News & Updates

Port of Fernandina Names New Executive Director

The Port of Fernandina has named David Kaufman, president of Checkmate Consulting and a former 25-year senior director at JAXPORT, as its new Executive Director, Florida Politics reports.

“The Executive Director job, I think, is critical to the future of the Port of Fernandina,” said David Kaufman. “I believe that the vast majority of my employment history has geared me toward this type of position.”

Kaufman had a long career in ports, and those jobs touched on just about every aspect of port operation.

“I’m ready to get started with little-to-no learning curve,” Kaufman said. “There’s a lot of work to be done, but it’s an exciting opportunity, and one I look forward to working with each of you – both individually and collectively – to make sure that the goals of OHPA are met, and that the community’s goals and objectives are met as well.”

Kaufman already has knowledge of the Port, as Checkmate Consulting provided business development services to the Ocean Highway and Port Authority (OHPA) and he served as a strategic master plan advisor to the Authority. His list of accomplishments with JAXPORT in planning and commercial development are many, and include creating the Dames Point Marine Terminal and negotiating the first cruise industry lease agreements in Jacksonville.

OHPA Commissioners vote on appointing Kaufman was unanimous.