Josh Nguyen

Josh Nguyen brings a lifelong passion for hands-on technical excellence, leadership, and community service to his role as Executive Director of the Aransas County Navigation District (ACND). A veteran of the United States Coast Guard, Nguyen brings more than a decade of operational and engineering experience in diesel engine systems, HVAC, hydraulics, power generation, and preventive maintenance.

His early career included extensive work in marine and coastal environments, where he developed and maintained shipboard systems and led maintenance operations across Alaska, Texas, Virginia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Throughout his Coast Guard service, Nguyen was recognized for his leadership, problem-solving abilities, and his commitment to mentoring others in challenging environments.

Before joining ACND, Nguyen served as Director of the Texas Coastal Academy (TCA), where he played a key role in expanding maritime education and workforce development opportunities for students across the Coastal Bend. Under his leadership, TCA established partnerships with Rockport-Fulton ISD and local industry leaders to provide real-world training in areas such as boat building, small-vessel operation, and marine technology.

As ACND’s Executive Director, Nguyen is focused on strengthening operations, enhancing coastal infrastructure, and fostering new opportunities for local students to pursue careers in the region’s growing marine and maritime industries. His strong leadership background, technical expertise, and dedication to service reflect his deep commitment to the people and future of Aransas County.