- Port Tampa Bay President & CEO Paul Anderson announced today the hiring of Thomas Hobbs as the port’s new Chief of Staff. Hobbs has more than 20 years of experience in Florida politics, starting his career in Governor Bush’s Office of Drug Control Policy, and continuing work in the Governor’s 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. 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.

As Chief of Staff, Hobbs will support the core activities of the Port which include strategic direction, internal and external business and operational relations, and engagements for the public and stakeholders. As a direct report to the President and CEO, Hobbs will help to manage the President and CEO's priorities and will direct the research and writing support for special projects. He is responsible for the formulation of policy regarding federal, state, or local legislation, representing our port before the appropriate entity, and participating in initiatives that impact port operations.

"Much like the wonderful region we serve, Port Tampa Bay is experiencing growth and is on the rise. I am excited to welcome a seasoned government relations expert to the Chief of Staff position. Thomas’ leadership experience in Florida Politics and serving in the Army National Guard make him the perfect candidate to help our port excel. We are fortunate to welcome him to our team," said Anderson.

Hobbs is 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 from 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.

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