Gov. Rick Scott, who said he considers Florida’s ports as key economic drivers for the state, made his first appointments to the Jacksonville Port Authority board on Wednesday.
While Lloyd “Buck” Fowler was elected chairman by the port’s board of directors at its June 27 meeting, his term was up this month and Scott did not reappoint him.
Instead, Scott appointed John Falconetti to succeed Fowler.
“The governor has an appointment committee and an appointment process. Both seats were up for reappointment and those were the decisions the governor made,” said Lane Wright, press secretary for Scott.
The governor reappointed board Vice Chairman Reginald Gaffney.
The terms for Gaffney and Falconetti began Wednesday and run to Sept. 30, 2015.
When asked for comment on the governor’s choices, Fowler said that he enjoyed his time as a port authority board member and would have liked to continue serving, but respects Scott’s choices.
Gaffney, as vice chairman, will assume the role as chair until the board votes on a new chair. The board will discuss the vacancy at its next meeting Dec. 7.
Gaffney joined the board in 2008. He has been the executive director of CRC Inc. since 1993. Since 2000, he has been the president of Northwest Support Services Inc.
“I would like to thank the governor for reappointing me for another four-year term to the Jacksonville Port Authority. Having the chance to work with a potential billion-dollar economic jobs project for Jacksonville is exciting and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Gaffney.
“I look forward to serving our community and will remain focused on developing JaxPort’s capabilities as the most viable job creation and economic stimulus vehicle in Northeast Florida,” he said.
Falconetti is no stranger to Scott. Falconetti served on the board of directors for Enterprise Florida Inc. from 2007-11. Enterprise Florida is a public-private partnership serving as Florida’s primary organization for statewide economic development.
When Falconetti finished his term on that board he applied for a seat on the port authority.
“I’m looking forward to having a direct role in guiding, clearly, one of the biggest factors in our region’s economic future,” said Falconetti.
“Over the next four to six years, without a doubt, the port will have a generational effect on Jacksonville,” he said.
Falconetti also served as chairman of the Duval County Republican Party and director of Scott’s grassroots efforts in Jacksonville during the 2010 gubernatorial race.
Falconetti has been president of the Drummond Press since 1989.
When asked why the governor chose him, Falconetti talked about their similar views as businessmen.
“With what the governor shared with me, it was my private business experience and his understanding of my look at return on investment for capital improvements that caused him to consider me for the position, making sure any taxpayer dollars used will provide the highest return on investment or it won’t be undertaken,” he said.
“I think we have similar views in that regard,” he said.
Falconetti met Wednesday with staff and board members. Port Authority CEO Paul Anderson said he looked forward to continuing to work with Gaffney and welcoming Falconetti to the board.
“I thank Governor Scott for the chance to continue working with Reggie Gaffney for a second term. Reggie has proven himself to be a dedicated and enthusiastic board member since his original appointment, serving in the past as our board secretary and currently as our vice chairman,” Anderson said.
“Reggie’s role as the executive director/CEO of the nonprofit Jacksonville Community Rehabilitation Center and his personal, caring involvement in the community allow him to share valuable insights during this time of incredible challenge and opportunity for the port,” he said.
Anderson said he also looked forward to working with Falconetti.
“John’s knowledge of the issues facing Florida and the nation, his experience with the political process, along with the practical know-how of a business person will make him an invaluable asset as we move to maximize the economic impact of the port,” said Anderson.
He also recognized the efforts of outgoing board member Buck Fowler.
“Let me take this opportunity to thank Buck Fowler for his unwavering commitment to JaxPort’s health and the future of Jacksonville. Buck has served this community well as an outstanding board member for the last four years and I have sincerely appreciated his leadership and common sense advice,” he said.
“All of us at the port will continue to count on Buck’s steadfast support and friendship,” said Anderson.
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