Director Of Tulsa's Port Of Catoosa To Be Honored At White House

The director of Tulsa's Port of Catoosa will be one of 11 honorees recognized at the White House Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Transportation as Champions of Change.

Bob Portiss has been director of the Port of Catoosa since 1984.

"This is certainly an unbelievable honor. Throughout my career, I have been an advocate for inland waterways issues at both the state and national level. To now see those efforts being recognized as part of the future of our nation's transportation is a truly rewarding moment," said Bob Portiss.

The White House Champions of Change Program highlights the stories of citizens across the nation, who are leading projects and initiatives that move their communities forward. 

The White House says Portiss has been a passionate advocate for inland waterways issues at both the state and national level.   

In 2013, Bob Portiss was appointed by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin to chair the Oklahoma Port Task Force to study and develop a comprehensive plan to accommodate the added burden on Oklahoma ports, roads, and bridges resulting from the reopening of the expanded Panama Canal.