The Jacksonville Port Authority board Monday unanimously voted to select Port of Miami Deputy Director Juan Kuryla to become its next CEO.
Kuryla, 45, has served as deputy director of the Miami port since 2009.
"I think we have an opportunity to go forward with a CEO who is better than any CEO that we've ever had," said Jim Citrano, JaxPort board chairman.
Citrano appointed board Vice Chairman Joe York, board Treasurer John Anderson and board member John Newman to develop an employment contract for Kuryla.
If signed, Kuryla would succeed former CEO Paul Anderson, who resigned to become the CEO of the Port of Tampa.
Anderson's salary was $320,000. The full board will vote on approval of Kuryla's employment agreement.
"We want to get this wrapped up as soon as possible," said Citrano.
JaxPort Interim CEO Roy Schleicher and Global Container Terminals President Michael Moore also were finalists who interviewed for the position.
Kuryla has worked for the Port of Miami since 1998 and started as an assistant to the port director.
His responsibilities at that position included preparing and overseeing the seaport department's local, state and federal legislative agenda and assisting the port director in coordination of interdivision activities and special projects.
In his current role as deputy port director, Kuryla is responsible for day-to-day operations and management of Miami's port; overseeing its four assistant port directors in charge of finance and administration, capital development and information technology, safety and security, and business initiatives; and directly overseeing the port's cruise and cargo operations, facilities management, human resources, intergovernmental affairs, public affairs and media relations functions.
He also serves as lead negotiator on all long- and short-term business deals with cruise and cargo customers.
He said growing the cruise business was a part of his vision for growing the port.
"I bring 15 years of working with the cruise industry," said Kuryla.
When asked about plans to build a new cruise terminal, Kuryla wanted to make sure the business was there to support that capital expenditure.
"I'm not a big believer in 'build it and they will come.' Once you have the business, then you move forward with a project like that," said Kuryla.
He also discussed the Mile Point project, which would provide a larger navigational window into and out of Jacksonville's ports.
"I've heard that the board is considering taking the project on its own and not waiting for the possibility of it being included in a WRDA (Water Resources Development Act) bill," said Kuryla.
"This is the most critical project you have. There may be more liability and responsibility by taking it on by yourself, but sometimes you have to pull the trigger," said Kuryla.
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