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<\/p>\nTwo former City Council members are among those vying for an open seat on one of the region\u2019s most influential boards: the Port of Corpus Christi Authority Commission.<\/p>\n
A decision on who will fill the position \u2014 vacated as longtime Port Commissioner David Engel meets his term limits \u2014 is expected to be made Dec. 16, according to a preliminary agenda of the Corpus Christi City Council posted online.<\/p>\n
Both Michael Hunter, a former mayoral candidate and councilman, and Jim Klein, a former at-large councilman, are likely among the best known of the 18 who have thrown their hats into the ring.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Orca Pearl, a Panamanian crude oil vessel, is taxied by tugboat under the new and old Harbor Bridges which stretch over the Port of Corpus Christi ship channel on Monday, March 17, 2025, in Corpus Christi, Texas.<\/p>\n
High-profile applicants also include two former port commissioners, a large-scale land developer and an executive-level college administrator.<\/p>\n
The seven-member port commission is considered among the most powerful boards in the Coastal Bend.<\/p>\n
The panel is responsible for significant decisions guiding the future of Nueces and San Patricio counties, including leasing port properties to companies, assembling budgets and crafting policies.<\/p>\n
The board comprises three members chosen by the Nueces County Commissioners Court, one member selected by the San Patricio County Commissioners Court and three members picked by the Corpus Christi City Council.<\/p>\n
Commissioners serve in three-year terms, for a maximum of four terms.<\/p>\n
It is not a paid position.<\/p>\n
Below is a breakdown of those included in the pool of applicants the council will choose from, according to city records.<\/p>\n
Occupations are listed as self-reported on applications.<\/p>\n
Christine M. Belin<\/p>\n
Realtor, Coldwell Banker Pacesetter Steel Realtors<\/p>\n
Kenneth L. Berry<\/p>\n
President, The Berry Company<\/p>\n
*Former port commissioner<\/p>\n
Janet Fonseca<\/p>\n
Clinic and marketing director, Bay Vascular Surgery<\/p>\n
Matthew A. Garcia<\/p>\n
Director of community relations \u2014 Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend, Texas Oil and Gas Association<\/p>\n
R. Bryan Gulley<\/p>\n
Retired oral maxillofacial surgeon<\/p>\n
*Former port commissioner<\/p>\n
John A. Hanzalik Sr.<\/p>\n
Owner, JH Industrial<\/p>\n
Michael T. Hunter<\/p>\n
Partner, Central Coast Public Affairs LLC<\/p>\n
*Former City Council member and former mayoral candidate<\/p>\n
Tracy Jackson<\/p>\n
Self-employed business consultant<\/p>\n
Lenora M. Keas<\/p>\n
Executive vice president and chief operating officer, Del Mar College<\/p>\n
Jim Klein<\/p>\n
History professor, Del Mar College<\/p>\n
*Former City Council member<\/p>\n
Louis Klusmeyer<\/p>\n
Senior project manager, Jacobs<\/p>\n
Diane LaRue<\/p>\n
Community advocate<\/p>\n
Tracy McCall<\/p>\n
Self-employed engineering consultant<\/p>\n
Moses Mostaghasi<\/p>\n
General partner and land developer, MPM Development<\/p>\n
Robert A. Salinas<\/p>\n
Journeyman electrician, Cache Valley Electric<\/p>\n
Rudy Salomon<\/p>\n
Senior engineer, Pivot Energy<\/p>\n
Theodore Thompson<\/p>\n
Head of sales, Connie Health<\/p>\n
Larry L. White<\/p>\n
Retired consulting engineer<\/p>\n
PREVIOUS PORT COMMISSION COVERAGE<\/p>\n
More: This is who will be the city’s next Port of Corpus Christi commissioner<\/a><\/p>\n More: City Council picks representative for the Port of Corpus Christi Commission<\/a><\/p>\n More: Two new members are joining the Port of Corpus Christi Commission. Here’s who they are<\/a><\/p>\n