The Honorable Benjamin H. Proler (Houston, Texas)
Regent Ben H. Proler was appointed to the Texas Southern University (TSU) Board of Regents by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in April of 2025.
Regent Proler is a fourth generation Houstonian deeply involved in both the local and national Jewish community.
In 2017, Regent Proler became an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve. From 2020 to 2022, he was the officer in charge of a company in U.S. Reserve Cargo Handling Unit 13 (NCHB13), leading a team of 50 Sailors in cargo operations. He then deployed to Manama, Bahrain, in September 2022, managing logistics for over 600 Sailors and Soldiers in Commander Task Force 56. In May 2023, Regent Proler helped coordinate a humanitarian rescue mission in Sudan, ensuring the safe return of 503 American citizens. Returning to Houston in August 2023, Regent Proler resumed his work with Shell Oil Company.
Since joining Shell Oil Company in 2013, Regent Proler has held several leadership roles and currently manages mergers and acquisitions for Shell Mobility in the United States. Previously, he was the Enterprise Sustainability Manager for Shell Aviation, leading the commercial strategy and contract negotiations for sustainable aviation fuel with major airlines and corporations across the Americas.
Regent Proler is actively engaged in public service and volunteerism. He has been the national chairman for Maverick PAC, a board member of Congregation Emanu El, and the Houston Clean City Commission. He is also a current Houston-area board member for the American Jewish Committee and term member of the Houston Committee on Foreign Relations.
Regent Proler holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, a diploma from the United States Naval War College, and is pursuing his Master of Business Administration from the Jones School of Business at Rice University, expected to graduate in May 2026.
He resides in Houston, Texas with his incredible wife, Shayna Proler. They recently welcomed their first child, the love and light of their life, in late 2024. Together, they enjoy the outdoors, learning about new topics, and advocating for the Jewish community.