Governor Greg Abbott has named Roger Guenther as chair of the Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD) Board of Directors and reappointed Sally Bakko, Michel Bechtel, Sharon Hulgan, and Lori Traweek to the board. Their terms are set to expire on June 16, 2029. The GCPD is responsible for overseeing a coordinated coastal resilience strategy for the upper Texas coast.
Roger Guenther, from Galveston, recently retired as executive director of the Port of Houston Authority after more than 35 years in various roles. He has served on several boards including the Texas Department of Transportation Freight Advisory Committee and the National Association of Waterfront Employers. 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, based in League City, is director of policy and government relations for the City of Galveston. She serves as a non-voting liaison member to the Texas Water Development Board San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group and has held positions such as senior policy analyst for Harris County Commissioner’s Court Analyst’s Office. Bakko earned her degrees from Mount Vernon College at George Washington University and the University of Phoenix.
Michel Bechtel from Morgan’s Point is president of Bechtel Exploration and Blue Moon Exploration. He served five terms as Mayor of Morgan’s Point and participates in organizations like the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Bechtel also serves on several regional boards related to ports and economic development.
Sharon Hulgan lives in Friendswood and is lead site manufacturing director for Dow Houston Hub Operations. She sits on boards such as East Harris County Manufacturers Association and previously contributed to other industry advisory committees.
Lori Traweek, who resides in Seabrook, retired as CEO and general manager of Gulf Coast Authority after 27 years. Her board service includes organizations focused on water trade, conservation, and estuary programs across Texas.
The appointments aim to continue guiding efforts for coastal protection along Texas’ upper coast.
