Port Tampa Bay has named Merissa Lynn Director of Communications, where she will oversee executive messaging, media relations, crisis communications, digital content and stakeholder engagement to support Port Tampa Bay’s long-term Vision 2030 priorities and continued growth.
Lynn comes to the port with extensive experience in executive communications, crisis management, public safety, health care and media.
“Merissa brings an exceptional blend of strategic communications expertise, crisis leadership, and real-time media experience,” Port Tampa Bay President and CEO Paul Anderson said. “As Port Tampa Bay continues to advance Vision 2030 and deliver major infrastructure and economic development initiatives, her leadership will ensure our story is told clearly, credibly, and with purpose.”
Lynn most recently served as Director of Executive & Strategic Communications for University of South Florida Athletics, where she directed executive-level communications, guided departmentwide messaging and led storytelling for transformative initiatives, including the construction of USF’s on-campus stadium. She also oversaw crisis communications and led high-profile transitions involving senior leadership and head coaches.
Prior to her work with USF, Lynn served as an executive communications strategist for BayCare Health System, where she supported the CEO Cabinet with strategic messaging aligned to the organization’s long-term vision, drafting executive remarks and board materials, and advancing thought leadership across platforms.
Lynn has also held leadership roles with the Tampa Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office managing communications, coordinating press conferences, leading information teams and serving as a senior spokesperson.
“Port Tampa Bay operates in a complex, high-visibility environment where clear, timely, and trusted communication matters,” Anderson said. “Merissa’s background in public safety, healthcare, and executive leadership makes her uniquely qualified to lead our communications efforts and strengthen trust with our partners, stakeholders, and the community.”
Lynn called the new position an honor, particularly at what she describes as “an exciting moment.”
“The port plays a vital role in our economy, supply chain, and community, and I look forward to helping share its story, support its mission, and advance a clear, future-focused vision,” she said.
At the beginning of her career, Lynn served for nearly 10 years as an Emmy Award-winning journalist with Fox stations in Tampa and Atlanta, where she reported on sports, politics and breaking news.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication with a concentration in broadcast news and a minor in Spanish from the University of Florida.