Port Houston Welcomes New Port Commissioner

Port Houston recently welcomed Michel Bechtel as the newest member of the Port Commission following his appointment by the Harris County Mayors and Councils Association in February 2026. Bechtel succeeds former commissioner Stephen H. DonCarlos and joins six other commissioners in providing governance and strategic oversight for Port Houston.

Bechtel previously served five terms as mayor of the City of Morgan’s Point and is president of Bechtel Exploration and Blue Moon Exploration. He brings extensive experience in the energy sector and coastal protection efforts across the Houston Ship Channel region. He serves on the Board of Pilot Commissioners for Harris County Ports and is a board member of the Bay Area Coastal Protection Alliance, the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, and the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership.

Bechtel earned a Bachelor of Science degree in geology and geophysics from Louisiana State University and a Master of Science degree in petroleum geology from the University of New Orleans. Port Houston looks forward to Bechtel’s leadership and partnership alongside the full Port Commission as the organization advances its mission to move the world and drive regional prosperity.