Paul Anderson is a Former Federal Maritime Commissioner and joined Port Tampa Bay as Chief Executive Officer in December 2012 after holding a series of high-profile leadership positions in the public and private sectors.. Prior to joining Port Tampa Bay, Mr. Anderson was the Chief Executive Officer at the Jacksonville Port Authority.
Nominated to the Federal Maritime Commission by President George W. Bush in 2003, and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2004, Anderson served a five-year term ending in 2008. In addition, the president designated Anderson as the Commission’s Chairman and re-nominated him for a second five year term. A highlight of Anderson’s service included his appointment to the Committee on Marine Transportation, a cabinet-level strategy group responsible for the nation’s seaports and reporting directly to the president.
Anderson spent 10 years with JM Family Enterprises; a diversified automobile business headquartered in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and was previously a senior director of Seabulk Marine, Inc., an international marine transportation company in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He has also served as an advisor on intermodal issues to former Florida governors Jeb Bush and Charlie Crist.
Anderson currently serves as chair of the American Association of Port Authorities. Additionally, he currently serves as Chairman of the Coalition for America's Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC). He recently completed a second term as the Chairman of the Florida Ports Council, having been reelected by his fellow Florida port directors and as well as previously serving as chair of the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council (FSTED). Anderson also serves on the board of directors for the Florida Chamber of Commerce; Associated Industries of Florida; Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation; Leukemia Lymphoma Society; The Florida Aquarium; Visit Tampa Bay; Tampa Bay EDC; and the Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). He has also held numerous community leadership positions including Chair, Board of Trustees, Broward (FL) Community College; Chair, Broward Alliance; Chair, Broward Health Foundation; Board of Directors of The Orange Bowl Committee; Board of Advisors of the South Florida PGA; and the National Executive Committee of the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship.
Anderson recently served as co-chair of the Jack H. Lucas Commissioning Committee. The Jack H. Lucas Commissioning Committee, Navy League of Tampa and U.S. Department of the Navy worked to host the historic commissioning of the USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) Arleigh-Burke Class Warship. Ship commissioning is the act or ceremony of placing a ship into active Navy service. The commissioning ceremony is one of the most significant milestones in the life of a U.S. Navy ship. The committee raised money to support the ship and her crew, after the ship was officially commissioned into service. Anderson is active at MacDill Air Force Base and is a member of the Honorary Commander 927th Air Refueling Wing, which allows businessmen and women from the local community an opportunity to understand the policies, programs and overall mission capability of the United States Air Force.
Anderson has lived in Florida for over 35 years and relocated with his family to Tampa, except during the period of his public service in Washington, D.C. Anderson is a 1982 graduate of the University of Florida and completed the Senior Managers in Government program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Raul Alfonso is the Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer of Port Tampa Bay. Since joining the port in 2013 as Chief Commercial Officer, Raul has led the port’s commercial activities, with responsibilities for the areas in Real Estate, Planning, Marketing, Business Development, Communications, Operations, Facilities, Security and Branding. In 2014, Raul was promoted to his current position, as Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, assuming additional responsibilities as second in command to the Port’s President and CEO.
Since Alfonso joined the port, commercial activities have enjoyed record performance across its diverse lines of business, with growth in cargo tonnage (including year-after-year, double-digit growth in container cargo), cruise passengers, revenues, and Real Estate activity for new and existing tenants.
Also during this time, Port Tampa Bay has embarked on implementing its visionary Strategic and Master Plans (Port Vision 2030), focusing on achieving the port’s long-term goals, and securing its future, as West Central Florida’s principal economic engine.
Raul has over 35 years of Port industry experience, involving diverse leadership roles that have resulted in commercial and business development successes at the ports of Miami (PORTMIAMI) and Jacksonville (JAXPORT) in Florida, and the ports of Freeport, Bahamas, Balboa and Cristobal in Panamá.
Raul was recently recognized for his leadership and was honored with the Tampa Bay Business and Wealth Magazine’s Apogee Award in the category of Chief Business Development Officer.
Raul is a proud graduate of Florida International University, in Miami, FL. He is fluent in Spanish, English and Portuguese. Throughout his career, Raul has served as port / maritime and logistics expert, as speaker at numerous domestic and international trade conferences.
Michael Poole joined the Port July of 2024 as the Chief Financial Officer. Poole is a Senior Level Executive with an extensive background as a Chief Financial Officer and a Certified Public Accountant. He has 37 years of professional experience with the last 27 years being in the Maritime industry which has included working with Board of Directors and Executive Management. He has managed Accounting, Finance, Information Technology, and Risk Management functions and led the effort in financing terminal expansion projects through bank and public bond financing.
Poole most recently worked as the Chief Financial Officer for the Canaveral Port Authority. Prior to that, he served in the same position for the Jacksonville Port Authority. Poole’s experience includes management of accounting, finance, treasury, procurement, risk management, contract negotiations, and Information Technology. He is a recognized and well-respected leader in his field and has a depth of knowledge overseeing the budgeting process for seaports, as well as long-term capital improvement plans. Poole holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of West Florida and is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Government Finance Officer.
As Chief Financial Officer, Poole will be responsible for directing and managing the finance, risk management, and procurement departments as well as guiding the financial strength of Port Tampa Bay's overall operation. He will oversee the efficient administration of the port's debt profile and be in charge of the analysis and financial viability of new business opportunities. Additionally, Poole will control Port Tampa Bay's assets, particularly the management of cash and the collection of funds.
Brian Giuliani is Chief Operating Officer for Port Tampa Bay. Brian is responsible for overseeing all cargo & cruise operations throughout the port and provides operational support to our team to help promote and grow the port business. Brian works closely with the port’s terminal operating partners and the various regulatory & protective agencies to ensure all port operations are done efficiently, safely, in accordance with government regulations, and meeting customer requirements.
Mr. Giuliani has over 25 years of experience in maritime port operations, including terminal, vessel, and warehouse operations. Prior to joining Port Tampa Bay in July, 2019, Brian served as Director of North American Ports for Del Monte Fresh Produce. While working with Del Monte, he held various management positions and made numerous contributions towards improving Del Monte’s supply chain operations, including his leadership role in transitioning their Northeast distribution network from a palletized breakbulk transportation model to a fully containerized model and creating the foundation for a transformation throughout North America.
Brian is a graduate of Rutgers University. He is President of Tampa Bay International Terminals and currently serves on all port committees such as Tampa Bay Harbor Safety & Security Committee (TBHSSC), Tampa Cooperative Safety & Security Committee (TCSS), Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group (PHWAG), Vessel Movement Committee (VMC), and the Greater Tampa Bay Marine Advisory Council PORTS.
Ryan Fierst has more than 20 years of experience in law, public policy, and government. She worked on Capitol Hill as a Counsel for US House Judiciary Committee and served as Legislative Director for two Congressman representing the Central Florida region. Fierst also served as the Public Policy Director and Legislative Counsel for the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. She began her career working as a Staff Attorney for the Florida House of Representatives for Speaker Tom Feeny in Tallahassee, Florida.
Fierst most recently worked as an economic development consultant and grant writer for several statewide Florida non-profits and the Florida House of Representatives. Prior to that, Ryan worked as a Senior Management Analyst for the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity where she oversaw project, contract, and grant management for many of the state's economic development agencies, including EFI, Space Florida, and VISIT FLORIDA. Fierst holds a Bachelor of Science from Liberty University and a law degree from Regents University School of Law. She is a native of Tampa and is a licensed attorney in the state of Florida.
Laura L. Lenhart joined Port Tampa Bay with nearly 15 years of experience in government affairs. Lenhart previously worked as Government Affairs Advisor at Gray Robinson, P.A., where she advocated on behalf of client issues in the Tampa Bay area and statewide on varied interests ranging from telecommunications, technology, K-12 education, transportation, and human services. She has served as the Government and Regulatory Affairs Manager for Frontier Communications serving parts of Pasco and Polk, and all of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties, where she was responsible for developing and successfully executing their annual legislative agenda.
Lenhart also held government relations positions with Moffitt Cancer Center and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. She earned a Master of Science in Political Science, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, both from Florida State University.
Captain Matt Thompson is responsible for facilitating cargo and cruise operations throughout the port area, by water, land or rail. He is also responsible for ensuring public terminal facilities are operated efficiently and professionally and in keeping with regulations. Additionally, he works closely with the security, facilities and business development teams to continue to expand the port and our operations.
Matt previously served as Port Tampa Bay's Director of Cruise Operations & Emergency Management. Prior to that, Captain Thompson has over 30-years of experience in maritime operations and emergency management. Before joining Port Tampa Bay in 2022, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard as Sector Commander of the St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay Area, Captain of the Port, Officer in Charge of Marine Inspection, Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator, 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.
He holds a Bachelor of Science from Excelsior College in Management, and a Joint Professional Military Education certification from the U.S. Air Force, Air Command and Staff College. Captain Matt Thompson was The Propeller Club Port of Tampa's Maritime Person of the Year for 2022, and his military personal awards include: a Legion of Merit, three Meritorious Service Medals, four Commendation Medals, and three Achievement Medals.
Ed Washington joined Port Tampa Bay in August 2023 as Vice President of Real Estate. Washington has over 25 years of real estate development, leasing, and property management experience. As Liberty Property Trust's City Manager, he had oversight of the 400 million real estate portfolio, a $8.5 billion REIT. After Liberty, Washington was Vice President of Gate Petroleum's Real Estate Division where he was asset manager of the company's largest income producing assets. Upon the disposition of these assets, he formed his own company WW Partners, LLC where he pursued build-to-suit opportunities and was heavily involved in tenant representation in both the industrial and office sectors. Additionally, Washington was one of the original six partners and investors in Exeter Property Group that raised $300 million for the first Exeter Industrial Value Fund, L.P., and was a member os Exeter's investment committee.
As Vice President of Real Estate for Port Tampa Bay, Washington will be responsible for planning and organization of the real estate department's functions, as well as the development and implementation of its Strategic Plan. The Real Estate Strategic Plan is a key component of Port Tampa Bay's overall Strategic and Master Plans. The position oversees the Environmental Department's responsibilities and staff. The position is a key member of senior management and reports to Port Tampa Bay's Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer.
Washington received a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from the University of North Florida, majoring in accounting. He has been a member of the Rotary International for over 20 years, is past president, present and long-standing Board member, and was selected as Rotarian of the Year 2018-2019 by his local club. Washington is a past Board member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Jacksonville, FL region and past Board member of The Episcopal Diocese of North Florida Architectural and Development Committee. His is a proud fifth-generation Floridian, born in St. Petersburg and a direct descendent of Odet Phillipe, one of the pioneers of the Tampa Bay region and namesake of Phillippe Park in Safety Harbor, FL.
Thomas Hobbs has 20 years’ experience in Florida politics, starting his career in Governor Bush’s Office of Drug Control Policy, and continuing work in the Governors’ Office of Policy and Budget leading the Special Projects Division. Later he moved to the Florida House of Representatives for two years as the Deputy Director for the Majority Whip under Carlos Lopez Cantera. He spent the last ten years as a contract lobbyist representing multiple Fortune 500 companies, technology and education clients, as well as municipalities and special districts.
Mr. Hobbs is also a Major serving in the Florida Army National Guard, currently assigned as the Headquarters Commander for Camp Blanding Joint Training Center. He joined in 2007, enlisting as a Combat Engineer before graduating Officer Candidate School and commissioning as a Military Intelligence Officer in 2009. He was selected to go to Army Flight School in 2011 and is an HH-60 Blackhawk Medevac Pilot. He served in Iraq from 2016-2017, earning a Meritorious Service Medal for his actions.
Mr. Hobbs is a two time graduate from Florida State University, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Social Science in 2002 and his Master’s Degree in Political Science in 2004.
Shawn Brown has served in a variety of roles within Port Tampa Bay's Operations Department for nearly 15 years. As Director of Cruise Operations & Emergency Management, Brown will be responsible for leading all cruise and passenger vessel operations and processes, acting as the on-call incident Commander and leading emergency management programs/operations for Port Tampa Bay. In addition, Brown will be responsible for developing a strategic vision, implementing, and evaluating Emergency Operations Plans. This position is also responsible for leading all Port Tampa Bay cruise and passenger operations and serves as a liaison with operators, tenants, port users, and vendors for the cruise terminal events, as well as, Sparkman Wharf/Water Street events.
Brown earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Saint Leo University. He also holds a variety of certifications related to safety, security and maritime-specific issues issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other federal, state and local agencies. Brown has worked in a variety of positions within the Operations and Security Departments and has a vast knowledge of maritime-specific safety, security and emergency preparedness issues. He has played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of the port's annual Hurricane Exercise and Safety Summit.
Jose De Jesus is a Professional Engineer with over 20 years of experience and has spent the last seven engineering and managing capital projects for Port Tampa Bay and ascended to Director of Engineering in October 2021. Prior to working at Port Tampa Bay, Mr. De Jesus worked as an engineering consultant designing a wide-range of commercial projects and heavy civil projects. He has expertise in sustainable design and construction having been certified as a LEED Accredited Professional.
Mr. De Jesus received his BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida. He subsequently obtained a Masters in Business Administration. Mr. De Jesus is active with various technical and professional organizations including the American Society of Civil Engineers and is part of the STEM youth outreach program through the Society of American Military Engineers. His is an alumni of Leadership Tampa Bay.
Phillip Lawson is the Director of Finance at Port Tampa Bay. He is responsible for managing the day-to-day administration of Port Tampa Bay's Finance Department and all aspects of accounting/bookkeeping functions and financial reporting in accordance with the General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Government Accounting Standards Boards (GASB). Phillip manages the annual operating budget, audit oversight and coordination, financial systems and implementation, risk management and administration of Port Tampa Bay's internal controls.
Mr. Lawson previously served as senior accountant for Port Tampa Bay and has more than 15 years of experience in accounting and finance positions. Prior to joining Port Tampa Bay in March of 2015, Phillip worked as an accountant for Hillsborough County Public Utilities.
Mr. Lawson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from DeVry University and is currently pursuing a Masters of Public Administration from the University of South Florida. He is a Certified Government Financial Officer and is Six Sigma Greenbelt certified. Phillip is also an active member of the state and local Hillsborough chapter of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
Jorge Torres joined Port Tampa Bay in 2015. He serves as Senior Director of Security and Safety Compliance, and as the Port Authority’s designated Facility Security Officer (FSO). Jorge is responsible for ensuring the Port’s compliance with all maritime security regulatory requirements, manages the port security grant program, he is the Customs Trade Partnership against Terrorism program manager, and directs the day-to-day operation of the security department.
Jorge served 14 years on active duty with the US Coast Guard, transitioning to the reserve component in 2009. Jorge retired in 2019 as a Senior Chief, having served a total of 24 years. Prior to joining PTB, he was a Facility Security Manager and designated Facility Security Officer at the Port of Houston Authority.
Jorge is a graduate of American Military University, earning a Bachelor's degree in Security Management, and a Master's Degree in Homeland Security. Jorge has completed extensive training provided by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, satisfying the requirements for Infrastructure Protection, and is board certified as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) by the American Society for Industrial Security International (ASIS).
Jorge is an alumni of Leadership Tampa Bay class of 2018, a member of the American Association of Port Authorities Security Committee (AAPA), executive board member of the Tampa/Saint Petersburg Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC), as well as a member of the national and local chapter of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS). In 2021, Jorge was elected to serve as a board member on the Propeller Club of Tampa executive board.
Lisa Wolf-Chason joined the Port in November of 2019 as the Director of Communications. Wolf-Chason's experience spans public relations, crisis communications and media relations roles, as well as several years as an anchor, reporter and producer in broadcast journalism. She most recently worked as the Public Information Officer for Pinellas County Schools where she served as the district spokesperson and handled all media inquiries for the district. Prior to working for the school district, Wolf-Chason was a Media Relations Specialist with Moffitt Cancer Center.
As Director of Communications at Port Tampa Bay, Wolf-Chason's responsibilities include handling both external and internal communications, all media inquiries and serving as the PTB spokesperson. She will also be responsible for communicating the Port's vision and growth plans to the local Tampa Bay community and numerous maritime trade industry associations.
Wolf-Chason grew up in the Tampa Bay area and is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media Studies. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts online at Arizona State University. She is an active mentor with Pinellas County Schools.