Name: Sullivan, Gerald A.
Title: Owner of Westport Marine Terminal
Texas A&M Class: 1967
Inducted: 2013
Gerald graduated in 1968 with a B.Sc. degree in Agricultural Economics. He was a member of the Corps of Cadets (Squadron 6) while at Texas A&M University and pursued postgraduate studies at the South Texas College of Law, Houston, Texas.
Gerald’s serial agribusiness entrepreneur career began in 1963. He started and sold many businesses ranging from ranching, real estate development, barge and tow boat businesses, marine terminals, international shipping, ready-mix concrete and cement businesses, and commercial and residential construction. He is the owner of Westport Marine Terminal in Galveston and also owns and operates the Santa Rosa Ranches in Navasota and in Crockett, and an embryo transfer business in Navasota and Midway, Texas.
Gerald served as Board member and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Port of Galveston, completing his term in 2009. Following Hurricane Ike, he and the Port leadership staff ensured the port would remain viable and operational by having it reopened for business in eight days. As a selected delegate from the City of Galveston and in representing the Port of Galveston, he has investigated the Cubans ’ strategies for port security and evacuation plans, as well as learning of the possibilities for international trade affecting the Port of Galveston.
Gerald has served as a board member of the Institute of Biosciences and Technology in Houston, as a member of the Corps Development Council of Texas A&M University in College Station, and on the Standard Renewable Energy Board. He serves as Chairman of the Legislative Committee for the Development Board of the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. Following Hurricane Ike, he was among a small delegation of Galveston business/civic leaders who traveled to Washington, D.C. to ensure the successful funding of federal funds to aid in Galveston Island’s recovery.
Gerald has exhibited unselfish dedication to students in the Department of Agricultural Economics. He has opened his business to AGEC 452 and AGEC 453 students interested in international agricultural economics and marketing. The students receive first-hand experience and inside knowledge of shipping, logistics, and arbitrage of several commodities important to Texas agriculture, including crude oil and other minerals. This high-impact learning experience includes one-on-one visits with experts in freight forwarding, cargo handling, and overall business operations. One of the more important aspects of such visits includes a one-on-one session with Gerald in which he provides a detailed overview of his operations at Texas International Terminals, including his philosophy of how to manage a successful family-owned business. This experience provides the students with a real-world perspective seldom reflected in the classroom – and Gerald is able to extend the classroom to the seaport and the Gulf of Mexico. He is generous and forthcoming when questioned by students about operations, cost structure, and profitability.
Gerald and his wife Susanne live in Galveston, TX. They are proud parents of five Aggie children (Kelley ’92, Kristen (Berger) ’95, Todd ’97, John II ’02, and William ’02) and have eleven wonderful grandchildren.
