Join us for an engaging Coastal Issues Forum!
State of the Port: “Environmental Progress & Strategic Initiatives”
Date: Monday, January 12, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Ortiz Center, 402 Harbor Drive, Corpus Christi, TX. 78401
Please join us as Jeffrey Pollack, Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer, and Sarah L. Garza, Director of Environmental Planning & Compliance at the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, present a comprehensive environmental overview of the Port’s operations over the past year during the CIF presentation. The discussion will highlight Environmental Precepts in Action, key authorizations that are pending or imminent, and strategic projects advancing the Port’s environmental leadership goals. Attendees will also learn how the Port is collaborating with local partners to create broader community impact and capitalize on emerging opportunities. The presentation will leave participants with a clear understanding of how the Port strategically and continuously improves its operations for the benefit of the entire community.
- Networking Reception: 5:30–6:00 PM
- Interactive Presentation: 6:00–7:00 PM
Fun fact: Did you know that cold-ironing is the term previously used to describe providing shore power to ocean-going vessels, and did you know that in the coming years, PCCA will be one of two or three Port’s in the US to offer this service to a bulk liquid carrier thanks to an USEPA Clean Ports Program grant?
Networking ~ Free Food ~ Open to the Public ~ Interactive
About the Presenter
Jeffrey Pollack
Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer
Port of Corpus Christi Authority
Jeffery Pollack, oversees all planning, environmental, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) functions as well as the Port’s Technology Advancement Program. Jeff joined the Port of Corpus Christi in mid-2018 as its inaugural Director of Planning, with responsibility for strategic planning, land-use master planning (with an emphasis on coastal resilience), transportation planning, and grant pursuits.
Prior to joining the Port, Jeff served as the Executive Director for the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Coastal Bend. Jeff specializes in growth and development issues in coastal zones and brings particular experience in multi-modal transportation and watershed planning. Jeff holds a Master’s degree in Coastal Environmental Management from Duke University, where he was a Doris Duke Conservation Fellow.
Sarah L. Garza
Director of Environmental Planning & Compliance
Port of Corpus Christi Authority
Ms. Sarah Garza is the Director of the Environmental Planning & Compliance Department at the Port of Corpus Christi Authority and has worked with the Port since 2002. At the Port, Ms. Garza is responsible for the overall implementation of the Port’s Environmental Policy. Programs that Ms. Garza’s team implements through departmental activities include an ISO 14001 certified Environmental Management Program, Green Marine Certification to level 5 in all applicable program areas, Tenant Audit Program, GIS-based Storm Water Master Plan, beneficial use of dredge material, and a Sustainability Action Plan. Ms. Garza promotes proactive and voluntary implementation of creative and innovative practices and programs that promote and operationalize sustainability, resilience, and environmental stewardship. Ms. Garza’s leadership extends outside the Port through active participation in leadership roles in Green Marine, American Association of Port Authorities, and local boards such as Coastal Bend Air Quality Partnership, Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program, and South Texas Botanical Gardens.
Whether you’re a business owner, partner, or community supporter, there’s a place for you at the table. Come connect, contribute, and be part of the movement.
Check out some of the recorded CIF presentations on our YouTube! Click HERE!
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