News & Updates

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (September 3, 2015) – At the Florida Ports Council Annual Board Meeting today in Sarasota, Port Tampa Bay CEO Paul Anderson was elected chairman of the Council. Port of Fernandina Director Val Schwec’s term ended as of this meeting. Anderson will be chairing the Board of the Florida Ports Council, which is the professional association of Florida’s 15 public seaports, providing advocacy, leadership and research on seaport-related issues at the state and federal level. The other officers elected were Steven Cernak, CEO of Port Everglades, as Vice-Chairman, and John Walsh, CEO of Port Canaveral, as Secretary-Treasurer.

“Paul Anderson has been an invaluable member of the Florida Ports Council both as legislative co-chair and as vice chairman. His extensive experience at the state and federal levels will be a great asset to our organization,” said Doug Wheeler, president and CEO of the Florida Ports Council. “We look forward to working with federal and state leaders on improving freight funding and policy and to continuing our leadership role in positioning Florida as a leader in the global marketplace.”

Anderson has dedicated his work to the success and advancement of the nation’s seaports. A former federal maritime commissioner, he has held numerous other high-profile leadership positions in the public and private sectors over the past three decades—all of which have served to make him an extremely qualified leader in the maritime industry. Prior to joining Port Tampa Bay, Anderson served as the chief executive officer of the Jacksonville Port Authority. Additionally, he currently serves as elected chairman of the Florida Ports Financing Commission and has held several leadership roles within the American Association of Port Authorities. In addition, Anderson currently serves on the board of directors for both the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Florida.

“I am honored and humbled by the confidence my fellow port directors have placed with me. I look forward to working with them and all of our ports to continue the great work of being a leading economic engine for the state of Florida,” Paul Anderson, port president and CEO, said.