Governor Greg Abbott has announced the reappointment of Roger Guenther as chair of the Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD) Board of Directors. In addition to Guenther, Sally Bakko, Michel Bechtel, Sharon Hulgan, and Lori Traweek have also been reappointed to the board. Their terms will run until June 16, 2029. The GCPD is responsible for managing an integrated coastal resilience strategy for the upper Texas coast.
Roger Guenther, from Galveston, recently retired after more than 35 years at the Port of Houston Authority where he served in several roles including executive director. He has previously served on boards such as the Texas Department of Transportation Freight Advisory Committee and Greater Houston Port Bureau. Guenther holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas.
Sally Bakko serves as director of policy and government relations for the City of Galveston and acts as a non-voting liaison member to the Texas Water Development Board San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group. Her prior roles include senior policy analyst for Harris County Commissioner’s Court Analyst’s Office and legislative coordinator for the City of Galveston Attorney’s Office. Bakko earned her degrees from Mount Vernon College at George Washington University and the University of Phoenix.
Michel Bechtel is president of Bechtel Exploration and Blue Moon Exploration, with experience as mayor of Morgan’s Point across five terms. He participates in several professional organizations including serving on the Board of Pilot Commissioners for Harris County Ports and is involved with economic partnerships related to Houston ports. Bechtel graduated from Louisiana State University in New Orleans with a degree in Geology and Geophysics and received his master’s degree from the University of New Orleans.
Sharon Hulgan leads site manufacturing operations at Dow Houston Hub Operations. She sits on boards such as East Harris County Manufacturers Association where she serves as treasurer, and she previously contributed to local chambers of commerce advisory committees. Hulgan holds a chemical engineering degree from LSU.
Lori Traweek is retired CEO and general manager at Gulf Coast Authority after 27 years in service. She remains active on various water conservation boards including Texas Water Trade, Galveston Bay Estuary Program, and others focused on regional environmental issues. Traweek earned her degree in Aquatic and Fisheries Biology from what is now known as University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
“I am honored by Governor Abbott’s trust in my leadership,” said Roger Guenther regarding his appointment.
