Maxine Buckles has been named Port Houston’s first-ever Chief Business Equity Officer.
She will lead the organisation’s internal and external diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) efforts; and report directly to Executive Director Roger Guenther. Buckles is responsible for implementing and administering diversity, equity and training programmes. This includes Port Houston’s new Minority- and Woman-Owned Business Enterprise Development Programme and its successful Small Business Development Programme.
In this newly created position, Buckles will serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team to ensure that DE&I are infused into the Port’s culture. She also plays a pivotal role in creating a comprehensive strategy to launch, facilitate and implement DE&I initiatives across the organisation.
COMPLIANCE EXPERTISE
Buckles previously served as Port Houston’s Chief Audit Officer responsible for planning and executing operational, financial and compliance audits to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls; and she monitored and coordinated all Port Authority audit activity. She has also held the position of Port Houston’s Corporate Controller. Buckles is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with honours from Xavier University of Louisiana; and an MBA with an emphasis in Accounting from Tulane University.
Additionally, Buckles is a member of several professional organisations. This includes the Institute of Internal Auditors, National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA); Government Financial Officers Association (GFOA); National Association of Black Accountants (NABA); and Financial Executives International (FEI).
Check out our Movers and Shakers section, for more new appointments and diversity champions in the DE&I/wellbeing space.
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