Leadership

Paul Anderson is a Former Federal Maritime Commissioner and joined Port Tampa Bay as Chief Executive Officer in December 2012 after holding a series of high-profile leadership positions in the public and private sectors.. Prior to joining Port Tampa Bay, Mr. Anderson was the Chief Executive Officer at the Jacksonville Port Authority. 
 
Nominated to the Federal Maritime Commission by President George W. Bush in 2003, and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2004, Anderson served a five-year term ending in 2008. In addition, the president designated Anderson as the Commission’s Chairman and re-nominated him for a second five year term. A highlight of Anderson’s service included his appointment to the Committee on Marine Transportation, a cabinet-level strategy group responsible for the nation’s seaports and reporting directly to the president.
 
Anderson spent 10 years with JM Family Enterprises; a diversified automobile business headquartered in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and was previously a senior director of Seabulk Marine, Inc., an international marine transportation company in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He has also served as an advisor on intermodal issues to former Florida governors Jeb Bush and Charlie Crist. 
 
Anderson currently serves as chair of the American Association of Port Authorities. Additionally, he currently serves as Chairman of the Coalition for America's Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC). He recently completed a second term as the Chairman of the Florida Ports Council, having been reelected by his fellow Florida port directors and as well as previously serving as chair of the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council (FSTED). Anderson also serves on the board of directors for the Florida Chamber of Commerce; Associated Industries of Florida; Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation; Leukemia Lymphoma Society; The Florida Aquarium; Visit Tampa Bay; Tampa Bay EDC; and the Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). He has also held numerous community leadership positions including Chair, Board of Trustees, Broward (FL) Community College; Chair, Broward Alliance; Chair, Broward Health Foundation; Board of Directors of The Orange Bowl Committee; Board of Advisors of the South Florida PGA; and the National Executive Committee of the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship.

Anderson recently served as co-chair of the Jack H. Lucas Commissioning Committee. The Jack H. Lucas Commissioning Committee, Navy League of Tampa and U.S. Department of the Navy worked to host the historic commissioning of the USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) Arleigh-Burke Class Warship. Ship commissioning is the act or ceremony of placing a ship into active Navy service. The commissioning ceremony is one of the most significant milestones in the life of a U.S. Navy ship. The committee raised money to support the ship and her crew, after the ship was officially commissioned into service. Anderson is active at MacDill Air Force Base and is a member of the Honorary Commander 927th Air Refueling Wing, which allows businessmen and women from the local community an opportunity to understand the policies, programs and overall mission capability of the United States Air Force.

Anderson has lived in Florida for over 35 years and relocated with his family to Tampa, except during the period of his public service in Washington, D.C.  Anderson is a 1982 graduate of the University of Florida and completed the Senior Managers in Government program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Raul Alfonso is the Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer of Port Tampa Bay. Since joining the port in 2013 as Chief Commercial Officer, Raul has led the port’s commercial activities, with responsibilities for the areas in Real Estate, Planning, Marketing, Business Development, Communications, Operations, Facilities, Security and Branding. In 2014, Raul was promoted to his current position, as Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, assuming additional responsibilities as second in command to the Port’s President and CEO.

Since Alfonso joined the port, commercial activities have enjoyed record performance across its diverse lines of business, with growth in cargo tonnage (including year-after-year, double-digit growth in container cargo), cruise passengers, revenues, and Real Estate activity for new and existing tenants.

Also during this time, Port Tampa Bay has embarked on implementing its visionary Strategic and Master Plans (Port Vision 2030), focusing on achieving the port’s long-term goals, and securing its future, as West Central Florida’s principal economic engine.

Raul has over 35 years of Port industry experience, involving diverse leadership roles that have resulted in commercial and business development successes at the ports of Miami (PORTMIAMI) and Jacksonville (JAXPORT) in Florida, and the ports of Freeport, Bahamas, Balboa and Cristobal in Panamá.

Raul was recently recognized for his leadership and was honored with the Tampa Bay Business and Wealth Magazine’s Apogee Award in the category of Chief Business Development Officer.

Raul is a proud graduate of Florida International University, in Miami, FL. He is fluent in Spanish, English and Portuguese. Throughout his career, Raul has served as port / maritime and logistics expert, as speaker at numerous domestic and international trade conferences.

Charles E. Klug is the Principal Counsel for Port Tampa Bay; Florida’s largest and most cargo-diverse seaport. Mr. Klug is currently responsible for advising the Board of Commissioners and the President & CEO and as well as overseeing the Port Strategic and Master Plan. In past, he has served as Chief Legal Officer  and General Counsel for Port Tampa Bay since 2004 and served as Deputy Port Director for Administration, from 2008 to 2013.

In addition, he recently served as Interim Port Director from September through December of 2012 during Port Tampa Bay’s search for a new Port Director and CEO. Prior to joining Port Tampa Bay, Mr. Klug was a partner with the law firm of Gray Robinson, P.A., where he concentrated his practice in the areas of commercial real estate, local government, land use and environmental law. Mr. Klug received a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Florida, College of Business in 1983 (with Honors) and a J.D. from the University of Florida, College of Law in 1986. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1986 and has been certified by the Florida Bar as specialist in Real Estate Law since 1993 and as a specialist in City, County and Local Government Law since 1998. He is an "AV" rated lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell and currently serves on the Florida Bar's Real Estate Certification Committee. Mr. Klug was recognized as the "Top Corporate Counsel for Government and Non-profits" by the Tampa Bay Business Journal in 2014 based on leadership, ethical standards and exemplary professional skills.

Michael Poole joined the Port July of 2024 as the Chief Financial Officer. Poole is a Senior Level Executive with an extensive background as a Chief Financial Officer and a Certified Public Accountant. He has 37 years of professional experience with the last 27 years being in the Maritime industry which has included working with Board of Directors and Executive Management.  He has managed Accounting, Finance, Information Technology, and Risk Management functions and led the effort in financing terminal expansion projects through bank and public bond financing.

Poole most recently worked as the Chief Financial Officer for the Canaveral Port Authority. Prior to that, he served in the same position for the Jacksonville Port Authority. Poole’s experience includes management of accounting, finance, treasury, procurement, risk management, contract negotiations, and Information Technology. He is a recognized and well-respected leader in his field and has a depth of knowledge overseeing the budgeting process for seaports, as well as long-term capital improvement plans. Poole holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of West Florida and is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Government Finance Officer.

As Chief Financial Officer, Poole will be responsible for directing and managing the finance, risk management, and procurement departments as well as guiding the financial strength of Port Tampa Bay's overall operation. He will oversee the efficient administration of the port's debt profile and be in charge of the analysis and financial viability of new business opportunities. Additionally, Poole will control Port Tampa Bay's assets, particularly the management of cash and the collection of funds.

Brian Giuliani is Chief Operating Officer for Port Tampa Bay. Brian is responsible for overseeing all cargo & cruise operations throughout the port and provides operational support to our team to help promote and grow the port business. Brian works closely with the port’s terminal operating partners and the various regulatory & protective agencies to ensure all port operations are done efficiently, safely, in accordance with government regulations, and meeting customer requirements.

Mr. Giuliani has over 25 years of experience in maritime port operations, including terminal, vessel, and warehouse operations. Prior to joining Port Tampa Bay in July, 2019, Brian served as Director of North American Ports for Del Monte Fresh Produce. While working with Del Monte, he held various management positions and made numerous contributions towards improving Del Monte’s supply chain operations, including his leadership role in transitioning their Northeast distribution network from a palletized breakbulk transportation model to a fully containerized model and creating the foundation for a transformation throughout North America.

Brian is a graduate of Rutgers University. He is President of Tampa Bay International Terminals and currently serves on all port committees such as Tampa Bay Harbor Safety & Security Committee (TBHSSC), Tampa Cooperative Safety & Security Committee (TCSS), Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group (PHWAG), Vessel Movement Committee (VMC), and the Greater Tampa Bay Marine Advisory Council PORTS.

Ken Washington began his employment with Port Tampa Bay in October 1996 and was promoted to his current position, Chief Information Officer, in 1998. In this capacity, Mr. Washington provides strategic oversight of organizational-wide information technology activities, as well as oversees the development, execution, and evaluation of all technological frameworks and infrastructure for Port Tampa Bay.

Mr. Washington brings 35 years of experience in the field of information technology and has a diverse background in both corporate and governmental settings, with extensive experience in enterprise computing, telecommunications and implementations.

Mr. Washington received his formal education from Hillsborough Community College, Harold Washington College, and the University of South Florida. He obtained his professional certifications as Master Certified Novell Engineer, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, and Microsoft Certified Professional.

Prior to joining the Port Authority, Mr. Washington was employed by the Florida Aquarium as Manager of MIS, GTE as a Research Analyst, IBM as a Senior Technician, and served in the U.S. Army in Military Intelligence.

Wade Elliott joined the Port in 2003 and is responsible for the marketing and business development activities of Port Tampa Bay.

Mr. Elliott has more than 25 years of port business development and research experience working with clients across the globe, including exporters, importers, ocean carriers, terminal operators and cruise lines. He was previously Executive Director of the Halifax-Dartmouth Port Development Commission, reporting to the Commission’s board of directors for this agency responsible for port business development, as well as public, media and government relations.

Mr. Elliott is a graduate of Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia where he also worked as Research Associate conducting economic and policy research in the maritime sector. He began his career working at sea aboard a variety of container, bulk, tanker, offshore supply and seismic survey vessels.

He is the Chairman of the Tampa Foreign Trade Zone, and serves on the board of directors of Tampa Port Ministries Seafarers’ Center and the Tampa Bay International Business Council.

Mark Dubina currently serves as Vice President of Security for Port Tampa Bay. Mr. Dubina is a graduate of Florida State University, with extensive additional specialized training in law enforcement operations and seaport security. Mr. Dubina is a Certified Law Enforcement Officer, Certified Law Enforcement Instructor, Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Port Executive™.

Mr. Dubina has a combined 32 years of law enforcement and public sector management experience. Mr. Dubina’s current duties include management of all aspects of security operations for the Port, Florida’s largest and most diversified port. Mr. Dubina serves on the board of the Tampa Bay Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Working Group, the State of Florida Domestic Security Oversight Council Critical Infrastructure Working Group, the Tampa Bay Regional Domestic Security Task Force and the Area Maritime Security Committee. Mr. Dubina is also a board member of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

Immediately prior to his current position, Mr. Dubina was the Chief of Investigations for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) in Tampa. During his career with FDLE, Mr. Dubina gained extensive experience organizing and directing investigations, supervising special events and coordinating security details for visiting dignitaries.

Ryan Fierst has more than 20 years of experience in law, public policy, and government.  She worked on Capitol Hill as a Counsel for US House Judiciary Committee and served as Legislative Director for two Congressman representing the Central Florida region. Fierst also served as the Public Policy Director and Legislative Counsel for the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.  She began her career working as a Staff Attorney for the Florida House of Representatives for Speaker Tom Feeny in Tallahassee, Florida.

Fierst most recently worked as an economic development consultant and grant writer for several statewide Florida non-profits and the Florida House of Representatives.  Prior to that, Ryan worked as a Senior Management Analyst for the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity where she oversaw project, contract, and grant management for many of the state's economic development agencies, including EFI, Space Florida, and VISIT FLORIDA.  Fierst holds a Bachelor of Science from Liberty University and a law degree from Regents University School of Law. She is a native of Tampa and is a licensed attorney in the state of Florida.

Ram Kancharla is Vice President of Planning and Development for Florida's largest port. For three decades, he has overseen Port Tampa Bay's capital improvements, strategic planning, economic development, capital resource management, and inter-agency coordination and outreach at the state and federal level. He has overseen $1.5 billion in capital projects and secured more than $600 million in external funding.

Kancharla has a Master's in Business Administration from the University of South Florida and is certified by the American Association of Port Authorities as a Professional Port Manager (PPM®). He is an alumnus of Leadership Florida, Leadership Tampa, and represents the port of Tampa on various committees involved in freight movement, intermodal planning, finance, trade, logistics and the maritime industry. Kancharla was appointed by the U.S. Commerce Secretary to serve on the U.S. Department of Commerce Advisory Council on Supply Chain Competitiveness. He is one of the Miami Herald’s 2019 Florida Influencers.

Kancharla is active in the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Tampa Bay Partnership, Florida Council for Public Private Partnerships, Government Finance Officers Association, Intermodal Association of America Marine Division, and American Association of Port Authorities. He advises or serves on the boards of Floridians for Better Transportation, Economic Club of Tampa Bay, the USC Marshall Center for Global Supply Chain Management Executive Board, and the USF Center for Urban Transportation Research. Kancharla was a Global Advisory Council member for Columbia-based Innovation in Logistics Supply Chain and Port Management (LOGPORT), and was a U.S. Maritime Administration Strong Ports focus group member. He is an active Rotarian and serves on several community boards including Feeding America.

Laura L. Lenhart joined Port Tampa Bay with nearly 15 years of experience in government affairs. Lenhart previously worked as Government Affairs Advisor at Gray Robinson, P.A., where she advocated on behalf of client issues in the Tampa Bay area and statewide on varied interests ranging from telecommunications, technology, K-12 education, transportation, and human services.  She has served as the Government and Regulatory Affairs Manager for Frontier Communications serving parts of Pasco and Polk, and all of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties, where she was responsible for developing and successfully executing their annual legislative agenda.

Lenhart also held government relations positions with Moffitt Cancer Center and the Florida Chamber of Commerce.  She earned a Master of Science in Political Science, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, both from Florida State University.

Greg Lovelace is Vice President of Business Development for Port Tampa Bay and is responsible for new business development for the Port of Tampa. He is also responsible for managing the port tariff, maintaining port statistics and trade data and is involved with strategic planning for the Authority. Mr. Lovelace began his career with the Port Authority in March of 1996. He received a BS Degree in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina in 1985 and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of New Orleans in 1994. Prior to his employment with the Port Authority, he was employed for ten years with Evergreen, one of the largest container shipping lines in the world.

Greg serves on the Executive Committee of the Gulf Seaports Marine Terminal Conference, an association of U.S. Gulf ports authorized to discuss, fix and regulate rates, and previously served as their Chairman.

Greg also serves as the President of the CSCMP Central Florida Roundtable and previously served on the Board in various capacities.

Karl Strauch is the Vice President of Marketing at the Port. He leads a team focused on strategic message positioning and planning, creative development and implementation for marketing, advertising, PR and digital/interactive/social media programs.

A dynamic brand marketer, strategist, award-winning creative writer and executive project manager, Karl develops programs that build brand value around Port Tampa Bay, positively impacting the Port’s target audiences with the goal of gaining market share and increasing revenue.

Karl’s experience spans more than 30 years in large media markets such as NYC, Los Angeles and Atlanta and he currently resides in Tampa, FL. He has worked at or on some of the top brands in the world including those at RJR Nabisco, Anheuser-Busch, AT&T, I Love NY, Pearle Vision and Friedman’s Jewelers as well as 70s/80s "Madison Ave" agency stalwarts N.W. Ayer, DMB&B and Wells, Rich, Greene, among others. His experience includes a wide variety of product and service categories, but has among his specialties; retail, tourism, economic development and transportation. Karl has a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from the University of Florida, ’83.

Karl's activities and awards include: District & Local ADDYs (Best of Show/Best of the Bays), Tellys, AMA and Industry Specific Honors including the Georgia Governor’s choice award 2009. He is a graduate of Leadership Florida (Cornerstone 38), a member of the American Marketing Association (AMA) and the American Advertising Federation (AAF). Karl has served or serves on several advisory boards including Hillsborough Community College (HCC), United Way Suncoast, the Savannah Technical College, Tampa and Ybor City Chambers of Commerce, Visit Tampa Bay, The Tampa Economic Development Council and is a member of the Tampa Bay Propeller Club.

Captain Matt Thompson is responsible for facilitating cargo and cruise operations throughout the port area, by water, land or rail.  He is also responsible for ensuring public terminal facilities are operated efficiently and professionally and in keeping with regulations.  Additionally, he works closely with the security, facilities and business development teams to continue to expand the port and our operations.

Matt previously served as Port Tampa Bay's Director of Cruise Operations & Emergency Management.  Prior to that, Captain Thompson has over 30-years of experience in maritime operations and emergency management.  Before joining Port Tampa Bay in 2022, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard as Sector Commander of the St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay Area, Captain of the Port, Officer in Charge of Marine Inspection, Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator, Federal On-Scene Coordinator, and Federal Maritime Security Coordinator, while directing all Coast Guard operations along the West Coast of Florida and throughout the Tampa Bay region. 

He holds a Bachelor of Science from Excelsior College in Management, and a Joint Professional Military Education certification from the U.S. Air Force, Air Command and Staff College.  Captain Matt Thompson was The Propeller Club Port of Tampa's Maritime Person of the Year for 2022, and his military personal awards include: a Legion of Merit, three Meritorious Service Medals, four Commendation Medals, and three Achievement Medals.

Joeanne Toledo currently serves as the Vice President of Human Resources for Port Tampa Bay. With over 15 years of Human Resources experience, she received her Bachelor of Business Administration and Executive Master of Human Resource Management from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. She received her Professional of Human Resources (PHR) certification shortly after graduation.

Prior to joining Port Tampa Bay, she was the head of Human Resources for a national Professional Employer Organization (PEO) specializing in HR services for small to mid-size businesses. Prior to moving to Tampa, she resided in Hawai’i where she started up and ran a Human Resources department for one of Hawai’i’s top five litigation and employment law firms. In addition, she held Co-Chair positions for the programs and college relations committees for the O’ahu Educational Foundation’s Hawai’i Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management.

Ms. Toledo is an active member of the national and local Tampa chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Her current areas of responsibility and expertise include benefits, compensation, recruitment, employment law, employee relations, succession planning, HRIS programs, educational and career development, and HR technology programs.

Ed Washington joined Port Tampa Bay in August 2023 as Vice President of Real Estate.  Washington has over 25 years of real estate development, leasing, and property management experience.  As Liberty Property Trust's City Manager, he had oversight of the 400 million real estate portfolio, a $8.5 billion REIT.  After Liberty, Washington was Vice President of Gate Petroleum's Real Estate Division where he was asset manager of the company's largest income producing assets.  Upon the disposition of these assets, he formed his own company WW Partners, LLC where he pursued build-to-suit opportunities and was heavily involved in tenant representation in both the industrial and office sectors.  Additionally, Washington was one of the original six partners and investors in Exeter Property Group that raised $300 million for the first Exeter Industrial Value Fund, L.P., and was a member os Exeter's investment committee.

As Vice President of Real Estate for Port Tampa Bay, Washington will be responsible for planning and organization of the real estate department's functions, as well as the development and implementation of its Strategic Plan.  The Real Estate Strategic Plan is a key component of Port Tampa Bay's overall Strategic and Master Plans.  The position oversees the Environmental Department's responsibilities and staff.  The position is a key member of senior management and reports to Port Tampa Bay's Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer.

Washington received a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from the University of North Florida, majoring in accounting.  He has been a member of the Rotary International for over 20 years, is past president, present and long-standing Board member, and was selected as Rotarian of the Year 2018-2019 by his local club.  Washington is a past Board member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Jacksonville, FL region and past Board member of The Episcopal Diocese of North Florida Architectural and Development Committee.  His is a proud fifth-generation Floridian, born in St. Petersburg and a direct descendent of Odet Phillipe, one of the pioneers of the Tampa Bay region and namesake of Phillippe Park in Safety Harbor, FL.

Thomas Hobbs has 20 years’ experience in Florida politics, starting his career in Governor Bush’s Office of Drug Control Policy, and continuing work in the Governors’ Office of Policy and Budget leading the Special Projects Division.  Later he moved to the Florida House of Representatives for two years as the Deputy Director for the Majority Whip under Carlos Lopez Cantera.  He spent the last ten years as a contract lobbyist representing multiple Fortune 500 companies, technology and education clients, as well as municipalities and special districts. 

Mr. Hobbs is also a Major serving in the Florida Army National Guard, currently assigned as the Headquarters Commander for Camp Blanding Joint Training Center.  He joined in 2007, enlisting as a Combat Engineer before graduating Officer Candidate School and commissioning as a Military Intelligence Officer in 2009.  He was selected to go to Army Flight School in 2011 and is an HH-60 Blackhawk Medevac Pilot.  He served in Iraq from 2016-2017, earning a Meritorious Service Medal for his actions. 

Mr. Hobbs is a two time graduate from Florida State University, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Social Science in 2002 and his Master’s Degree in Political Science in 2004.

Shawn Brown has served in a variety of roles within Port Tampa Bay's Operations Department for nearly 15 years.  As Director of Cruise Operations & Emergency Management, Brown will be responsible for leading all cruise and passenger vessel operations and processes, acting as the on-call incident Commander and leading emergency management programs/operations for Port Tampa Bay.  In addition, Brown will be responsible for developing a strategic vision, implementing, and evaluating Emergency Operations Plans.  This position is also responsible for leading all Port Tampa Bay cruise and passenger operations and serves as a liaison with operators, tenants, port users, and vendors for the cruise terminal events, as well as, Sparkman Wharf/Water Street events.

Brown earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Saint Leo University.  He also holds a variety of certifications related to safety, security and maritime-specific issues issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other federal, state and local agencies.  Brown has worked in a variety of positions within the Operations and Security Departments and has a vast knowledge of maritime-specific safety, security and emergency preparedness issues.  He has played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of the port's annual Hurricane Exercise and Safety Summit.

Torrey Chambliss is the Director for Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) and Cargo Business Development at Port Tampa Bay. His responsibilities include management and development of the Tampa Bay FTZ project and increasing the total amount and type of cargo moving through Port Tampa Bay.

Before working at Port Tampa Bay, Mr. Chambliss worked for the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation as its principal Research Analyst investigating key macro-economic indicators that affected the Tampa Bay business community and conducting confidential research for companies looking to establish and/or expand their presence in the Tampa Bay market.

Prior to moving to Tampa, Florida, Mr. Chambliss worked as a consultant at the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico City, Mexico and as a consultant for the United States Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program in Washington DC. In addition, he worked as a representative staffer in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. Chambliss earned an MBA from the Mexican Autonomous Institute of Technology in Mexico City, Mexico and obtained both an MA in International Relations and a BA in Sociology from Eastern Illinois University. Mr. Chambliss is a member of the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones’ Board of Directors and serves as the Vice Chair for the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Trade and Logistics Institute. Mr. Chambliss is also a licensed customs broker, an Accredited Zone Specialist, and fluent in Spanish.

Chris Cooley is Director of Environmental Affairs for Port Tampa Bay. In this position, he is responsible for managing and directing the Port’s environmental compliance program, marine construction permitting program, clean-up and remediation activities, while overseeing environmental site assessments and Port expansion projects, and assisting Port tenants with environmental matters. He works closely with federal, state, and local agency partners on regional environmental and emergency planning issues, as well as ongoing environmental and protected wildlife species projects.

Mr. Cooley represents the Port on various committees such as the Florida Ports Council Seaport Environmental Managers Committee, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council’s Agency on Bay Management, Tampa Bay Local Emergency Planning Committee, and the Interagency Migratory Bird Protection Committee. He is a member of the Florida Association of Environmental Professionals, Florida Brownfields Association, and serves on the Management Board of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and the Board of Trustees for Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful.

Mr. Cooley is a graduate of the University of South Florida, where he studied Environmental Science and Policy. Prior to joining Port Tampa Bay, he managed several wetland permitting and assessment programs at the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County. His experience and expertise include environmental site assessments, wetland impacts and mitigation, project management, rule writing and analysis, conflict resolution, court certified expert witness, development and land use, and interagency coordination.

Jose De Jesus is a Professional Engineer with over 20 years of experience and has spent the last seven engineering and managing capital projects for Port Tampa Bay and ascended to Director of Engineering in October 2021.  Prior to working at Port Tampa Bay, Mr. De Jesus worked as an engineering consultant designing a wide-range of commercial projects and heavy civil projects.  He has expertise in sustainable design and construction having been certified as a LEED Accredited Professional.

Mr. De Jesus received his BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida.  He subsequently obtained a Masters in Business Administration.  Mr. De Jesus is active with various technical and professional organizations including the American Society of Civil Engineers and is part of the STEM youth outreach program through the Society of American Military Engineers.  His is an alumni of Leadership Tampa Bay.

Jim Forsyth began his career at Port Tampa Bay in 2013 as the Wharfinger but was soon promoted to Operations Manager and subsequently Director of Operations. This swift career development was due to his intense hands on management style and creating a team ambiance among his staff.

Jim brings over 25 years of maritime operational experience including terminal aerations as well as stevedoring and business management to the port. He has worked with a diverse group of worldwide shipping companies such as Hoegh Autoliners, Suzuki Del Caribe, Sea Star Line, Tecmarine Lines NMCC, International Shipping Co., CSAV, and Mitsui OSK Bulk Shipping before joining the port.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Jim is completely bi-lingual in English and Spanish and in his operational capacity has worked in ports from Jacksonville to the North coast of South America and most of the Windward and Leeward Islands.

Jim has established himself at the port by actively participating in the port resilience and storm preparations and serves as the Group Leader for the Re-entry Strike Teams after an adverse event.

Jim also serves on all of the port committees such as TBHSSC, TCSSI, PHWAG, VMC, and acts as Department head of the Operations Department in the absence of the Vice President. On the International front, Jim has served in the Puerto Rico Shipping Association and is now the second delegate for Port Tampa Bay in the Caribbean Shipping Association.

Ronald Glessing is the Director of Real Estate at Port Tampa Bay. His duties include establishing and strengthening customer relations, expanding tenant outreach events, and helping to advance the Port’s leasing, acquisition and planning services.

Ron has more than 20 years of corporate real estate and portfolio management experience.  Before joining the team at Port Tampa Bay, Ron was a Senior Vice President at two of the country’s largest financial service organizations: Citigroup and The PNC Financial Services Group, where he was acknowledged for developing successful growth strategies, and implementing long-term master plans.

Ron has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Politics, from St. John’s University, and serves as a member of the Kairos Prison Ministry International and the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute Ministry Team.

Phillip Lawson is the Director of Finance at Port Tampa Bay.  He is responsible for managing the day-to-day administration of Port Tampa Bay's Finance Department and all aspects of accounting/bookkeeping functions and financial reporting in accordance with the General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Government Accounting Standards Boards (GASB).  Phillip manages the annual operating budget, audit oversight and coordination, financial systems and implementation, risk management and administration of Port Tampa Bay's internal controls.

Mr. Lawson previously served as senior accountant for Port Tampa Bay and has more than 15 years of experience in accounting and finance positions.  Prior to joining Port Tampa Bay in March of 2015, Phillip worked as an accountant for Hillsborough County Public Utilities.

Mr. Lawson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from DeVry University and is currently pursuing a Masters of Public Administration from the University of South Florida.  He is a Certified Government Financial Officer and is Six Sigma Greenbelt certified.  Phillip is also an active member of the state and local Hillsborough chapter of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

Nancy Marino joined Port Tampa Bay in 2009. As the Procurement Director, she is responsible for the management, administration and supervision of the agency’s purchasing programs. These plans incorporate activities to bring more spending under management, enhance the procurement department's skills and visibility, and increase both internal and external collaboration. The Procurement Director also oversees the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program.

Nancy’s career includes 6 years management experience with the Tampa Expressway Authority, and prior to that, she accumulated over 20 years of business administration experience within the private sector. She has worked in management and other leadership roles for engineering, construction and manufacturing firms ranging from small local businesses to global corporations.

Ms. Marino grew up in western Nebraska and graduated from Chadron State College (NE) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. She moved to the Tampa area in 1981. She and her husband currently reside in Valrico, FL.

Norberto Sanchez began his career in 1999, after completing his education as an Electronic Engineer Technician and Master Electrician back in his home island of Puerto Rico. Norberto worked in different positions in this field from crew leader to Journeyman Electrician; and in 2006 he was hired by Port Tampa Bay as an Electrician III for the Facilities Management Department where he holds the Department’s Director Position since 2010.

Norberto has over 13 years of combined experience working in the construction and port industries with his specialty. Norberto’s dedication and leadership qualities made him a noticeable candidate to take on the responsibility of managing a team of 8 staff members ranging from Trades Workers, Electricians and HVAC Technicians; and became the ideal candidate for the Director’s position 4 years later, with 18 staff members at the present time.

Norberto’s passion and dedication only increased with his promotion, as he is a true “hands-on” Director, always working by his staff and not hesitating to get involved in the facility’s repairs, whether is an electrical issue or not. His leadership abilities are well noticed in his team performance and how he earned the trust of his team almost immediately, due in the most part to his work ethics and family values that keep him grounded, showing his staff the perfect example of where your hard work and determination can lead you.

In addition to his Electrical field background, Norberto also worked as a Licensed Real Estate Agent; his experience in this field along with his personal approach, increased his professional commitment towards clients, customers and Port tenants.

Katie Mahoney is the Director of Marketing at Port Tampa Bay. She is responsible for strategic messaging, advertising, and the execution of all creative internal and external content for the Port. She serves as an integral support to marketing and business development, engaging companies on both the national and international stage.

As a creative director with more than nearly two decades of experience working on national accounts, Katie has promoted some of the world's most recognizable brands. She mastered messaging for TV, web, and digital content for both large and small advertising agencies. She's managed teams of designers, writers and developers for companies including Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and Delta Airlines.

Katie has mastered the art of understanding of what customers want - from their first impulse of desire to purchasing a product. Katie received an undergraduate degree in advertising and communications from Michigan State University. She also graduated from Portfolio Center in Atlanta with a specialty. in art direction.

Gonzalo Padron has more than 20 years of sales and business development experience within the maritime transportation industry.  His responsibilities include Port Tampa Bay's outreach and liaison with beneficial cargo owners and ocean carriers, with a particular focus on trade with Latin America.

Gonzalo began his career working for ocean carriers Tecmarine Lines and Seaboard Marine, traveling the Caribbean and Latin America extensively.  Prior to joining Port Tampa Bay, he was employed by DHL Global Forwarding as Manager of Strategic Accounts, Datamyne as Business Development Manager - Maritime, and PIERS as Maritime Regional Manager.

Gonzalo is a graduate of Barry University.  Fluently bi-lingual English/Spanish, he has a strong background in international trade data analysis and account management.  Gonzalo is active in numerous transportation professional organizations.

Brian Sardino joined the Port in July of 2019 as the Director of Information Technology. Brian brings more than 26 years of experience with over 19 of them in an Information Technology Leadership capacity. Mr. Sardino is a hands-on technology leader and innovator with extensive experience in the Financial Services, Insurance, and Legal Industries. His focus has always been heading up IT Strategy, Technology Innovation, and Strategic Business Acquisitions. He has a proven ability to build, challenge and motivate teams to maximize productivity.

Prior to joining the Port, Mr. Sardino served as the SVP/CIO for HomeBanc in Tampa, FL. There he was responsible for the bank’s overall Technology Infrastructure and Systems Architecture. He served as chairman of the Technology Steering Committee as well as the bank’s Chief Information Security Officer.

Mr. Sardino is a graduate of Northwood University and holds numerous Microsoft and Cisco certifications.

Jorge Torres joined Port Tampa Bay in 2015. He serves as Director of Security, and as the Port Authority’s designated Facility Security Officer (FSO).  Jorge is responsible for ensuring the Port’s compliance with all maritime security regulatory requirements, manages the port security grant program, he is the Customs Trade Partnership against Terrorism program manager, and directs the day-to-day operation of the security department.

Jorge served 14 years on active duty with the US Coast Guard, transitioning to the reserve component in 2009. Jorge retired in 2019 as a Senior Chief, having served a total of 24 years.  Prior to joining PTB, he was a Facility Security Manager and designated Facility Security Officer at the Port of Houston Authority.  

Jorge is a graduate of American Military University, earning a Bachelor's degree in Security Management, and a Master's Degree in Homeland Security. Jorge has completed extensive training provided by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, satisfying the requirements for Infrastructure Protection, and is board certified as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) by the American Society for Industrial Security International (ASIS). 

Jorge is an alumni of Leadership Tampa Bay class of 2018, a member of the American Association of Port Authorities Security Committee (AAPA), executive board member of the Tampa/Saint Petersburg Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC), as well as a member of the national and local chapter of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS). In 2021, Jorge was elected to serve as a board member on the Propeller Club of Tampa executive board.

Lisa Wolf-Chason joined the Port in November of 2019 as the Director of Communications. Wolf-Chason's experience spans public relations, crisis communications and media relations roles, as well as several years as an anchor, reporter and producer in broadcast journalism. She most recently worked as the Public Information Officer for Pinellas County Schools where she served as the district spokesperson and handled all media inquiries for the district. Prior to working for the school district, Wolf-Chason was a Media Relations Specialist with Moffitt Cancer Center.

As Director of Communications at Port Tampa Bay, Wolf-Chason's responsibilities include handling  both external and internal communications, all media inquiries and serving as the PTB spokesperson. She will also be responsible for communicating the Port's vision and growth plans to the local Tampa Bay community and numerous maritime trade industry associations.

Wolf-Chason grew up in the Tampa Bay area and is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media Studies. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts online at Arizona State University. She is an active mentor with Pinellas County Schools.