Engineering
Overview
The Galveston Wharves Engineering Department plans and executes major expansion projects and critical repairs detailed in the port’s 20-Year Strategic Master Plan. Projects include extensive renovations at Cruise Terminal 25, the West Port Cargo Complex and construction of the interior roadway.
Engineering/Planning:
- Develop Capital Improvement Plan in accordance with the Port’s Strategic Master Plan
- Coordinate with project stakeholders to develop projects that meet operational needs
- Develop plan for procurement of the appropriate support to move forward with projects and develop project budgets
Project Management:
- Lead multi-disciplinary teams, including in-house resources, contractors and consultants to complete projects
- Manage project budgets, quality and schedules
- Support a safe work environment through multiple control systems
Assets:
- Maintain asset records to support maintenance and planning needs
- Provide technical reviews of asset information for port stakeholders
Engineering Staff
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Jeffrey Thomas Chief Engineer
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Dylan LeMire Senior Engineer
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Tom Howard Junior Engineer
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Branko Gligoric CAD Technician
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John Willis Asset Management Administrator
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Benjamin Walcher Senior Project Manager
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Ubong Edukere Project Manager
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Diego Castro Project Manager
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Dominick Gaviria Construction & Maintenance Manager
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Krista Cardenas Project Engineer
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Dorothy Dickens Administrative Assistant to the Chief Engineer
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.
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.
Tom Howard is a Junior Engineer at the Port of Galveston. Tom is supporting completion of various projects to expand and improve the port. Tom has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Houston and experience from working in the plants along the ship channel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Krista Cardenas works as Field Engineer for the Port of Galveston. She has a background working in the private sector of construction and has assisted with projects across the Houston and Galveston area. Krista graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management.
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.