BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The board of commissioners for Brownsville Navigation District has improved and extended the contract of its port director and CEO.
William Dietrich has only had the job for the past 18 months but in that time has overseen an increase of more than 65 percent in cargo moving through the port.
He was praised at a recent BND meeting.
“Chief, I will repeat what I told you in there. I think you have done an outstanding job,” said Esteban Guerra, chairman of the BND board.
When he said “in there,” Guerra was referring to the board meeting in executive session. Initially, Item 1 on the agenda for executive session action was considered behind closed doors.
Item 1 stated: “Possible action on renewal, extension, or modification of contract of Port Director and CEO.”
Guerra continued: “On behalf of the Commission, thank you for the hard work you put in, day in and day out. I know your staff appreciate you. We all do.
“And with that being said I would like to make a motion to approve an amendment to your contract and provide for an extension to Aug. 6, 2029, which will include cost of living adjustments.”
Dietrich said he was honored to serve as port director and CEO.
“Thank you very much. And if I could add, Mr. Chairman, it has been a wonderful year and a half. The commission, everybody… we have done so many great things. The staff has just been great.”
Dietrich was previously chief of police at the Port of Brownsville. He acknowledged that while he had managerial experience, he had never run a sea port before landing the role of port director.
“I can tell you the staff has responded very, very, well, and there is no doubt that all the good work we have done is coming to fruition right now. We should be seeing some great announcements in the coming years. I would like to thank you for taking the chance and giving me this opportunity.”
The motion to extend Dietrich’s contract was passed unanimously.
Dietrich penned a column in the recently released Port of Brownsville Directory 2025.
The column reads:
The Port of Brownsville continues to grow as a vital force in regional and international trade. As Port Director and CEO, I'm proud to share the progress made possible by the hard working people who power our success every day.
In 2024, the port moved more than 28 million tons of cargo, up from 18.1 million tons the previous year. This significant increase reflects not only the strength of our infrastructure and private investment, but the dedication and expertise of our workforce.
Last year, we recorded 2322 vessel calls, 95,000 railcar movements and 450,000 truck crossings through the port. These milestones reinforce our role as a critical link in the global supply chain and a key driver of the regional economy. The US Army Corps of Engineers ranked the Port of Brownsville 41st among the nation's top 150 maritime ports for waterborne cargo - a milestone that speaks to our continued momentum.
Our growth is fueled by the men and women who make it happen, including stevedores, logistics teams, administrative staff and industry partners who ensure the safe, efficient movement of critical commodities that keep our economy moving.
The Port of Brownsville’s strategic advantages and wide-ranging benefits continue to attract new industries, with dozens of projects in the pipeline representing billions in private investment. These forward-looking developments further strengthen our position as a premier gateway for commerce and opportunity, providing jobs and economic vitality for the communities we serve.
