Spencer Chambers, former legislative aide to Texas Sen. JohnCornyn, and the port's spokeswoman could not be reached for commentby deadline. In his new role, Chambers' also will pursuelegislation for the port authority can continue to operateefficiently and competitively, according to a press release aboutthe hiring.

The port's government relations department is one of three inthe authority's public affairs division. The other two departmentsare communications and public relations. All three departmentsreport to the public affairs division director.

"Spencer has an impressive track record that aligns nicely withPHA's government relations and which will allow him to hit theground running as he manages the aggressive local, state andfederal agendas," Argentina M. James, public affairs divisiondirector. "The port authority's ability to have productiverelationships with its government officials is essential to PHA'scontinued success." She adds that his track record aligns nicelywith PHA's government relations and will allow him to hit theground running to aggressively manage local, state and federalagendas.