JaxPort CEO resigns, starts Tampa job in January

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Tampa port officials say they are excited to bring Paul Anderson on board as port director and CEO of the Tampa operation.

The Tampa Port Authority Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to hire Paul Anderson as the authority's new port director and chief executive. Anderson's selection as new Tampa port director followed a nationwide selection process.

"We are enthused about Paul Anderson's accepting the job of Tampa's new port director and CEO," said William Brown, Tampa Port Authority chairman. "We are excited about the talents and connections he brings to the Port of Tampa and are eager to see him flourish in his new role here as a community leader in the Tampa Bay area."

Anderson turned in his letter of resignation to JaxPort board members Tuesday.

Action News obtained Anderson's new contract with the Tampa Port Authority. It's a three-year contract that starts Jan. 7. He's set to make $350K a year in his new position. That's about $30K more than his salary in Jacksonville. 

JaxPort board members voted to give Anderson a $16K raise this year in addition to a $50K bonus. Many Jacksonville city council members protested the salary increase and bonus, especially in a time when the City of Jacksonville is struggling financially and was forced to make cuts and layoffs. Anderson eventually asked his board to table the pay vote.

Councilman Bill Gulliford said that may have contributed to Anderson's departure.

"Look, I don't know that he was ever really comfortable and I think you've got to find somebody who's truly comfortable in their job," said Gulliford. "And God bless him for finding a good opportunity for himself."

JaxPort board members are holding a special meeting Wednesday at 10 a.m. to begin the search process for a new port leader.