Paul Anderson resigned Tuesday from his position as Jacksonville Port Authority CEO and is expected to start Jan. 7 as the CEO of the Tampa Port Authority.
JaxPort Chairman Jim Citrano scheduled a board meeting for 10 a.m. today to discuss the resignation.
"This will be a single issue meeting to confer with my fellow board members and begin the process for filling the CEO position," Citrano said in a statement.
The Tampa port board of directors unanimously approved Anderson's contract Tuesday.
"We are very excited about having Paul here and we are continuing on with what the governor of Florida has seen in ports. If ports grow, so do job opportunities," said William "Hoe" Brown, chairman of the Tampa port board.
The three-year contract will pay Anderson an annual salary of $350,000, which is a $30,000 increase from his Jacksonville salary.
Asked if the Tampa board had any concern about Anderson not serving out the duration of his contract, he quickly replied.
"No. No concern. People move," said Brown.
Citrano accepted Anderson's resignation Tuesday evening.
"We thank Paul for his contributions and his leadership and offer sincere wishes for his continued future success," Citrano said in a statement.
Anderson submitted his resignation Tuesday, but rumors about potential replacements had begun circulating before the resignation.
Two names that have surfaced are state Rep. Lake Ray (R-Jacksonville) and former Rep. Mike Weinstein.
Ray confirmed his interest Tuesday.
"I have expressed an interest in the position," said Ray, president of the First Coast Manufacturers Association.
While he has not pursued the position, Weinstein said he would consider the position if asked.
"I would consider it because I am always looking for ways to help the community," said Weinstein, who served as chief financial officer under former Mayors Ed Austin and John Delaney.
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