News & Updates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 4, 2025

Media Contact:
Edie Ousley
edie@yellowfinchstrategies.com
850.251.6261

Michael Meekins, Port of Palm Beach Executive Director, Elected Chair
Hydi Webb, PortMiami Port Director & CEO, Reelected Vice Chair

TALLAHASSEE, Fla (September 4, 2025) – The Florida Ports Council Board of Directors has elected its slate of officers for fiscal years 2025-2027.

• Michael Meekins, Port of Palm Beach Executive Director, was elected Chair,
• Hydi Webb, PortMiami Port Director and CEO, was reelected Vice Chair, and
• David Wirth, Enterprise Facilities Planning Manager at Port St. Pete, was reelected to serve as Secretary/Treasurer.

Meekins was named Executive Director of the Port of Palm Beach in 2023. His career is steeped in logistics leadership experience, including serving as the Port of Palm Beach Director of Business Development before being promoted to the Executive Director role. Additional leadership roles include previous service as the Port Canaveral Senior Director of Cruise and Port Operations, holding a senior vice president of operations position in the aviation industry, and serving as a project manager leader with the New York Power Authority.

“It’s an honor to receive the confidence of port directors from across the state entrusting me to serve and represent Florida’s 16 seaports,” said Michael Meekins, Executive Director of the Port of Palm Beach. “Florida’s seaports play a vital role in the state’s economic development, and are a critical part of our supply chain to ensure that Floridians have much needed food, fuel and healthcare supplies.”

Maritime industry expert Hydi Webb will use her nearly 30 years of experience in cruise and cargo business development in continuing to serve as the FPC’s Vice Chair. As Port Director at Port Miami, Webb oversees the growth and development of one of the world’s leading cruise ports and one of America’s fastest-growing container ports.

David Wirth, Enterprise Facilities Planning Manager at Port St. Pete, will continue in his position as Secretary/Treasurer for the FPC Board of Directors.

“As a leading maritime state, Florida’s seaports work hard to ensure that Floridians have access to critical commodities essential for our growing economy. I’m confident that our new slate of officers will work to ensure Florida’s cargo and cruise industry continue to outperform others,” said Mike Rubin, President and CEO, Florida Ports Council.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA PORTS COUNCIL:

The Florida Ports Council (FPC), is a Florida nonprofit corporation that serves as the professional association for Florida’s fifteen public seaports and their management. FPC is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of the 16 port directors with staff support located in Tallahassee. We provide leadership through a collective voice in the areas of state and federal advocacy, data and research, and marketing and communication.

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