Grzebinski Honored By Greater Houston Port Bureau
The Greater Houston Port Bureau honored David Grzebinski, president and CEO of Kirby Corporation, as the 2023 Maritime Leader of the Year at the Port Bureau’s Annual Maritime Dinner on August 26. He was named as the 2023 honoree for his steadfast commitment to improving the greater Houston port region, the Port Bureau said in an announcement.
The evening of celebration included recognition from industry leaders, keynote speaker Karrie Trauth, senior vice president of shipping and maritime at Shell, and public officials. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, representing Texas’ 18th District, presented a congressional proclamation to Grzebinski, and Mayor Pro-Tem Dave Martin presented a City of Houston proclamation declaring August 26 “David Grzebinski Day.”
Jackson Lee also presented a congressional proclamation to Capt. Eric Carrero, USCG (Ret.), president of the Port Bureau, for promoting cooperation and efficiency in the port region.
“The Port Bureau honored David Grzebinski as the 2023 Maritime Leader of the Year because he has been a stalwart advocate for the tugboat, towboat and barge industry and a leader in sustainability initiatives for the future of the industry,” said Bernt Netland, chairman of the Greater Houston Port Bureau.
Grzebinski joined Kirby in 2010 and has served as president and CEO since 2014. His leadership has strengthened Kirby’s commitment to its core values – Safety, People, Integrity, Excellence and Community. Kirby is recognized for its guiding principle for safety: “No harm to people, the environment and equipment” and its robust environment, social and governance efforts.
A chartered financial analyst, Grzebinski holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Tulane University and a degree in chemical engineering from the University of South Florida. He serves on the boards of the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition, Coast Guard Foundation and American Bureau of Shipping.
More than 850 maritime, transportation and industry professionals and their guests attended the 94th Annual Maritime Dinner to recognize Grzebinski for his outstanding leadership and support for the port region.
Caption for photo: From left: Capt. Eric Carrero, Greater Houston Port Bureau, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, David Grzebinski, Kirby Corporation, and Roger Guenther, Port Houston. (Photo courtesy of Greater Houston Port Bureau)
