97th Annual Port Bureau Maritime Dinner Honors Tom Marian
The Greater Houston Port Bureau welcomed more than 800 guests at the Bayou City Event Center from Houston’s maritime community to honor Tom Marian, general counsel and vice president of Buffalo Marine Service, Inc., as the Port Bureau’s 2026 Maritime Leader of the Year. Marian was recognized for his exceptional leadership and steadfast dedication to advancing the maritime sector and Houston port region at our 97th Annual Maritime Dinner on Aug. 22.
Title sponsor Buffalo Marine Service, Inc., and Queen of the Fleet sponsors Callan Marine, Energy Transfer, Enterprise Products Partners L.P., Kinder Morgan, Kirby Corporation, McGriff, Liskow, Port Houston, Shamrock Marine, Targa Resources, the Thomas Marian Family and Vopak helped make the event a superlative evening of celebration.
The cocktail reception and gourmet dinner was followed by a special recognition program, opened by CAPT Eric Carrero, president of the Port Bureau. In his introduction, Carrero detailed Marian’s maritime career, describing him as a visionary, a champion of commerce and a steadfast leader in the maritime community.
Proclamations designating August 22 as “Tom Marian Day” from Harris County were presented by Adrian Garcia, Harris County Precinct 2 commissioner and from the City of Houston by Vincent DiCosimo, senior vice president of government affairs at Targa Resources and Port Bureau chairman.
“The maritime industry succeeds not because of individual bottom lines, but because of the shared waterways that we have and the demand of a cooperative, selfless response that we all put forward,” said DiCosomio. “When we work together as a community of interest, commerce moves, ports thrive and our nation is served. These words sum up what we are here to talk about and how we will honor Tom tonight.”
The special presentations were followed by keynote speakers Bill Diehl, immediate past president, Greater Houston Port Bureau; Tim Studdert, president of Shamrock Marine and Buffalo Marine Service, Inc.; and Patrick Studdert, CEO of Buffalo Marine Service, Inc. Speakers applauded Marian’s contributions and shared their perspectives of his life, career, and achievements in the port community.
“I want to discuss his leadership mindset. Tom is involved, inclusive and incisive. He shows up, brings people together, he makes decisions, and he takes action,” said Diehl. He characterized Marian’s leadership as an embodiment of the Coast Guard’s motto, “Semper Paratus” [always ready], linking his comments back to their shared time at the Coast Guard Academy and in their later careers. “Without Tom’s semper paratus leadership, many things in this port, including the Port Bureau, would not be running as well as they are today. Thank you, Tom, for reminding us that true leadership means always being ready for others, for the community, and for the challenges ahead.”
“I look at Tom as my business partner – not just my lawyer, but as my mentor,” said Tim Studdert. “You’ve taken care of me for years. You have kept me out of trouble. You have my back every single day. You have Buffalo’s back every single day. You have this whole community! You have been such a leader to me, and I thank you.”
Patrick Studdert capped off the keynote speakers, recounting the value of Marian’s contributions to Buffalo Marine Service.
“Here is Tom’s job description: whatever has to be done! … His beliefs, feelings, and dedications are the same as mine. We have a personal obligation to service this port and the other ports that surround our port. It is our job to take care of this community … His integrity supports us all in this big marine world we live in.”
More of Marian’s colleagues also shared their congratulations and comments via a special video prepared by Buffalo Marine. Patrick Studdert, frequently known in the industry as “coach” and for presenting a football on special occasions, surprised Marian by the presentation of a football helmet. “Twenty years ago, I gave Tom a football. All our employees get a football – the word is ‘don’t drop that ball’. He’s had nothing to protect that unique brain in our industry, so tonight I’ve brought him the first Buffalo Marine helmet! Thank you for protecting us all.”
In recalling the diverse experiences of his life and career journey, and particularly of the synergy of the port region, Marian spoke with a wit that never lost its substance. He concluded his remarks with a heartfelt appreciation of faith and of his colleagues, associates, family and friends.
The formal program concluded with the presentation of a replica of the U.S.S. Constitution. The presentation of the ship to each honoree has been a Port Bureau tradition for many years. Guests continued the celebration at the post-event social in The Lounge. Music, gourmet lite bites, and cocktails topped off the evening.
The Greater Houston Port Bureau is privileged to honor leaders and companies offering outstanding commitment to Houston’s maritime community.
