As Vice President of Operations, Thompson’s responsibilities will include facilitating cargo and cruise operations throughout the port area and port access, by water, land or rail. He also will be responsible for ensuring public terminal facilities are operated efficiently and professionally and in keeping with regulations. Additionally, he will be working closely with security, facilities and the business development team to continue to expand the port.
"Our maritime community has been thoroughly impressed with knowledge and skill set Captain Thompson has brought to Port Tampa Bay. He is perfectly positioned to oversee this important aspect of our business, and brings an innovative spirit to his leadership role," explained Paul Anderson, Port President and CEO.
As Port Tampa Bay continues to experience cargo and passenger growth to meet the needs of Florida’s rapid population growth, Matt will be instrumental in leading our team to meet the needs of the future at our port operations.
Prior to joining the port in September of 2022, Captain Thompson served as Sector Commander and Captain of the U.S. Coast Guard’s St. Petersburg Sector. As Sector Commander, he served as Captain of the Port, was the Officer in charge of marine inspection, and search and rescue missions. Additionally, Captain Thompson was the Federal On-Scene Coordinator and Federal Maritime Security Coordinator, while directing all Coast Guard operations along the West Coast of Florida and throughout the Tampa Bay region.
Captain Thompson also led 2,700 active duty, reserve, civilian, and auxiliary personnel, as well as 12 multi-mission units, including five boat stations, six cutters, and an Aids to Navigation Team. He managed 160,000 square feet of property valued at $60M and oversaw an annual $4M operating budget.
Captain Thompson holds a Bachelor of Science from Excelsior University and a U.S. Air Force, Air Command & Staff College Certification.