Cherina Thomas

Cherina Thomas is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Owner of Fillette Green Shipping Services (USA) Corp., believed to be the nation’s only African American-owned full-service vessel agency. A respected maritime executive and entrepreneur, she has helped lead the company for more than a decade, building upon a distinguished maritime legacy spanning over 100 years. Under her operational leadership, the company has strengthened service delivery across key U.S. ports while supporting a diverse global customer base spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas. She travels extensively to meet with clients and strategic partners, recognizing that strong, lasting relationships are the foundation of exceptional customer service and sustained business growth in the global maritime industry.

Fillette Green Shipping Services is proudly certified by the City of Houston as both a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), reflecting the company’s commitment to excellence, diversity, and inclusion.

With a background in information technology and business operations, Thomas has led the company’s digital transformation by modernizing internal systems, streamlining workflows, and implementing technology-driven solutions that have enhanced operational efficiency, strengthened customer service, and positioned the company for continued growth. Her leadership is defined by innovation, strategic vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Committed to lifelong learning and entrepreneurial growth, Thomas was selected to participate in the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, graduating as a member of Cohort 22. The nationally recognized program equips business leaders with the tools and strategies to accelerate business growth and create lasting economic impact.

Beyond her executive responsibilities, Thomas is dedicated to advancing education and strengthening the future of the maritime industry. She serves on the Board of Port of Houston Partners in Maritime Education (PHPME), whose mission is to educate and inspire high school and college students about the many career opportunities within the maritime industry. She is also a proud supporter of the Houston Maritime Museum, where Fillette Green continues its commitment to preserving maritime history and promoting maritime education through the board service of its Chief Executive Officer.

Thomas is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she supports initiatives focused on public service, educational development, economic empowerment, and social action.

Thomas believes that true leadership is measured not only by business success, but by the opportunities created for others, the relationships cultivated across cultures, and the legacy of excellence, service, and integrity left for future generations.