(HOUSTON) — The Greater Houston Port Bureau honored David Grzebinski, president and CEO of Kirby Corp., as the 2023 Maritime Leader of the Year at the bureau’s Annual Maritime Dinner on Aug. 26. He was named as the 2023 honoree for his steadfast commitment to improving the Greater Houston port region.
The evening of celebration included recognition from industry leaders that included keynote speaker Karrie Trauth, senior vice president of shipping and maritime at Shell, and public officials. U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee presented a congressional proclamation to Grzebinski, and Mayor Pro-Tem Dave Martin presented a city of Houston proclamation declaring Aug. 26 “David Grzebinski Day.” Jackson Lee also presented a congressional proclamation to Capt. Eric Carrero, president of the port bureau, for promoting cooperation and efficiency in the port region.
“The port bureau honored David Grzebinski as the 2023 Maritime Leader of the Year because he has been a stalwart advocate for the tugboat, towboat and barge industry and a leader in sustainability initiatives for the future of the industry,” said Bernt Netland, chairman of the Greater Houston Port Bureau.
Grzebinski joined Kirby in 2010 and has served as president and CEO since 2014. His leadership has strengthened Kirby’s commitment to its core values – safety, people, integrity, excellence and community. Kirby is recognized for its guiding principle for safety: “No Harm to People, the Environment, and Equipment,” and its environment, social and governance (ESG) efforts.
A chartered financial analyst, Grzebinski holds a master of business administration degree from Tulane University and a degree in chemical engineering from the University of South Florida. He serves on the boards of the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition, Coast Guard Foundation and American Bureau of Shipping.
The Houston Ship Channel is the nation’s busiest waterway. Collectively, the more than 200 private and public terminals along the 52-mile channel make the area the nation’s largest port for waterborne tonnage and an essential economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas and the nation.
Over 850 maritime, transportation, and industry professionals and their guests attended the 94th Annual Maritime Dinner to recognize Grzebinski for his outstanding leadership and support for the port region.
The Annual Maritime Dinner was supported by title sponsor Kirby Corp. and Queen of the Fleet sponsors Callan Marine, Enterprise Products Partners, Kinder Morgan, Port Houston, and Shell (US) Trading Co. Proceeds from the Annual Maritime Dinner support the port bureau’s regional maritime advocacy efforts.
– Greater Houston Port Bureau
