The Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD) is pleased to announce that David Rutledge has joined the GCPD Board of Directors. Appointed by the Orange County Commissioners Court, Rutledge replaces Commissioner Kirk Roccaforte, who has served in this role since the creation of GCPD in 2021. Rutledge’s term is set to expire on June 16, 2027.
“We’re excited to welcome Mr. Rutledge to our leadership team and extend our sincere appreciation to Commissioner Roccaforte for his dedicated service and leadership since the District’s founding. Commissioner Roccaforte’s contributions have played an important role in shaping GCPD’s mission and advancing our efforts to build the largest coastal protection infrastructure in U.S. history,” said Coalter Baker, GCPD Executive Director.
A longtime resident of Bridge City, Texas, Rutledge brings a decade of executive leadership as Mayor of Bridge City from 2016 to 2026, along with prior service on City Council from 2004 to 2010 and again from 2015 to 2016. He also served as President of Texas Municipal League from 2022 to 2023.
In addition to his public service, Rutledge built a successful 25-year career at DuPont’s Sabine River facility and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lamar University.
“I’m honored to join the Gulf Coast Protection District Board of Directors and grateful to the Orange County Commissioners Court for the opportunity to serve. As a lifelong Southeast Texas resident, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impacts of major hurricanes and understand how critical effective flood mitigation and coastal protection are to our communities. I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members to help advance solutions that protect our region and ensure its resilience for generations to come.” said David Rutledge, GCPD Board Member.
GCPD is governed by an eleven-member Board of Directors. The Commissioners Courts of Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson, and Orange counties each appoint one director. The Governor of Texas, with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoints six directors as follows:
- · Two directors to represent Harris County, in addition to the member appointed by the Harris County Commissioners Court
- · One director to represent a municipality in the District
- · One director to represent ports
- · One director to represent industry
- · One director to represent environmental concerns
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