PROGRESO, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Laredo Field Office, on November 29, 2018, formally announced the selection of Walter Weaver as the new port director (PD) for the Port of Progreso at a change of command ceremony held at the Donna North High School Auditorium, in Donna, Texas.
The ceremony was filled with friends, family, current/former colleagues, local dignitaries and Laredo Field Office area of responsibility personnel, to welcome Mr. Weaver into his new leadership role at the Port of Progreso.
Director of Field Operations (DFO), David P. Higgerson, Laredo Field Office began the ceremony by welcoming all guests and provided opening remarks. DFO Higgerson introduced PD Weaver as the new port director and announced, "I am grateful to Mr. Weaver for all the things he has done for the agency and the Port of Progreso. As a longtime resident of the Rio Grande Valley, he is definitely a perfect fit for Progreso and I am confident he will continue to build coalitions furthering the growth of local trade as he continues to serve the community."
Director Walter Weaver, Progreso/Donna
Port of Entry, at his change of command
ceremony.
"I am exceptionally humbled I was selected as the port director for this extraordinary port," said PD Weaver. "I am thankful for the opportunity to lead a close-knit hard working team in Progreso and I am excited to continue working with the community and local stakeholders of Donna, Progreso, Harlingen and Weslaco to further the economic growth in the Rio Grande Valley."
Carlos Rodriguez, the outgoing port director and currently the Southern Operations Command (SOC) director, followed in remarks. He touted his successor, testifying that PD Weaver was certainly driven and prepared to assume the leadership role bestowed upon him. SOC Director Rodriguez expressed his confidence in PD Weaver and commented that not only were they colleagues, but they are friends and he could not think of a better person to lead the port.
PD Weaver recognized his wife, children, parents and siblings for their unwavering support throughout his 30-year federal law enforcement career. He was selected for his new position in September 2018, which includes managing a diverse workforce of over 131 employees assigned throughout two international bridges – Progreso and Donna – and two international airports, Weslaco Mid Valley Airport and Harlingen Valley International Airport.
The Port of Progreso processes annually 3.7 million travelers, over 1.2 million passenger vehicles, over 50,000 inbound commercial vehicles, and over $300 million in international trade.
PD Weaver began his career with the United States Border Patrol as a Border Patrol Agent in Sierra Blanca, Texas in 1988. In 1991 he moved on to become an Inspector with the former U.S. Customs Service in Progreso. During his tenure at the Port of Progreso he excelled through the ranks. He promoted to Supervisor in the passenger and mission support environments, to Chief CBP Officer assigned to trade operations and Assistant Port Director overseeing passenger and mission support operations.
Mr. Weaver was born in Morgan City, Louisiana and raised in Harlingen, Texas. Port Director Weaver has been married 32 years to his wife Lori. Together they share three wonderful children, Jonathan, Joshua and Rebecca.