Port Freeport CEO Phyllis Saathoff Honored as Outstanding Woman of the Year
Phyllis Saathoff, CEO of Port Freeport, with members of the Port Freeport commission following her recognition as Outstanding Woman of the Year. Photo courtesy of Port Freeport.
Port Freeport has announced that Chief Executive Officer Phyllis Saathoff has been honored as Outstanding Woman of the Year by the Brazosport Area Chamber of Commerce. The recognition was presented during the Chamber’s annual awards luncheon at the Dow Academic Center.
The honor reflects Saathoff’s decades of leadership in maritime commerce and her continued commitment to strengthening the Brazosport community.
Saathoff joined Port Freeport in 1992 and has served as CEO since 2016. Under her leadership, the Port has advanced transformative infrastructure initiatives, including the Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement Project, expanded container and cargo operations, strengthened its financial position, and eliminated its tax rate in 2024.
Today, Port Freeport serves as a critical gateway for global trade, supporting jobs, industry, and economic opportunities throughout Brazoria County, the State of Texas, and the Nation.
“Phyllis exemplifies dedicated public service leadership,” said Rob Giesecke, chairman of the Port Freeport commission. “Her vision and steady guidance have strengthened Port Freeport’s role as an economic engine for our region. We are proud to see her recognized by the community she serves.”
Saathoff credited the port commission, employees, partners, and the broader community for the shared commitment that drives the Port’s success.
“As we continue building for the future, our progress is made possible by collaboration and partnership,” said Phyllis Saathoff, executive director and CEO of Port Freeport. “This recognition belongs to the entire Port Freeport team and the community that supports our mission.”
As Port Freeport builds upon more than a century of maritime leadership, this recognition reflects the strong partnership between the Port and the community it proudly serves, positioning the region for sustained growth in the decades ahead.