Jade Gillespie
The Texas Ports Association (TPA) has appointed Jade Gillespie as the new executive director, according to a news release.
A U.S. Air Force veteran, Gillespie previously served as senior staff in both the U.S. Congress and the Texas House of Representatives, advancing key initiatives in infrastructure, energy and economic development.
Most recently, she led statewide strategy at the Texas Geothermal Energy Alliance, positioning Texas at the forefront of nextgeneration energy innovation.
As executive director, she will reportedly lead strategic engagement with the Texas Legislature and federal partners to ensure Texas ports remain globally competitive, infrastructure-ready and central to the state’s continued energy dominance and economic strength.
Larry Kelley, president of the Texas Ports Association, said Gillespie’s experience positions her to lead during a critical period for maritime infrastructure and energy expansion.
The TPA represents 23 maritime ports across the Gulf Coast and inland waterways, advancing policy and infrastructure priorities that safeguard Texas’ role in global trade, energy leadership and national security.
The ports generate more than $715 billion in annual economic activity, account for approximately 28% of the state’s gross domestic product — nearly 1 in 3 dollars — and support an estimated 2.5 million jobs statewide.
