Staff Writer
The Jacksonville Port Authority will officially begin its search for a new executive director after it selects an executive search firm.
The board will consider a recommendation for a firm from its selection and award committees Monday.
“The board of directors plans to have a search firm in place by Oct. 1,” said Nancy Rubin, spokesperson for the JPA.
Nine firms responded to the port’s request for proposals by the Sept. 17 deadline and the selection committee recommended Boyden Global Executive Search to the awards committee, which supported the recommendation and sent it to the board for consideration.
Boyden Global Executive Search is headquartered in Hawthorne, N.Y., and says it has 79 offices in 43 countries, including 12 in the U.S. The only Florida location is in Miami.
The other companies in descending rank included SpencerStuart; Shey-Harding Associates; Korn/Ferry International; The Waters Consulting Group; Bob Murray and Associates; Heidrick & Struggles International Inc.; Talagy; and SGS Technologies.
The latter two are based in Jacksonville.
Once the firm is approved by the board, the Port Authority has up to $98,000 available to engage it.
The process became necessary after Chief Executive Officer Rick Ferrin resigned last month. Chief Operating Officer Chris Kauffmann was appointed interim executive director while a search is conducted for a replacement.
Current port employees will be considered in the search if they choose to apply, said Board Chair David Kulik during an Aug. 30 interview.
The board will meet Monday to discuss items, including the selection of an executive search firm.
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