The Port of Palm Beach District is an independent special taxing district, covering approximately 50 percent of Palm Beach County. The port itself sits on 165 acres in Riviera Beach; it is the fourth busiest container port in Florida and 18th busiest in the nation, with container and bulk cargo and passengers. The Port District has authority to levy ad valorem tax, but has not done so since 1975. It is primarily an export port, with the majority of cargo going to islands in the Caribbean. The Port District is governed by a board of five commissioners elected at large for overlapping four-year terms. The commission selects its chairman, vice chairman and secretary-treasurer. The FY 2025-26 salary for a port commissioner is $12,500.
Education
George Washington University B.A., Florida Atlantic University M.A.
Experience
Transportation Authority, South Florida Water Management District, Potomac International Partners, Offensive Security
Campaign Phone
202-903-5362
I have 16 years of executive leadership experience in state government agencies and the private sector, and have served on the Port's Audit Committee twice. As a Palm Beach County native, small business owner, husband, and father of a 6-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter, I pass the Port with my children every morning on the way to school. It reminds me that today's decisions will shape the jobs and opportunities they inherit tomorrow.
I don’t support using eminent domain and I don’t believe expanding the Port should come at the expense of established neighborhoods. If there are opportunities to improve the Port’s operations through real estate acquisitions, then that should be explored responsibly, in collaboration with the City of Riviera Beach, and with the full involvement of the community. Discussions should be transparent, financially justified, and respect the rights of property owners and the City of Riviera Beach.
There are far too many challenges to list here in the space provided. My priorities are restoring a fully functioning Commission by filling the 10-month-vacant seat and preventing future vacancies, increasing transparency by televising meetings, supporting an economic impact study to attract more cruise ships and jobs, strengthening partnerships across the Port District, and securing state and federal funding for critical infrastructure.
I absolutely support term limits. As of 2024, the Port of Palm Beach Commission now has term limits of three, four-year terms, or 12 years total. I believe that strikes the right balance and I’m glad that the Port now has term limits.
Education
Graduate of Suncoast Community High School, Pathfinder Award Recipient, B.A. and M.A. in Communication from Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL. Ph.D. in Communication and Culture, Howard University, Washington, DC.
Experience
Vice Chair of the Port of Palm Beach Commission, Governing Board Member, Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Chair, Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board, Former Vice Chair, Palm Beach County Democratic Party
Instagram
None
Campaign Phone
561-331-1531
I am uniquely qualified, having served as vice chair of the Port Commission. I have attended Commissioner workshops sponsored by the American Association of Port Authorities that address grant funding, fiscal management, administrative oversight, technology, and security matters. I have also traveled and toured two of the largest ports and cruise terminals in the world. In my first term, we secured over $13 million in state funding and completed a $36 million Port Infrastructure Project.
No, I support land expansion only if the land is owned by the county or local municipality.
The biggest challenge is keeping up with infrastructure improvements as the Port gets busier, especially those near the water. Replacing one berth would cost $60 million. The Port is on the right track, making money, increasing revenue, and securing grant funding to pay for an estimated $244 million in infrastructure-related projects. We are currently working on a 15-year plan to fund infrastructure improvements.
Yes, I support term limits. The Port of Palm Beach is an Independent Special District of the State of Florida. In 2024, legislation was passed limiting elected members of special districts, including the Port, to a 12-year term.
