Posted on June 1, 2026
HOUSTON – Port Houston, an advocate of the nation’s busiest waterway, the Houston Ship Channel, today announced the appointment of Amy Rister as its Director of State Government Relations.
“Amy brings deep experience in the Texas legislative process and a proven record of building strong working relationships to advance complex policy priorities,” said Port Houston Chief External Affairs Officer Kerrick Henny. “Her background, particularly her work on transportation and intergovernmental issues, will be a valuable asset as we continue to advocate for the long-term competitiveness of our port region and the economic growth it enables across Texas.”
In her role, Rister will lead Port Houston’s state government relations strategy and serve as a key liaison to state leaders. She will partner with legislators, state agencies, and stakeholders to champion policies and investments that strengthen Texas’ maritime and freight transportation system and sustain the Houston Ship Channel’s economic impact. Rister will be based in Austin.
Rister joins Port Houston with more than two decades of experience in Texas legislative and public policy work. Most recently, she served as Committee Director for the Texas House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and previously held senior leadership roles supporting multiple House committees and members, including overseeing transportation issues impacting Texas ports. She was also recognized in 2025 as a USLege “Female Powerhouse of the Year” honoree, a peer-nominated distinction that highlights standout women leaders in government affairs and state advocacy.
“Port Houston plays a critical role in keeping Texas commerce moving, and I’m honored to support that work,” said Rister. “I look forward to partnering with state leaders and stakeholders to advance smart, practical policies that strengthen our transportation network and keep the Houston Ship Channel competitive for the long term.”
Rister graduated from Texas A&M University in 2010, where she studied Political Science, and earned a Master of Legal Studies in Oil and Gas Law from Texas A&M School of Law, along with certificates in Environmental Law and Business Law. She is currently working toward an MBA through Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi and is active in several civic and professional organizations, including serving as a Project Chair in The Junior League of Austin, and on The Pink Granite Foundation’s Mentorship Programming Committee.
About Port Houston
For more than 100 years, Port Houston has owned and operated the public wharves and terminals along the Houston Ship Channel, including the area’s largest breakbulk facility and two of the most efficient container terminals in the country. Port Houston is the advocate and a strategic leader for the Channel. The Houston Ship Channel complex and its more than 200 private and eight public terminals is the nation’s largest port for waterborne tonnage and an essential economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas and the U.S. The Port of Houston supports the creation of nearly 1.5 million jobs in Texas and 3.37 million jobs nationwide, and economic activity totaling $439 billion in Texas and $906 billion in economic impact across the nation. For more information, visit the website at PortHouston.com.
