Maxine N. Buckles

Maxine Buckles is Port Houston’s first Chief Equity Officer. She was appointed after Port Houston established the Business Equity Division and launched its Minority and Woman-Owned Business Enterprise Development Program (MWBE) which complements the existing Small Business Enterprise Development Program (SBE). Maxine is responsible for the implementation and administration of supplier diversity, equity, and training programs. She serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team to ensure that equity, diversity, and inclusion are infused in the Port Houston culture, and plays a pivotal role in creating a comprehensive strategy to launch, facilitate, and implement DEI initiatives across the organization.

Maxine’s prior Port Houston experiences include eight years as its first Chief Audit Officer with responsibility for monitoring and coordination of Port Authority audit activity; and three years as Corporate Controller with responsibility for financial accounting and reporting functions, and oversight of annual independent financial audits. Other professional experiences include five years as Senior Financial Consultant; four years as the first Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of an electricity monitoring firm in Austin, Texas; and five years as CFO and Treasurer of an oil-products pipeline company in Atlanta, Georgia, the first woman and person of color to hold this position.

Maxine, who is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), has held a number of other senior-level financial positions primarily within energy-related entities, and began her career in public accounting with a major firm. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with honors from Xavier University of Louisiana and an MBA with an emphasis in Accounting from Tulane University. She is a member of several professional organizations including the National Diversity Council, the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), National Black MBA Association, Government Financial Officers Association (GFOA), and Financial Executives International (FEI).

Maxine believes in giving back to others and the community. She currently serves as a board member of the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC). Maxine is a member of the 25th graduating class of Leadership Austin. Her volunteer and civic duties include past membership on the Austin Community College Accounting Department Advisory Committee, YWCA of Houston Board of Directors, Council Member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Atlanta Youth of the Year Annual Banquet, and Team Sponsor/Volunteer with the Connecticut Special Olympics.

Maxine is a native of Chicago, Illinois, is a long-term resident of Houston, Texas, and in her spare time enjoys arts & crafts, movies, and various relaxing activities.