From left: CII Connie Award recipient Roger Guenther, previously retired Executive Director of Port Houston and CII Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Scott Taylor, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of GSC

LONG BEACH, CA, September 12, 2024 – The Containerization and Intermodal Institute (CII) honored Mr. 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 Mr. Scott Taylor, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of GSC to celebrate his long-standing career in the logistics industry.

Each year, Connie Award recipients are honored for their significant contributions to containerization, global trade, and the transportation industry, as well as their innovative spirit and the excellent example they set for professionals who will be the industry's future.

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.

Mr. 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, Mr. 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, Mr. 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

Mr. 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, Mr. 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 Mr. 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 Mr. Brooks.

As such, the following scholarship recipients, academic institutions, and corporate donor sponsors were acknowledged during the scholarship event:

Since its inception in 1992, CII has given more than $1 million in scholarships. Companies can support ongoing industry education by purchasing scholarships through CII, which start at $1,000.

Since 1972, the Connie Award has been presented by CII, which was formed in 1960. Over the years, the Connie Award has become the most sought-after recognition in these industries. Notable past recipients include Malcom McLean, Mario Cordero, Gene Seroka, the late Evergreen Group Chairman Y. F. Chang, James McKenna, Robert Sappio, Vincent Marino, John Wolfe, Joseph Gregorio, Richard Steinke, Captain S.Y. Kuo, Matthew Cox, and Robert Pfeiffer, among others. To date, more than 70 individuals have been honored with this prestigious award.

About CII

Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII), a non-profit organization, promotes industry awareness, preserves the history of intermodalism, and engages scholarly interest in the field by organizing educational conference and seminars, serving as an information resource, providing networking opportunities, offering career guidance, arranging internships and facilitating scholarship. For more information, visit www.containerization.org.

Containerization & Intermodal Institute Presented 2024 Connie Award to Roger Guenther and Scott Taylor Given Lifetime Achievement Award