Don Allee Becomes Executive Director

Donald R. Allee becomes Executive Director of the Port of Beaumont today. Allee, 50, succeeds Bill Masters, who retired July 31.

Allee, who was previously director of trade development for Port Freeport, Freeport, Texas, has 20 years of experience in marine transportation. He served as director of trade development for the Port of Houston and also has experience in steamship marketing and sales.

Educated in Houston public schools, Allee received a B.A. degree from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, a transport marketing certificate from Northwestern University and a graduate management certificate from Rice University. He has completed the executive management training conference of the American Association of Port Authorities and serves as chairman of the commerce committee of the Gulf Ports Association of the Americas.

The Board of Commissioners selected Allee as port director from a field of six finalists after advertising the position this year. The search for a replacement began when Masters, 64, announced in January his intention to retire after 14 years as port director.

Allee began his career in marine transportation in 1973 as regional manager for Trans Freight Line in Houston. He served as sales and administrative manager for SCOA Inc. in Houston from 1981 through 1985 before being named director of trade development for the Port of Houston Authority. From 1993 to 1995, Allee was marketing director for Americas Marine Express, a breakbulk and container carrier based in Memphis, TN. In 1995, he was named director of trade development for Port Freeport.

You can contact Don Allee at dra@portofbmt.com