News & Updates

Port of Pensacola’s Clark Merritt Resigns

January 21, 2025

Port of Pensacola Director Clark Merritt recently resigned from his position.

Merritt had led the port since 2021 when former Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson tapped him for the job after promoting former Port Director Amy Miller to the deputy city administrator.

During the 13 years Merritt held leadership roles, the Port of Pensacola has undergone a major transformation. As Port Director, Merritt guided tremendous cargo growth and vessel activity which supported Northwest Florida economic engines, including GE Vernova and Cemex. Construction on the American Magic headquarters facility is now well under way, dock construction is soon starting on the east side of the port, and unprecedented road and rail improvement infrastructure projects is now underway.

Merritt was with the city since 2013, where before becoming port director, he was deputy port director and the port business development manager.

Before joining the city, Merritt was a naval officer. He served on active duty with tours in tactical aviation squadrons, including combat operations during the first Gulf War and as the maintenance officer for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. He retired from the reserves as a Commander, completing over 22 years of service, according to the city.

“We appreciate Clark Merritt’s work with the city and the Port of Pensacola over the years. He has been a valuable asset to us. We wish him only the best in his future endeavors,” a statement from the City of Pensacola said.