Engineering

Jeffrey Thomas oversees the planning, development and maintenance of the port’s assets with a full-time staff. He has been with the port for more than a decade. Jeffrey earned his Maritime Systems Engineering degree from Texas A&M University at Galveston.

Benjamin Walcher is the Port’s Senior Project Manager. After overseeing notable major projects such as Cruise Terminals 10 and 25, Ben is now heading up multiple West End improvement projects. Ben earned his Engineering degree in Maritime Systems Engineering from Texas A&M University at Galveston and has recently completed a Port Engineering Certificate Program through the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Dorothy Dickens supports the port’s Engineering and Operations departments organized and with her associates degree in Communications. Dorothy joined the port after a 22-year career as a civilian with the U.S. Army Command and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

Dominick Gaviria is overseeing repair projects at the West Port Cargo Complex and will oversee some construction in support for Cruise Terminal 10. Currently he is working with construction crews on concrete repairs at the west end of the port. Dominick is also attending the Houston Baptist University to complete his degree in Economics.

Ubong Edukere is a Project Manager for the Port of Galveston and will be working with the team on the Cruise Terminal 16 building renovation and Marine upgrade projects. His Experience spans from inspection to Project management in heavy civil, structural, storm drain, sewer, water, wastewater and transportation projects across Washington D.C and Maryland Area. Ubong holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from University of Port Harcourt in Nigeria and is a certified Project Management Professional.

Diego Castro is a Project Manager for the Port of Galveston and is heading up numerous infrastructure improvement projects on the West End Cargo Complex as part of the Port’s Capital Improvement plan. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Project Management from the University of Houston.

Dylan LeMire is a Port Engineer coordinating with and overseeing various improvement and repair projects on the Port. Dylan has an Ocean Engineering degree from Texas A&M University in College Station.

Bret Leonard is a Project Engineer for the Port of Galveston engineering department. His background includes the oil and gas industry, renewable energy projects, and numerous maritime shoreside projects. Bret is a graduate of A&M Galveston with a Bachelors in Maritime Systems Engineering.

John Willis is the Asset Management Administrator for the port’s Engineering Department. In addition to piloting the department’s drone as a licensed commercial drone pilot, he also implements and maintains the port’s GIS system and supports other ongoing projects. John is a graduate of the Texas A&M Galveston Maritime Administration Program.

Branko Gligoric is responsible for managing and designing projects and supports the port’s planning and assets. Some projects Branko has been responsible for include the new cruise terminal monument signage at the 23rd Street entrance, the architectural and structural design and layout of the new parking lots, and the engineering and build of the new AD ramps. Branko holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Belgrade in Serbia.

Grace Komanduru is a Junior Engineer at The Port of Galveston.  Her responsibilities include onsite work, issuing permits, and other supporting engineering work. Grace has a bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from India and a master’s degree in Ocean Engineering from Texas A&M university.