Yvette Camel-Smith, Director of Procurement Services, has been working for the Port of Houston Authority since 2013.  Under the guidance of the Port Commission and executive leadership, it is the role of the Procurement Services Department to create value through strategic sourcing, efficient processes, and promotion of ethical, transparent, and sustainable procurement principles.  Yvette’s role is to oversee the strategic direction of all procurement and contract management activities for the Port as part of the overall vision to drive best value and growth through diversified strategic sourcing. 

Prior to this she was a Consultant for Project and Vendor Management Advisors; Director of Housing Operations and Consultant for Galveston Housing Authority; Consultant, Procurement Operations at Houston Community College System; and Deputy Executive Director for Memphis Housing Authority.

Yvette is an accomplished attorney with more than 26 years of experience in Contracts and Procurement; Regulatory Compliance; Housing and Development; and Business Development and has a successful career characterized by front-line positions in public and private organizations.  She is licensed to practice in Texas and Tennessee.

Nick Gibbons is a seasoned supply chain executive with over 20 years of experience in warehousing and transportation, having worked with industry giants such as Home Depot, H-E-B Grocery, Coca-Cola, and McLane Global.

Currently serving as the General Manager and Principal of Meiborg 3PL, Nick leads a dynamic team. Meiborg has 2 million square feet of 3PL warehousing and a fleet of 250 trucks that efficiently transport freight across the United States.

With a proven track record of optimizing logistics operations and driving business growth, Nick Gibbons continues to make a significant impact in the supply chain industry. Nick has also managed large teams of warehouse and transportation drivers, leading operations in California, Utah, and Texas.

John has been in the Houston maritime industry for 30+ years and holds a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Administration from Texas A&M. He started with Bertling in 2002 as Director of North America Vessel Operations. After moving to Bertling’s logistics division, he held various senior leadership roles within North and South America. He is currently the North America Chartering Director.

John has also been an Adjunct Professor with Texas A&M University since 2002. Active in various industry and education initiatives, John is the current President of the Houston Maritime Arbitrators Association, sits on advisory councils for Houston Maritime Center, Lone Star College, Houston Community College, TSU and San Jacinto College and is a board member of the Port Houston Partners in Maritime Education nonprofit organization. In April 2020, he founded the Houston Supply Chain/Logistics Education Collective to proactively minimize the logistics industry talent gap and foster industry relationships with educators and students in the Greater Houston region.