- Yesterday, Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of Mr. Kaplan and the reappointment  of chairman Stephen Swindal to Port Tampa Bay's Board of Commissioners. "I congratulate Mark Kaplan on his appointment and welcome him  to Port Tampa Bay's board. He brings outstanding leadership and multi-faceted  experience from both the public and private sectors," said Port Tampa Bay  President/CEO Paul Anderson.

Mr. Kaplan is a consultant who currently chairs the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. He previously was a senior vice president at the Mosaic Company, where he worked in executive  positions for 11 years. Mr. Kaplan also served as chief of staff to former  Governor Jeb Bush. He was also the executive director of the Florida Housing  Finance Corporation. Kaplan received his bachelor's degree from the University  of Florida and his law degree from the Florida State University College of Law. 

Mr. Kaplan succeeds Gregory Celestan, CEO and founder  of Celestar Corporation, a consulting firm which provides support to the  U.S. government and private industries worldwide. Mr. Celestan has served  on PTB's board since March 2014. "I want to thank Greg Celestan for his four years of devoted public service. Greg has been a champion  for the Port community and I am profoundly grateful for his exceptional  commitment and leadership," said Anderson.

Port Tampa Bay also congratulates Chairman Steve Swindal on his reappointment as board chairman. Mr. Swindal is the principal owner of Marine Towing of Tampa. He previously  served as CEO of Bay Transportation, a tugboat operator with operations  on both U.S. coasts, the Caribbean, Brazil and Mexico.

Mr. Swindal's term  extends through Feb. 6, 2020. Mr. Kaplan's term extends through Nov. 25, 2021. Both appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.