The Port Commission of The Port of Houston Authority appointed Leonard D. Waterworth as Executive Director of the Port Authority at its regular monthly meeting. Waterworth was appointed interim executive director Jan. 30, 2012.

Port Commission Chairman James T. Edmonds said that the Port Authority is fortunate to have someone with Waterworth’s unique background to help guide the organization, build on its many successes, and carry out the important mission of economic development and job creation for the region and state.

“When the need to search for an executive director arose five months ago, we were fortunate in that we didn’t have to look far to find the right fit,” Edmonds said. “I don’t think we could have found anybody in the nation better suited for this position.”

The Port Authority felt a sense of urgency to fill the top position in an expeditious manner because of the many priorities on the near horizon, Edmonds said. Key Port Authority initiatives include: widening and deepening of the Bayport and Barbours Cut ship channels; modernizing of facilities to better serve bigger vessels; expanded Panama Canal trade; and positive changes from the Sunset Review process.

Waterworth said he looks forward to serving the port and embraces the challenges of the job.

“I can’t tell you how proud and humbled I am to be part of this pivotal time in the port’s history with our centennial on the horizon,” Waterworth said. “There are so many opportunities ahead as we forge another century of progress.”

The Port of Houston is a critically important economic engine for our region and nation, generating more than 785,000 direct and indirect jobs and $118 billion in regional economic impact and $285 billion nationwide, he noted.

Waterworth most recently served as President/Chief Executive Officer of Dannenbaum Engineering Corporation, a Texas-based engineering consulting firm. 

Over the last 33 years, he has held successive executive leadership positions at increasing levels of responsibilities in both the private and public sectors.