilliard carrying on Judge Canales’ legacy,” said Sean Strawbridge, Chief Executive Officer for the Port of Corpus Christi.

Who is Commissioner Hilliard?

Commissioner Hilliard is the embodiment of a strong, homegrown leader.

A native of San Diego, Texas, Hilliard attended the University of Texas – Austin and earned her Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s University. After law school, Hilliard returned to Corpus Christi to work as a civil litigation attorney for Gonzales Hoblit Ferguson LLP, where she became the first female Hispanic partner. Currently, she manages

and co-owns Hilliard Martinez Gonzalez LLP. An active member of the community, Hilliard serves on the Board of Trustees for St. Edward’s University and on the Board of Directors for the Incarnate Word Academy.

The road ahead And while Commissioner Hilliard’s journey as a Port Commissioner is just getting started, she already has hit the ground running.

“I am honored to be sworn in as the fourth woman ever to serve as a Port of Corpus Christi Commissioner, surrounded by my family and friends. I am grateful to Judge Canales for administering the oath and for blazing such a tremendous trail of success. I am ready to commit the time, energy and effort to furthering the goals of the Port and representing the citizens of Nueces County,” said Commissioner Catherine Tobin Hilliard.

The governing board is excited to collaborate with Commissioner

Caption: Commissioner’s at the March monthly commissioner meeting.

Hilliard on major upcoming Port projects, “We are pleased to welcome a new voice and perspective to our Port Commission,” said Charles W. Zahn, Jr., Port of Corpus Christi Commission Chairman.

Commissioner Hilliard is ecstatic to join the Port family and looks forward to continuing to serve our community. Be sure to introduce yourself and welcome our newest Commissioner when you have the opportunity.

A Letter from Judge Barbara Canales

Serving as your Port Commissioner during these years of exponential growth and progress in which we have transformed into a global community has been a distinct honor and one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. My fellow commissioners and I have worked passionately to create and leverage extraordinary opportunities for our Port and regional community.

I have been blessed not only by the tutelage and statesmanship of John LaRue but by the remarkable vision of Sean Strawbridge, who is taking the Port in a pivotal new direction. The experience of these two leaders has set the course for a prosperous and vibrant future. I thank them as well as my good friends, Jimmy Welder and Dane Bruun for their sage advice, patience and expertise.

I am appreciative for the times we have collaborated and challenged one another. Each one of you has played a role in strengthening the Port. You have catapulted the Port to greater sustainability and world prominence. I could not think of better shipmates.

I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from all of you. Thank you for the resources and support on this journey. Thank you for your faith in me. You have inspired me with your work ethic, commitment to excellence and most of all, your integrity.

I could stand by my vote on critical projects because you always did your best to bring me your finest work. You stood by my side countless times throughout my daughter’s surgeries, quietly giving me a quick hug and heartfelt smile.

You were Jackie’s champions and my heroes when you held ‘Jackie Black Day.’ Each and every one of you has left an indelible impact on my life and, for that, I will hold you in my heart forever.

With admiration for your service and skills, I am indebted to each and every one of you -- my Port family.

-Barbara Canales www.portofcc.com

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Safety & Environmental

Avoiding Venomous Snakes

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t is that time of year, to take the extra precaution when heading out to start our day. As the warmer weather arises we need to be aware for our pets and ourselves that snakes are out and are on the prowl.

Venomous snakes found in the United States include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths/water moccasins, and coral snakes. They can be dangerous to outdoor workers including farmers, foresters, landscapers, groundskeepers, gardeners, painters, roofers, pavers, construction workers, laborers, mechanics, and any other workers who spend time outside.

Although rare, some workers with a severe allergy to snake venom may be at risk of death if bitten. It has been estimated that 7,000–8,000 people per year receive venomous bites in the United States, and about 5 of those people die. The number of deaths would be much higher if people did not seek medical care.

It is important for employers to train their workers about their risk of exposure to venomous snakes, how they can prevent and protect themselves from snake bites, and what they should do if they are bitten. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/snakes/default.html

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Port Corpus Christi Newsletter

“7,000-8,000 people per year received venomous bites in the United States, and about 5 of those died.”

Let’s go green, together!

Join in on the fun and make a global impact this Earth Day! Check out our upcoming volunteer events below: Earth Day Bay Day Hosted by Coastal Bend Bays Foundation Date: Saturday, April 6, 2019 Time: Multiple Shifts Available Location: Heritage Park 1581 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX *Volunteers will help with various activities.

Port Green Day As part of the Texas GLO Adopt-a-Beach Cleanup Date: Saturday, April 13, 2019 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: Lighthouse Lake Kayak Trails Park *Volunteers will collect litter at the park along the shoreline of Harbor Island.

FMI about these events, please contact Danielle Converse at Danielle@pocca.com or ext. 6609.

Did you know?

A highlight of the United Nations’ Earth Day celebration in New York City is the ringing of the Peace Bell, a gift from Japan, at the exact moment of the vernal equinox.

John F. Kennedy played a role in early efforts to promote environmental conservation.

In 2009, NASA planted a historic “moon tree” to celebrate Earth Day.

The History of Earth Day

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arth Day was founded in 1970 as a day of education about environmental issues. Earth Day 2019 occurs on Monday, April 22. The holiday is now a global celebration that sometimes extends into Earth Week, a full seven days of events focused on green living. The brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelson and inspired by the protests of the 1960s, Earth Day began as a “national teach-in on the environment” and was held on April 22 to maximize the number of students that could be reached on university campuses. By raising public awareness of pollution, Nelson hoped to bring environmental causes into the national spotlight.

The first Earth Day was effective at raising awareness about environmental issues and transforming public attitudes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “Public opinion polls indicate that a permanent change in national priorities followed Earth Day 1970. When polled in May 1971, 25 percent of the U.S. public declared protecting the environment to be an important goal, a 2,500 percent increase over 1969.” Earth Day kicked off the “Environmental decade with a bang,” as Senator Nelson later put it. During the 1970s, a number of important pieces of environmental legislation were passed, among them the Clean Air Act, the Water Quality Improvement Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. Another key development was the establishment in December 1970 of the Environmental Protection Agency, which was tasked with protecting human health and safeguarding the natural environment—air, water and land. https://www.history.com/topics/ holidays/earth-day

The Energy that Excites

Someone to Know Cristina Gaxiola-Angulo

By Lisa Hinojosa, Communications Manager

By Damian Olvera, Community Relations Intern

he Port of Corpus Christi continues to excel at “Moving America’s Energy,” transporting crude and petroleum products, liquefied natural gas, wind and other cargo. But there is another commodity that has been gaining momentum throughout the past decade… a product so powerful and so impactful, that even in trace amounts, it charges the heaviest of community machinery.

You may have seen a familiar face when volunteering at charity events this past year.

Cristina Gaxiola-Angulo has been an active Port employee at community charity events.

She has contributed above and beyond the maximum hours required by the VolunteerShip Program and regularly devotes her personal time to participating in philanthropic activities.

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The best part about this kinetic energy is that it is renewable, and it derives from infinite sources. We are talking about VOLUNTEER ENERGY. The pride of the Port is our people.

Port employees embody the SEAPORT values, both in their professional and in their personal lives. Outside of their work commitments, our Port brothers and sisters selflessly dedicate their time and energy to volunteering for area nonprofits and deserving causes.

They generously involve their family members in supporting area needs, such as beautifying and cleaning up beaches, reading to area schoolchildren, packing food at the Salvation Army, and much much more.

This band of Port volunteers represents solidarity and fellowship. They are a cadre of altruists who identify and meet the needs of the community.

They are… The Port Energy Crew.

Born and raised in Sinaloa, Mexico, Cristina was heavily involved in community events. Together, she and her family volunteered at local food banks and fostered dogs from the streets.

“Growing up, my family was big on volunteering,” Cristina said. “During Christmas every year, we would go to the local Food Bank to feed the homeless.”

Currently, Cristina leads the Port of Corpus Christi in hours allocated in the Port’s VolunteerShip Program. The program allows employees to volunteer at community events during and outside work hours, within certain guidelines.

“This program is great for the employees that do not have time outside of work to volunteer,” Cristina says. “It gives those employees with busy lives an opportunity to give back to the community they live in.”

Outside of volunteering with the VolunteerShip Program, she is a member of the “Faith & Hope Foster Group” where she serves as a foster parent to stray dogs.

“I love fostering dogs and finding willing families to take care of them,” Cristina said.

You may catch Cristina in the Community Relations Department or at Port sponsored community events. You may even spot her rescuing a stray dog from the street.

No matter where you encounter her, you will always find Cristina with a welcoming smile on her face.

Community

Our Port, Our Home.

We lđ&#x;’™ve our communities!

Port employees gathered for the 32nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. March in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Port of Corpus Christi employees attended the 2019 San Patricio County and Aransas County Livestock Show and Auction.

The Port of Corpus Christi is running on energy. Our Port team took home third place at the 2019 annual Goodwill Run.

Moses Menger Elementary celebrates its 90th Anniversary with community partners.

Port employees read to local students during National Read Across America Day, Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

Port of Corpus Christi dropped off donations to Mission 911. Mission 911 is committed to breaking the bondage of homelessness.

www.portofcc.com

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Port News

Public Risk Management Awareness Day Port of Corpus Christi employees celebrate the inaugural Public Risk Management Awareness Day

frameworks to reduce, transfer, accept or mitigate those risks, which allows for fiscal stability, decreased liability, reduced reputation risk for that public entity and improved safety.

tanding together to recognize and bring awareness to Public Risk Management, the Port of Corpus Christi Risk Management department helped marshall March 1, 2019, as the inaugural Public Risk Management Awareness Day. Whether it is a city, county, special district, school district or port authority, all public entities by their very nature, have a unique set of inherent risks. Public risk management professionals implement risk management

The goal of this initiative is to bring a heightened level of awareness and education throughout communities by giving public risk management representatives a platform to create special activities, proclamations and publications that will commemorate every March 1st as Public Risk Management Awareness Day!

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Word Sports BEAM BULKHEAD CRANE FREIGHT WHARF BERTH CARGO DREDGING JETTY BREAKBULK CARRIER DRYBULK VESSEL

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Port Corpus Christi Newsletter

 First employee to complete the puzzle wins a prize.

E-mail completed puzzle to cortiz@pocca.com. Hurry!

The Port welcomes Spring Interns:

▶ Mark Rolph, Environmental Intern ▶ Alezabeth Cadena, Operations Intern ▶ Bryana Gonzales, Business Development Intern ▶ Damian Olvera, Community Relations Intern ▶ Rick Hanson, Safety Intern ▶ Renee Kozak, Emergency Management Intern ▶ Bukky Babalola, Human Resources Intern Hear what our interns have to say!

“I wanted to be a part of the Port’s growth. As an intern in the Operations Department, I hope to leave with hands-on experience and knowledge from all of the departments around me.”

Alezabeth Cadena, Senior at Texas A&M University - Kingsville Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management & Applied Engineering “I decided to pursue an internship with the Port of Corpus Christi as it just seems like a natural fit when taking into consideration my extensive experience as a previous U.S. Coast Guardsman coupled with my Undergraduate degree in Business Administration, and my current pursuit of a graduate degree in Public Administration. ” Renee Kozak, Graduate Student at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi Master of Public Administration degree “I pursued this internship in hopes of gaining experience in a professional work environment that allows me to understand what goes on at the Port of Corpus Christi. I hope to leave with added critical thinking skills, more understanding in regard to asset management, and collaborating with individuals that set the standard higher each day.”

Carlos E. Flores, Senior at Del Mar College Associate in Applied Science degree in Process Technology “The Port of Corpus Christi’s environmental stewardship has been demonstrated numerous times. I hope to leave with concrete knowledge on how to conduct myself as an environmental scientist with real world knowledge and practical skills.”

Mark Rolph, Senior at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science “At this time, the Port of Corpus Christi is growing and entering new ventures which I can completely relate to as I am reaching my education goals and looking forward to a challenging future. I hope to leave with experience that will lead me in the right direction and knowledge which will guide me towards the best decisions.”

Bryana Gonzales, Senior at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing

www.portofcc.com

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Human Resources

Introducing our Culture Champions

By Estanislado “TJ” Gonzales, Talent Development Manager

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e are excited to announce our initial group of eight Culture Champions who will help us shift the culture at the Port of Corpus Christi. Because shaping culture involves the whole organization, this team of Culture Champions have been chosen from all areas and levels. You may wonder how they were identified? We asked for nominations of individuals who would make champion a positive Port culture. To our delight, but not to our surprise, we received an overwhelming number of amazing candidates to choose from.

This initial team will be in place for approximately six months, with opportunities for others to join the team as we continue our journey.

“Our Culture Champions will work with the steering team as catalysts in moving us toward our desired culture,” said TJ Gonzales. Expect to see activities, initiatives, and information come from this group.

Additionally, they will be looking for suggestions and feedback from you about ways to make our culture more agile and healthy.

“Our champions will work with the steering team as catalysts in moving us toward our desired culture.”

Our initial Culture Champion members are:

▶ Cristina Gaxiola-Angulo ▶ Doug Hanley ▶ Donna James-Spruce ▶ Sam Esquivel ▶ Danielle Converse ▶ Matt Garcia ▶ Leslie Ruta ▶ Andrew Branch 12

Port Corpus Christi Newsletter

-TJ Gonzales

Administrative Enrichment

By Bukky Babalola, Human Resources Intern “Teamwork makes the dream work,” is a phrase that is ingrained into the culture of the world’s most effective and innovative organizations. The Port of Corpus Christi is one of those organizations at the forefront of fostering team collaboration, while boosting productivity. The inaugural Administration Enrichment Program kicked off on February 5th.

The initiative was designed to align concentrated efforts of administrative professionals at the Port of Corpus Christi with workplace best-practices and to increase overall organizational productivity. In conjunction with the Port’s Human Resources department, Executive Assistant to the CEO, Tana Neighbors, graciously led the event and shared tools she uses day-to-day to optimize efficiency. “Being able to share best practices, challenges, and developing a plan with our accountability partners made for an effective learning environment,” said Tana Neighbors. The event showcased team-building activities aimed at facilitating effective communication between staff members.

Human Resources Announcements Effective this year, employees hired after August, 2018, may utilize their accrued vacation leave with supervisor approval without a 6-month waiting period.

FMI, please contact the HR Department.

“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives.

It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.”

-Andrew Carnegie

Upcoming Volunteer Events April 6

Welcome New Employees!

Earth Day Bay Day

Kyler Moulder, Safety Compliance Assistant

April 11

Hector Zertuche Jr., Police Officer

Ronald McDonald Parents Bingo/Bunny Visit

Abran Ramirez, Groundskeeper Justin Garza, Groundskeeper

April 13

Valentine “Val” Lopez, Janitorial Services Worker

Week of the Young Child benefiting United Way

Andrew Kiss, Environmental Specialist

April 13

Anthony “Tony” MacDonald, Director of Operations

Port Green Day

Rita Rivera, Security Analyst/ Dispatcher

April 15

Ebony Lotts, Staff Accountant

Menger Egg Hunt

May 4

Jose Marroquin, Groundskeeper Please join us in welcoming our new employees and providing your full support!

Buc Days Parade

Spring Service Awards Paul Carangelo, 30 yrs Gary Verduzco, 30 yrs Bland Chamberlain, 25 yrs Bennie Benavides, 20 yrs Angie Ramirez, 15 yrs Stacy Coates, 15 yrs

May 6

Eric Giannamore, 15 yrs

KEDT Phone Bank

Mark Reinhardt, 15 yrs Ricardo Villarreal, 15 yrs Melinda Licon, 15 yrs

FMI: Liz Cantu at ext.

6175 or cantu@pocca. com

Maria Ochoa, 10 yrs Stevenson Ashley, 10 yrs Daniel Villesca, 5 yrs Gabriel Perez, 5 yrs Congratulations to long-time employee Ralph Mendez, Senior Designer, on his retirement after over 30 years of serving the Port of Corpus Christi, the Coastal Bend and the maritime industry.

222 Power Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401 P.O. Box 1541, 78403 portofcc.com

Main: 361-882-5633 Fax: 361-882-7110 Toll free: 1-800-580-7110

Rudy Vela, 5 yrs Michael Casanova, 5 yrs Eileen Elizondo, 5 yrs Jerrilynn Ashcraft, 5 yrs