Jade Gillespie

Jade Gillespie is the Executive Director of the Texas Ports Association, where she leads statewide engagement to strengthen maritime infrastructure, energy competitiveness and global trade across Texas’ 23 ports. In this role, she advances strategic partnerships with state and federal policymakers to ensure Texas ports remain infrastructure-ready and globally competitive.

With more than a decade of experience in state and federal policy, Jade has built a reputation for disciplined legislative strategy and effective coalition building. She has served as senior staff in both the Texas House of Representatives and the U.S. Congress, advancing key initiatives in energy, infrastructure and economic development.

Previously, she led statewide strategy for the Texas Geothermal Energy Alliance, positioning Texas at the forefront of next-generation energy innovation and helping align industry, policymakers and research institutions around emerging energy technologies. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, Jade brings mission-focused leadership and operational discipline to every role. She holds a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Public Relations from Texas Tech University.