William Dietrich is the ninth Port Director and CEO of the Port of Brownsville, appointed to the permanent role in August 2024 after serving as interim director since December 2023. Dietrich's career is marked by a long transition from public safety to executive port leadership: Brownsville Police Department (26 years): He served in various high-level roles, including Uniformed Services Command and the Hazardous Devices Unit, eventually retiring with the rank of Commander in 2022. Port of Brownsville Police Chief (2022–2023): He joined the port authority in July 2022 to lead its police force. Port Director and CEO (2024–Present): Following the retirement of Eduardo Campirano, the Brownsville Navigation District Board unanimously selected Dietrich to lead the nation's largest land-owning public port authority. Under his tenure, the port has focused on massive infrastructure projects, including the Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement project to deepen the channel to 52 feet and the development of a 118-acre business park. In 2024, the port saw a significant cargo increase, moving over 28 million tons