Go back

May 20, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fisher named Executive Port Director

Chris Fisher has been named Executive Port Director of the Port of Beaumont. At its regular meeting Monday, May 20, the port's Board of Commissioners named Fisher to fill the position he has held on an interim basis since January. Fisher, 39, joined the Port of Beaumont in 1981.

At the time of his appointment to the interim position, he held the position of Manager of Finance and Administration. In that position, he was responsible for overall direction of the port's financial planning, accounting practices, management information systems, contracts and administrative management. C.A. "Pete" Shelton, president of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of Beaumont, said he has no doubt that Fisher is the best qualified person for the job.

Chris Fisher Executive Port Director

Through working with Chris these many years, I have gained confidence in his abilities, his work ethic and his trustworthiness, he said. "The attributes Chris has shown in these areas gives me the utmost confidence that he will be a fine, hardworking Executive Port Director. During his four months as Interim Port Director, I have received nothing but positive feedback about the job he is doing -- from the business community, port customers and business partners, port staff and his peers in the port industry."

Fisher began his career as a member of the port's security/police while attending college. He obtained advanced certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement while serving in this capacity.

In 1988, Fisher received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Lamar University. In 1990, he was appointed Sales Representative for the port, performing market research and customer service functions. In 1991, Fisher was appointed Manager of Administration while continuing his education at Lamar, earning his Master of Business Administration degree in 1993.

As Manager of Administration, Fisher supervised capital construction projects under two major port expansion programs. He also supervised accounting and management information systems, coordinated a $27 million general obligation bond election and developed comprehensive accounting and administrative procedures manuals.

In 1999, Fisher was appointed Manager of Finance and Administration
and Assistant Secretary-Treasurer to the Board of Commissioners. He was responsible for formulation and implementation of the port's $6 million annual operating budget, financial reporting to the board and management of all funds from operating revenues, tax collections and bond proceeds. Fisher was also responsible for the port's risk management and employee benefits programs, administration of all contracts, leases, and capital improvements projects.

He is a Professional Port Manager (PPMâ) candidate of the American Association of Port Authorities and a member of the association's Finance Committee.

In 2001, Fisher was appointed Secretary-Treasurer of the Foreign Trade Zone of Southeast Texas. A native and lifelong resident of Southeast Texas, Fisher and his wife, Melissa, reside in Beaumont.

      top

For more information, contact:
Chris Fisher, Port of Beaumont, 409/835-5367