Rina Lawrence
Director of Economic Development
Rina Lawrence is the Economic Development Director for Port Houston, where she leads initiatives to attract new business and cargo opportunities that drive job growth and regional investment. She works closely with state, regional, and local economic development partners, including the Governor’s Office, to advance strategic initiatives that strengthen the port’s economic impact. Rina also collaborates with Houston’s industrial real estate community to foster continued growth and development.
Rina leads a high-performing team that manages and administers Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) No. 84, one of the largest and most active FTZs in the United States, with more than 70 active sites across the greater Houston region. Under her leadership, FTZ 84 has expanded to include Waller and Wharton Counties, further advancing regional growth and strengthening global trade opportunities.
Since joining Port Houston in 2012, Rina has held key roles in Public Affairs & Government Relations, and in Marketing & External Communications, where she played an integral part in the port’s rebranding and strategic marketing initiatives – efforts that earned the organization several awards.
Her leadership extends beyond the organization through service on various boards and committees, including Vice President of the Texas Association of Foreign-Trade Zones and as a board member of the Baytown-West Chambers County Economic Development Foundation. She also helped shape Port Houston’s long-term direction as a member of its 2020 Strategic Planning Team.
Rina graduated with honors from the University of Houston and is also a graduate of the Center for Houston’s Future.