Support the Houston Maritime Center & Museum’s annual fundraising dinner “Set Sail: Charting New Horizons!” This signature event will take place on March 12, 2026 and honor Judge Ed Emmett, a longstanding HMCM Trustee, distinguished public servant, and respected community leader.
Honoring Judge Ed Emmett
Event Chairs: Vincent DiCosimo & Ned Holmes
Thursday, March 12 at 6pm
River Oaks Country Club
Tickets Required
Purchase Tickets
Celebration Dinner Silent Auction
Honoring Houston Icon and Longtime Friend, HMCM Trustee Judge Ed Emmett
Judge Ed Emmett has long been recognized as a leader who brings integrity, steady judgment, and true public service to everything he does. Throughout a distinguished career, he has earned the respect of the community for his thoughtful decision-making, ethical leadership, and unwavering commitment to doing what is right—especially when it matters most. His work has strengthened the institutions that support our region and has helped shape Houston’s continued growth with clarity, fairness, and purpose.
Beyond his service, Judge Emmett is admired for the character he brings to every conversation—measured, humble, and deeply people-centered. Whether guiding complex challenges or championing the needs of the community, he leads with a calm confidence rooted in principle. His legacy reflects a lifetime of putting others first, and his example continues to inspire the next generation of civic leadership.
When not competing on the tennis court, or spending time with family and friends, Judge Emmett enjoys staying connected to the stories and places that make Houston extraordinary—supporting local organizations, celebrating the city’s rich history, and encouraging meaningful community progress.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Officers:
Josh Sebastian – Chair | Ruthie Porterfield – Vice Chair | Thomas M. Wright – Treasurer | Renee Klimczak – Secretary | Darren Shelton – At-Large
Trustees:
Maria Aguirre | Ed Carr | Vincent DiCosimo | Mike Dumas | Judge Ed Emmett | Mary Elizabeth Hahnfeld Hahnfeld | Marco Poisler | Pat Pollard | Derrick Thomas | Captain Clint Winegar
Crew:
Sara Howell – President | Brian Cosgrove – Director of Operations | Pip McCormick – Director of Education | Michael Garcia – Customer Relationship Manager | Margaret Kidd – Special Advisor, Strategy and Education | Stefany Brady – Special Advisor, Museum Design | Captain Lou Vest – Special Advisor, Arts | Ivy Tran – Administrative Assistant
DOCENTS:
Steve Dittrich | Whit Drake | Alfonso Duncan | Peter Jensen | Roald Lokken | Burt Reckles | Milt Rose
Set Sail 2026: Charting New Horizons — Underwriters
Vanda Deck / Weather Deck:
Bay Houston Towing | Enterprise Products | Callan Marine | Sara and Brad Howell | Port Houston | TARGA Resources | Tellepsen Family
Promenade Deck:
Energy Transfer | Enstructure | Mary Elizabeth Hahnfeld / Ruthie Porterfield | Houston Pilots | Alan Robb / South Atlantic & Gulf Coast District ILA | ABS | Michael Dumas / Renee Klimczak | Brad Freels / Midway | Greater Houston Port Bureau | Kay and Ned Holmes | HUB International | Carol and Peter Jensen | Erika Lindberg and Joshua Sebastian | San Jacinto College | UTC Overseas | Vopak | West Gulf Maritime Association | Connie and Tommy Wright