The Greater Houston Port Bureau on Saturday honored Jerry Nagel, chair of Rickmers-Linie (America), as the 2012 Maritime Person of the Year.

GHPB President Bill Diehl introduced the members of his board of directors, including Nagel who is recovering from a double lung transplant that he underwent in March; then introduced East End Chamber of Commerce President Francis Dyess, who presented a proclamation from the City of Houston, and Harris County Commissioner Jack Morman, who presented a proclamation from Harris County Commissioners Court. Listen

The program featured three speakers who shared their experiences with Nagel throughout the years. Listen

“Jerry has two important passions in his life outside his family and the maritime industry, and Rickmers,” said  Neils Aalund, senior vice president of the West Gulf Maritime Association.  “And those are maritime education and the Houston Maritime Museum.”

Aalund discussed Nagel's accomplishments in the maritime industry and noted his recent medical challenge.

"May I suggest to you Jerry, that when they do the book of your life," Aalund said, "perhaps the best chapters are yet to come."

“Jerry was instrumental in growing the team, the reputation and the market presence of our company here in the U.S,” said Gerhard Janssen, director of marketing and sales of Rickmers-Linie.  “He was leading the Houston business operation through a period of significant growth during his days – starting new services and enhancing our business portfolio.”

Trish Boudreaux, Nagel’s sister, thanked the GHPB for honoring him as Person of the Year.

“We sort of refer to it as the Academy Award of the maritime industry,” she said on behalf of Nagel’s family and friends.  “We have always been proud of Jerry and his accomplishments, but your ultimate reward is when your peers say ‘Job well done’.”

Nagel shared his thoughts with those in the packed ballroom before he was presented his award by April Bailey. Listen

“I have to give credit to a lot of people,” he said.  “Without the strength and capability and just plain know how, and ‘can do’ of the West Gulf maritime industry, no one of us alone could achieve a superior performance.  And many do.”

Nagle said he is driven by a particular phrase.

“Say what you can do, then do what you say.” 

The 2012 Maritime Person of the Year Banquet was held at the Houstonian Hotel.