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Jonathan Daniels, a nationally recognized port executive with more than three decades of experience in maritime transportation, logistics and economic development, was appointed PortMiami director and CEO.
As executive director of the Maryland Port Administration and the Port of Baltimore, he led the port's response and recovery following the deadly 2024 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, working with government and industry partners to restore operations and support customers during one of the most significant disruptions to a US port in recent history.
Before that, Daniels was CEO and port director at Port Everglades, one of the busiest US cruise and cargo ports.
"PortMiami is one of our greatest assets and a powerful economic engine for Miami-Dade County," Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said. "Jonathan brings the experience, vision and steady leadership needed to strengthen critical infrastructure, support continued growth and ensure PortMiami remains a leader in global trade and tourism for decades to come.
"Jonathan is among the most accomplished port leaders in the country, and we are thrilled he has chosen Miami-Dade County and PortMiami."
Daniels will join in August. He succeeds Hydi Webb, whose retirement was announced with immediate effect in early June amid the fuel depot crisis.
At the time, Miami-Dade County was reportedly close to buying the Fisher Island site from real estate developer HRP Group for $400m. The developer had paid $180m for the parcel in 2024, subsequently announcing the fuel depot — which supplies cruise and cargo ships at PortMiami — would make way for condos.
Instead, Levine Cava's administration decided to pursue eminent domain, with the government taking over the private land for public use for "fair market value," an option that had been considered earlier by county commissioners. On June 10, commissioners approved a plan to initiate legal proceedings to acquire 10 acres on Fisher Island via eminent domain.
HRP has stated it will "fight this unconstitutional seizure of our property."
With Webb's departure, Deputy Port Director Frederick Wong was appointed to serve as interim director but days later he resigned effective June 30, saying he planned to retire.
In announcing Daniels' appointment, Levine Cava said Deputy Mayor Roy Coley will act as Interim port director beginning July 1 and until Daniels assumes his duties on Aug. 10.
Levine Cava also appointed Alissa Peñaloza as PortMiami deputy director. She has nearly two decades of public-sector experience, including service at PortMiami and as deputy director at the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department.
Maryland Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Samantha Biddle will serve as interim executive director for the Maryland Port Administration while a nationwide search is undertaken for Daniels' successor.
Daniels leaves Baltimore with high praise for steering the port through the Key Bridge collapse. According to Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thompson, Daniels helped the port to not only recover but "grow to new heights."
In 2025, the Port of Baltimore recorded its second best year to date, handling approximately 50m tons of cargo and setting a new annual record for containers. Baltimore also finished first among all US ports in handling roll-on/roll-off farm and construction machinery and imported forest products, while transporting the second-highest number of autos in the nation.
Before Baltimore, at Port Everglades, Daniels led a $3b strategy to expand cargo, cruise and energy operations. He had joined Port Everglades in 2020 after serving as director of the Port of Gulfport (Mississippi) since 2013 and before that, as executive director of the Port of Oswego (New York), managing director of the Port of Greater Baton Rouge (Louisiana) and port director of Maine's Eastport Port Authority.
With the fuel depot situation hanging, Daniels will take on the leadership of PortMiami at a fraught time. But he is characteristically upbeat.
"PortMiami is an extraordinary port with a talented team, strong industry partners and a bright future," Daniels said. "I look forward to working with our employees, customers and community partners to build on PortMiami's success."
Fuente: sea-trade cruise
