Phyllis Saathoff
Executive Director/ CEO
Phyllis Saathoff
Phyllis Saathoff is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of service in the port industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, is a certified public accountant and a certified Professional Port Manager®.
Phyllis began her maritime career at Port Freeport in 1992 serving as Managing Director and Interim Executive Port Director/CEO before joining the Port of Houston Authority executive team in October 2012. Phyllis returned to Port Freeport in April 2016 as the Chief Executive Officer.
Under her leadership, Port Freeport successfully secured federal funding and a 2020 “new start” designation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for commencement of construction to deepen the Freeport Harbor Channel to 56 feet and commenced dredging of the first reach in 2021. Phyllis was also instrumental in initiating the development and financing of the Port’s container terminal and bringing new business and investment to the Port.
Phyllis currently serves on the Board for the American Association of Port Authorities and is a member and past chair of the Port Authority Advisory Committee to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Past President of Texas Ports Association. Locally, she is a member of the Brazoria County Petrochemical Council. Phyllis was presented the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award by the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL), received the 2019 Stephen F. Austin Leadership Award from the Brazoria County Historical Museum and was presented the 2023 Russell H. Perry Award by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
Rob Lowe
Director of Administration & Chief Financial Officer
Rob Lowe
Rob Lowe joined Port Freeport in 2019 as Director of Administration and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with responsibility for the accounting and financial reporting, treasury, risk management, financial analysis and human resource management.
Rob brings over 20 years of managerial experience including leading multi-business unit accounting activities, financial leadership support, acquisition integrations, contract reviews, and organizational designs.
Education
Rob earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of South Carolina.
Personal
Rob is an active member of the local community where he has served as a volunteer board member of Boys and Girls Club of Brazoria County, as well as served on the Finance Committee of Brazosport Regional Health System. He served as Treasurer to the Texas Ports Association and is currently a member of the Executive Committee of the Economic Development Alliance for Brazoria County. Rob moved to Lake Jackson in 2006 along with his wife, Michele, and their two children, Caroline and Cooper.
Missy Bevers
Executive Assistant
Missy Bevers has been a dedicated member of the Port Freeport team since 1997, contributing over two decades of experience and a strong commitment to the port's mission. Since 2013, she has served as the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director/CEO and the Port Commission, providing crucial support and facilitating seamless communication and coordination among Port Freeport's leadership. Her extensive knowledge of the organization and meticulous attention to detail make her a trusted resource and an essential part of the port's ongoing growth and success.
Education
Missy earned an Associate of General Studies from Brazosport College.
Affiliations & Community Involvement
Missy values her community and family and takes pride in calling Texas home. She often contributes her time and talents to local initiatives and enjoys supporting activities that strengthen connections within the community.
Personal
Missy, who was born and raised in Texas, is known for her warm spirit and generosity. In her spare time, she enjoys baking for her family and friends, and she is a proud mother of two children, Christopher and Bella.
Jason Hull
Director of Engineering
Jason Hull
Jason Hull has been employed with Port Freeport since 2011. Since 2013, he has served the Port in a senior leadership role as the Director of Engineering. As such, Jason is responsible for the design and construction of the Port’s capital and major maintenance projects including warehouses, rail, roadway/paving, drainage, utilities, and environmental. His responsibilities also include estimating cost and schedules of Port projects, as well as managing department personnel needs. Jason is one of only three chief engineers to serve at Port Freeport since 1954.
Experience
Jason is a Licensed Professional Engineer, his focus has been on designing Civil, Structural, and Electrical projects since 1998.
Affiliations & Community Involvement
Jason is a member of the Grand Lodge of Texas A.F. & A.M. and the National Rifle Association.
Personal
Jason was born, raised, and has lived every day of his life in Texas.
Chris Hogan
Director of Protective Services
As the Director of Protective Services, Chris Hogan serves as the staff authority Chris Hogan brings over three decades of distinguished leadership in homeland security and emergency services, marked by a career of progressive responsibility and impactful contributions to public safety. As a former Fire Chief, Chris demonstrated exceptional crisis management skills, leading teams through high-stakes incidents including commercial fires, natural disasters, aircraft crashes, and bomb threats. His strategic oversight ensured the protection of lives, property, and community well-being, solidifying his reputation as a trusted authority in emergency response.
With more than 20 years of specialized expertise in homeland security and counterterrorism, Chris has made significant contributions across both public and private sectors, with a focus on safeguarding critical infrastructure in the chemical, energy, and transportation industries. His strategic insight and leadership earned him an appointment to the Texas Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), where he advises the Governor on homeland security policies impacting private sector operations and critical infrastructure protection.
A proven collaborator, Chris has spearheaded initiatives to foster partnerships among government agencies, private organizations, and stakeholders, driving the development of comprehensive strategies to enhance national security. His ability to navigate complex threat environments and build resilient frameworks has strengthened collective efforts to mitigate risks across the homeland security and emergency response domains.
Currently serving as the Director of Protective Services at a major seaport, Chris continues to leverage his extensive experience in homeland security and counterterrorism to ensure the safety and security of critical transportation infrastructure. His lifelong dedication to public safety and national security underscores his enduring impact as a leader in these vital fields.
Education
Chris earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Technology from West Texas A&M.
Personal
Being raised in Angleton, it is very important to Chris that the Port helps support the local economy and provide the community with a port that they can be proud of.
Brandon Robertson
Director of Information Technology
Brandon Robertson has served as the Director of Information Technology at Port Freeport since 2014, bringing over 20 years of combined experience across the private and public sectors. In his role, he leads all aspects of the Port’s IT operations, including infrastructure, access control, cybersecurity technologies, and the integration of operational (OT) and information (IT) systems.
Brandon is responsible for both internal IT staff and external contractors, ensuring the Port’s technology environment remains secure, resilient, and aligned with evolving industry standards. He plays a key role in long-term strategic planning, technology modernization, and capital budgeting. His oversight includes the procurement of systems and services, the development of IT policy and procedures, and the implementation of frameworks and regulatory requirements from NIST, CISA, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Education
Information Technology - ITT Technical Institute
Business Studies / IT – Southern New Hampshire University
Affiliations & Community Involvement
Brandon is a member of the Maritime Transportation System ISAC and Houston InfraGard.
Personal
Brandon was born and raised in Sweeny, Texas, and now lives in West Columbia with his wife, Krystal, and their four children: Lilly, Zachary, Emily, and Ezra. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and exploring new technology.
Jason Miura
Director of Business and Economic Development
In 2004, Jason Miura began his career with Clipper Group, a Danish Shipowning consortium, as Assistant Operations Manager. In 2006, Jason was promoted to Assistant Chartering Manager, and in 2007 was transferred to the company’s Stamford, Connecticut USA Headquarters.
In 2009, Jason accepted a position as Line Manager with Caribbean Feeder Services, a German Shipowning and operating company. He was stationed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Kingston, Jamaica. As Line Manager, he traveled extensively and dealt directly with Global Container Lines while marketing feeder services that the company provided to the Caribbean islands and rim countries.
In 2012, Jason began working for Signet Maritime Corporation, a United States Shipowning Company, which operated U.S. Flagged Towing Vessels and Barges. In 2014, he was promoted to Commercial Manager and was charged with overseeing the financial well-being of all the company’s business units. In 2015, Jason joined the Port Freeport team as the Director of Business and Economic Development.
Education
Jason earned his BBA with a concentration in Finance from the University of Houston in 2003.
Jason has completed the Export-Import Theory, Practices and Procedures course at Kingwood College and attended the Time Charter Master Class Workshop through the internationally recognized Baltic and Maritime International Council (BIMCO). Miura holds Association of Ship Brokers and Agents certifications in Commercial Trade Transactions, Maritime Law for Shipbrokers and Agents and Ship Brokering and Chartered Vessel Operations.
Personal
A resident of Fort Bend County, Jason resides in Missouri City, Texas.
Jesse Hibbetts
Director of Operations
Jesse Hibbetts started his career at Port Freeport in March of 2006 as a supervisor for the port. He managed the transfers for both Dole and Chiquita while overseeing the vessel schedule and labor coordination.
In 2015, Jesse was promoted to Operations Manager where he was responsible for the Facility Maintenance, Operations, and Budget for the Operations Department.
As of April 2024, Jesse assumed the role as Director of Operations where he looks forward to welcoming new customers to Port Freeport while maintaining strong relationships with all the tenants. A quick snapshot of duties would be overseeing and maintains the functions of the Port including vessel operations, cargo operations, safety, security, traffic flows, customer service, Port Tariff and invoicing, ship to shore gantry cranes, both revenue & expense budgets, and facility maintenance all while working to accomplish the Port’s strategic goals.
Education
University of Houston - Bachelor of Science - Logistics Technology
University of Houston - Bachelor of Science – Merchandising and Industrial Distribution
Affiliations & Community Involvement
Brazosport Marine Action Team
Port Coordination Team
Gulf Ports Association
Gulf Seaports Marine Terminal Conference
Brazos Pilots Association
Past involvement in Lake Jackson Pee Wee, Little League, & Babe Ruth Baseball
Personal
Jesse was raised in Lake Jackson and is fortunate to have a strong network of family and friends. He is a proud parent of two sons, and cherishes their time together, whether it's visiting the family ranch or enjoying summer vacations together as a family.
Port Freeport
Port Freeport is a leading port in the export of crude oil and natural gas liquids, and ranks nationally as 6th in chemicals, 15th in total foreign waterborne tonnage, and 26th in containers. A 2022 Economic Impact Study by Texas A&M Transportation Institute revealed that, nationally, the Freeport Harbor Channel generates 266,300 jobs and has a total economic output of $157.3 billion. Port Freeport serves Alliera, Atlantic Container Lines, AMPORTS, BASF, Chiquita Fresh N.A., Dole Fresh Fruit, The Dow Chemical Company, Enterprise Products Partners, ExxonMobil, Freeport LNG, Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Glovis, Grimaldi Lines, Hoegh Autoliners, Kirby Marine, Liberty Global Logistics, Linde, MEGlobal, NYK RORO, Phillips 66, Riviana Foods, Inc., Sallaum Lines, Tenaris, U.S Department of Energy, Volkswagen Group of America, and Vulcan Materials Company.
Amy O'Brien
Controller
Amy O’Brien began her career in the maritime terminal and logistics industry in 2012 and brings over a decade of experience in financial management and operational support. She joined Port Freeport in 2024 and currently serves as Controller, where she oversees financial reporting, budgeting, grant management, and compliance initiatives.
Education
Amy holds an Associate of Science in Business Administration from Alvin Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Houston–Clear Lake, and a Master of Maritime Administration and Logistics from Texas A&M University at Galveston.
Affiliations & Community Involvement
Since graduating in 2020, Amy has remained an active contributor to the Texas A&M Association of Former Students.
Personal
Outside of work, Amy enjoys spending time outdoors with her dogs Beaux and Sally. She enjoys camping, hunting, and gulf coast fishing.
Amanda Veliz
Public Affairs Manager
Amanda Veliz is the Public Affairs Manager at Port Freeport, a position she has held since September 2024. In this role, she develops and implements public affairs strategies to promote the Port’s initiatives and enhance its presence in the region. Her efforts focus on building strong relationships with community stakeholders and local government leaders, advocating for the Port’s priorities, and increasing public understanding of its operations and economic impact.
In addition to leading the Port’s public affairs initiatives, Amanda manages media relations, oversees the Port’s website and social media platforms, and produces press releases and outreach materials. She also directs community engagement programs and represents Port Freeport at various events throughout the area. As the primary media contact for the Port, she frequently conducts interviews and responds to press inquiries on behalf of the organization.
Education
Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Marketing from the University of Phoenix.
Affiliations & Community Involvement
She is actively involved in her community, serving as the Troop Shepherd for a local American Heritage Girls troop and volunteering with initiatives like Relay for Life of Brazoria County, demonstrating her commitment to the region.
Personal
Originally born in Germany during her father’s military service, Amanda moved to Brazoria County in elementary school and is a proud graduate of Angleton High School. Her strong local roots inspire her dedication to serving the community she considers home. Amanda and her husband, Jorge, who is also her high school sweetheart, are the proud parents of three daughters: Melanie, Emma, and Alaina.
