Can Jonathan Daniels help steer PortMiami back into the No. 1 spot as the busiest cruise terminal in the world?
Based on his past accomplishments at other seaports over the past three decades, he certainly has the track record to do just that.
Daniels, who assumes the role as Director and Chief Executive Officer of PortMiami on Aug. 10, was officially welcomed last week by Miami-Dade County’s Board of Commissioners, who made light of a recent shakeup in port leadership roles.
“Anyone who takes this job deserves a round of applause,” Commission Chairman Anthony Rodriguez said, smiling. “Congratulations, and we hold you to the fire.”
“I don’t know whether to say congratulations or condolences,” Commissioner Raquel Regalado quipped.
“I am humbled and honored to be standing before you,” Daniels said, his wife looking on in the audience. “When we talk about the Cargo Gateway to the Americas, when we talk about the Cruise Capital of the World, those are statements or registered trademarks, but they’re, more than anything, promises (to the stakeholders),” he explained. “The 8.5 million (actually 8,564,225) passenger moves we engaged in just last year is a solid number, but we have put ourselves in a position where we have stepped back a little bit. There is another port to the north of us, that shall remain nameless right now (Port Canaveral), that has taken over that position. I am absolutely enthusiastic about where we stand right now with the incredible staff we have …”
In December, Port Canaveral surpassed PortMiami as the No. 1 busiest cruise port in the world, welcoming 8,602,047 passengers during the past fiscal year. That was a 13% jump, compared to the 4.2% reported jump for PortMiami.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava emphasized that PortMiami supports more than 340,000 jobs across Florida and is responsible for $61 billion in economic impact.
“Strong leadership is very essential,” she said. “As PortMiami continues to grow and (investments are made) in critical infrastructure … I am confident that Jonathan has the experience, the vision and the steady leadership to build on that momentum. We’re really delighted he’s chosen to join us.”
Incoming PortMiami CEO Jonathan Daniels.
(Photo: Jon Van Woerden)
Daniels joins PortMiami after serving as Executive Director of the Maryland Port Administration and the Port of Baltimore. Prior to that, he served as Chief Executive Officer and Port Director of Port Everglades, one of the nation’s busiest cruise and cargo ports, where he led a $3 billion strategy to expand cargo, cruise and energy operations.
“He’s managed complex cruise, cargo and logistics operations, he’s overseen multi-billion dollar capital investments,” Levine Cava said. “He’s built a reputation as a thoughtful, collaborative leader and delivers results, and comes from a longshoreman family (father and grandfather were in the business).”
Daniels has overcome several major challenges during his career and thrives on creative recovery methods.
“Every port in America, every port in the world, has challenges,” he said. “I’ve had the opportunity to work through challenges, whether it’s rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina, whether it’s taking on the third largest cruise homeport in the world during the pandemic or six weeks after after my arrival in Baltimore and getting the call at 1:30 in the morning that the Francis Scott Key bridge has gone into the river.
“Are all of those issues unexpected? All of those issues allowed us to be creative, to utilize the team approach, and to utilize a creative approach and, ultimately, come out the other side. We have set records after each of those instances and that is the passion and the draw I want to be able to bring to this team.”
Just recently, former PortMiami boss, Hydi Webb, and Miami-Dade Chief Operating Officer Jimmy Morales, a veteran administrator, announced their resignations before interim Port Director Frederick Wong decided it was time to retire.
“I am deeply grateful to Jimmy Morales and Hydi Webb for their extraordinary service to Miami-Dade County and our residents,” Mayor Levine Cava said in June before appointing Roy Coley to the Deputy Mayor role that included the Interim Port Director title. “Their leadership, integrity, and dedication have helped make our county stronger.”
Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins welcomed and congratulated Daniels during last week’s Commission meeting, and also praised Webb’s efforts.
“You have very big shoes to fill,” she said. “Our former port director was an extraordinary member of our Miami-Dade County team. We all miss her and wish her well in her future endeavors.”