Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed and named Roger Guenther as chair of the Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD) Board of Directors. He also reappointed Sally Bakko, Michel Bechtel, Sharon Hulgan, and Lori Traweek to the GCPD Board for terms ending June 16, 2029. The GCPD is responsible for implementing a comprehensive coastal resilience strategy for the upper Texas coast.
Roger Guenther, from Galveston, recently retired as executive director of the Port of Houston Authority after more than 35 years in various roles. He has served on several boards including the Texas Department of Transportation Freight Advisory Committee and National Association of Waterfront Employers. Guenther holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas.
Sally Bakko serves as director of policy and government relations for the City of Galveston. She acts as a non-voting liaison member to the Texas Water Development Board San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group and previously worked as a senior policy analyst for Harris County Commissioner’s Court Analyst’s Office among other roles. Bakko earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Mount Vernon College at George Washington University and MBAs in Business Administration and Public Administration from the University of Phoenix.
Michel Bechtel is president of Bechtel Exploration and Blue Moon Exploration, having retired as Mayor of Morgan’s Point after five terms. He is involved with organizations such as the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and serves on several local boards including the Bay Area Coastal Protection Alliance. Bechtel received his Bachelor’s degree in Geology and Geophysics from Louisiana State University (LSU) in New Orleans and a Master’s degree in Petroleum Geology from the University of New Orleans.
Sharon Hulgan works as lead site manufacturing director for Dow Houston Hub Operations. She serves on the board—and as treasurer—of East Harris County Manufacturers Association, among other community involvements. Hulgan graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from LSU.
Lori Traweek is retired CEO and general manager of Gulf Coast Authority after over 27 years. Her board memberships include Texas Water Trade; she is also active with groups such as Texas Water Conservation Association and Galveston Bay Estuary Program. Traweek earned her Bachelor’s degree in Aquatic and Fisheries Biology from University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
