The Aransas County Navigation District (ACND) announces the upcoming retirement of longtime Harbor Master Keith Barrett, who will officially step down from his position on June 30, 2025, after 18 years of dedicated service and leadership.

“It’s been the honor of my life to serve this community and the ACND,” Barrett shared. “The decision to retire wasn’t easy, but after everything we’ve accomplished together and the obstacles we’ve withstood, I know this is the right time to step away and focus on my family.”

Appointed in June 2007, Barrett brought to the role decades of construction and operational experience, honed across heavy marine, offshore, and naval infrastructure projects. A lifelong Rockport resident and graduate of Rockport-Fulton High School, Barrett always hoped to serve his hometown directly. When the Harbor Master position opened, Barrett saw a chance to put his experience to work and ensure the goals of the ACND were met: conserving and developing the precious natural resources in Aransas County. 

His time at the ACND was transformative. After the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, Barrett guided massive rebuilding efforts to restore harbor operations and public trust. His leadership helped stabilize and modernize ACND facilities, leading to a stronger, more resilient coastal infrastructure.

Beyond his inspiring resilience and leadership throughout natural disasters, Barrett oversaw a long list of improvements that reshaped the District’s waterfront footprint. These included major upgrades to breakwater systems, major upgrades to Cove Harbor, and perhaps most notably, the transition of Rockport Beach from City to District management. Under Barrett’s leadership, the beach saw improved and upgraded facilities, restrooms, management systems, and a renewed sense of community pride.

Under his guidance, the ACND has successfully navigated a period of significant change, responding to evolving community needs while preserving the region’s unique coastal identity. As the local economy and waterfront use began to shift more heavily toward recreational boating, tourism, and leisure activities, Barrett helped lead the ACND’s efforts in adapting to these changes, ensuring harbors and facilities could meet modern demands without abandoning the community’s roots of commercial fishing.

He championed a balanced approach that honored tradition while embracing innovation, helping position the ACND as both a steward of working waterfronts and a catalyst for regional growth. From managing harbor slip allocations to improving public access, Barrett remained focused on ensuring that all user groups had a place in the future of Aransas County’s coast.

Barrett also played a crucial role in ensuring the District’s sound financial footing. His oversight contributed to operational efficiencies, responsible budget planning, and successful grant acquisition – strengthening the ACND’s long-term sustainability and enhancing its ability to invest in capital improvements and community-serving projects for years to come.

The ACND Board of Commissioners, in collaboration with Barrett’s professional recommendation, will announce leadership transition plans for the Harbor Master position in the coming months.

In the meantime, the ACND and the entire Aransas County community offer their heartfelt gratitude to Harbor Master Keith Barrett for his vision, commitment, and steady hand he brought to every challenge. Keith, we can’t thank you enough. Your legacy here is lasting, and we wish you nothing but the best in this next chapter.