The Florida Ports Council has selected Manuel Almira, the executive director of the Port of Palm Beach, to serve as its new chairman.
With more than three and a half decades in the maritime industry, Almira takes over from PortMiami CEO Juan Kuryla who finished his term.
“Florida’s seaports serve as the gateway to the rest of the world and are one of the largest economic drivers in the state, supporting nearly 900,000 Florida jobs and providing critical access to commerce for all of our residents and businesses,” Almira said on Thursday. “I am excited to help lead our ports forward, especially given the current challenging economic environment and the opportunities we have to diversify, grow, and provide world-class service all around the globe.”
Doug Wheeler, the president and CEO of the Florida Ports Council, weighed in on the new chairman.
“Manuel Almira has been a strong advocate of Florida’s seaports since he joined the team at the Port of Palm Beach more than a decade ago,” said Wheeler “We know his leadership will strengthen the Florida Ports Council so we can ensure Florida’s ports are the global leaders of tomorrow.”
Jonathan Daniels, the director of Port Everglades Director, will serve as vice-chairman and David Wirth, the port manager of Port St. Pete, takes over as secretary/treasurer. All of the new officers will serve for a year.
The Florida Ports Council represents the 14 public seaports across the state which add almost 900,000 jobs and have an annual economic impact of $117.6 billion.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
