The Containerization and Intermodal Institute (CII) honored Roger Guenther, previously retired Executive Director of Port Houston, the 2024 Connie Award on Wednesday, September 11th, in front of transportation industry leaders gathered at the Marriott Long Beach Downtown Hotel in Long Beach, CA.
Additionally, the CII Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Scott Taylor, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of GSC to celebrate his long-standing career in the logistics industry.
2024 Connie Award Honoree – Roger Guenther
In his opening remarks, CII President the Honorable Chris Brooks commended Roger Guenther, a 36-year veteran of Port Houston, for his pivotal role in elevating the port to one of the top five container ports in the United States.
Guenther’s leadership has set new standards for operational excellence, efficiency, and global trade prominence. “We are honored to recognize Roger for his exceptional achievements and enduring dedication to the maritime industry,” Mr. Brooks added.
Having retired earlier this year, Guenther made substantial contributions during his tenure at Port Houston, beginning in 1988. His achievements include master planning the Bayport Container Terminal and redeveloping the Barbours Cut Terminal. His expertise in procurement involved overseeing the acquisition of container handling cranes and equipment, and he managed a wide range of import and export operations, supporting over 200 public and private facilities with an annual economic impact of $906 billion.
In his acceptance speech, Guenther thanked the maritime industry for its steadfast support throughout his career, stating: “I am grateful for this award, but sometimes the leader gets too much credit; this award is really for the Port Houston family who tirelessly work to drive efficiency and growth. I can tell you that the port is in good hands with leaders who have a willingness to invest in facility expansion and channel improvements to ensure that growth. I look forward to watching the continued success from the sidelines.”
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient – Scott Taylor
Scott Taylor, CEO and Chairman of GSC was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes individuals who have played a long-standing, significant role in the industry. Drawing on his family’s entrepreneurial background, Taylor’s leadership continues to drive GSC’s growth and excellence in the logistics industry.
"CII is honored to recognize Scott Taylor’s body of work with our Lifetime Achievement Award. He grew up in the business and has a clear passion for the industry, which he is passing along to his sons who play pivotal roles in the company," said Brooks. "With more than 50 years of supply chain and logistics experience, Scott founded GSC in 1988 and has led the company from a 10-person operation in one office to an entity of 500+ employees and motor carriers. His leadership has transformed GSC into a leading drayage provider in Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, and, as of 2023, the East Coast."
CII Scholarship Program
In a separate ceremony that preceded the Connie Long Beach event, CII underscored its commitment to industry education by presenting scholarships to students who are pursuing careers in logistics, as well as the academic institutions that are instrumental in shaping its future leaders. Board member Michael Mendoza presented 17 scholarships to students from California Maritime Academy, California State University, Long Beach, and USC Marshall School of Business
"Our donors' incredible generosity allows CII to realize its educational mission and motivates top talent to pursue a career in our industry," stated Brooks.
As such, the following scholarship recipients, academic institutions, and corporate donor sponsors were acknowledged during the scholarship event:
