Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Roger Guenther as chair of the Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD) Board of Directors. In addition, Sally Bakko, Michel Bechtel, Sharon Hulgan, and Lori Traweek have been reappointed to the board for terms ending June 16, 2029. The GCPD is responsible for leading efforts to develop a comprehensive strategy for coastal resilience along the upper Texas coast.
Roger Guenther, from Galveston, previously served as executive director of the Port of Houston Authority for more than 35 years before retiring. His experience includes roles on the Texas Department of Transportation Freight Advisory Committee, National Association of Waterfront Employers, Greater Houston Port Bureau, and the Texas A&M University at Galveston Board of Visitors. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas.
Sally Bakko serves as director of policy and government relations for the City of Galveston. She is also a non-voting liaison member to the Texas Water Development Board San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group. Her previous positions 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 and formerly served five terms as mayor of Morgan’s Point. He is involved with several organizations such as the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, New Orleans Geological Society, Bay Area Coastal Protection Alliance, Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, and serves on various port-related boards in Harris County. Bechtel completed his studies at Louisiana State University in New Orleans and at the University of New Orleans.
Sharon Hulgan leads site manufacturing operations at Dow Houston Hub Operations in Friendswood. She sits on boards including serving as treasurer for East Harris County Manufacturers Association and previously was involved with Deer Park Chamber of Commerce and LSU Chemical Engineering Industrial Advisory Committee. Hulgan graduated with a chemical engineering degree from LSU.
Lori Traweek retired after more than 27 years as CEO and general manager at Gulf Coast Authority in Seabrook. She remains active with groups such as Texas Water Trade, Texas Water Conservation Association, Galveston Bay Estuary Program (where she was past chair), San Jacinto Galveston Basin Stakeholder Committee, Economic Alliance Houston Port Region (as former board member), Water Environment Association of Texas (former member), Flower Gardens National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council (former member), and currently presides over Trash Bash through the Texas Conservation Fund. Traweek holds a degree in aquatic and fisheries biology from what is now known as University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Governor Abbott’s appointments aim to continue advancing integrated solutions to protect communities along Texas’ upper coast from environmental threats.
