Celina L. Carter

Celina Lopez Carter is an accomplished lawyer who has practiced law for 23 years. Currently, she serves as the Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at BWC Terminals, a leading bulk liquid storage company in North America, based in Houston, TX. In this role, she leads the legal function with a focus on integrity, strategic alignment, and operational excellence. Carter advises senior leadership on a wide range of legal and regulatory matters, ensuring the organization’s compliance with law and regulations while supporting its mission and long-term goals.

Carter is a trusted legal and business partner known for delivering practical, solutions-oriented counsel that balances risk with results. She is deeply committed to fostering an ethical culture, advancing diversity and inclusion, and building strong relationships across departments and with community stakeholders. Carter’s goal is to make a positive impact through her work by fostering meaningful relationships and promoting diversity in the legal profession.

Prior to her current role, Carter practiced law in both the private and public sectors, gaining extensive experience in corporate law, governance, and compliance. Originally from the Rio Grande Valley, Carter graduated from the University of Texas Pan American. She moved to Houston after graduating to attend Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where she graduated magna cum laude.

Carter began her legal career as an associate in the Corporate, Business, and Banking section at Fulbright & Jaworski LLP. She has held numerous senior executive roles throughout her career, including serving as Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary of Paragon Integrated Services Group; Senior Vice President and General Counsel of QMax Solutions; and senior roles at M-I SWACO, a business segment of Schlumberger. Her work has consistently reflected a passion for service, mentorship, and empowering women through thoughtful leadership.

Today, Carter is a proud Houstonian actively involved in initiatives that support legal education and community wellness. She has held numerous board leadership positions.

Outside of work, Carter is married to Victor Carter and is the proud mother of their 11-year-old son, Little Victor, along with two beloved rescue dogs, Madi and Nero. She enjoys exercising and has built strong friendships with eight inspiring women she affectionately calls the Fit Girls Klub. Carter believes that prioritizing health and fitness helps her be her best self, and she brings the same dedication and heart to her family and friendships as she does to her professional life.