The chief executive of the Port of Corpus Christi, the No. 1 oil export port within the U.S., has resigned after a gathering where he was questioned about his business expenses, in keeping with reports.
Sean Strawbridge’s resignation on Tuesday got here a day after a story aired on KRIS-TV about his alleged excessive expenses, including $10,000 a month on food, drinks and snacks, World Series tickets, and a $202,000 trip to Tel Aviv, Israel, to go to desalination facilities.
Strawbridge’s resignation was announced after a heated port authority commission meeting where he publicly sparred with a commissioner, in keeping with the Corpus Christi Caller-Times.
The seven-member port commission approved the terms of Strawbridge’s separation in a 6-1 vote after conferring in closed session.
The terms of his severance agreement weren’t disclosed. He’ll remain CEO until June 2.
In an interview with Reuters, Strawbridge defended his expenditures.
“All of my expenses to my knowledge are compliant with port policy and state statutes, and have all cleared the inner review process and approval process,” he said.
Strawbridge didn’t give a reason for his resignation but said the choice had been “within the works for some time” and called it “purely a private decision.”
He joined the Port of Corpus Christi in 2015 as chief operating officer, becoming CEO in 2018.
Strawbridge is among the many highest-paid port executives within the U.S., making over $750,000 last yr in salary and bonuses.
“I’m extremely pleased with the incredible success of the Port of Corpus Christi over my eight-year tenure,” Strawbridge said in a statement. “From assembling the best team within the business to achieving record financial performance, we have now achieved many wonderful achievements together which have helped define my legacy here.”
The Port of Corpus Christi has been in operation since 1926 and is the nation’s largest energy export gateway and considered one of the biggest seaports in total waterway tonnage. Corpus Christi is on the Gulf of Mexico, about 130 miles southeast of San Antonio.
During Strawbridge’s time as CEO, the port broke several tonnage records and commenced several major infrastructure projects, including the Corpus Christi Ship Channel Improvement Project, which received $157.3 million in funding last yr.
The Port of Corpus Christi accounts for roughly 60% of all U.S. crude oil exports, in keeping with research firm RBN Energy.
Commissioners for the port said Wednesday they intend to appoint an interim chief and can begin a seek for a brand new CEO.
Mexican government urges Texas to halt truck inspections at border
Way forward for Supply Chain
JUNE 21-22, 2023 • CLEVELAND, OH • IN-PERSON EVENT
The best minds within the transportation, logistics and provide chain industries will share insights, predict future trends and showcase emerging technology the FreightWaves way–with engaging discussions, rapid-fire demos, interactive sponsor kiosks and more.