The Jacksonville Port Authority board of directors Monday selected a candidate for CEO from outside of its organization: Brian Taylor, former executive vice president and chief operating officer of Horizon Lines Inc.
The vote was 6-0 for Taylor.
The board in April first offered the position to Port of Miami Deputy Director Juan Kuryla, who withdrew his name from consideration to remain in Miami.
Two names, Taylor and Joel Haka, former chief operating officer for Florida East Coast Railway, were submitted to the board by search firm Heidrick & Struggles, after re-opening the search May 6.
Board members individually interviewed each finalist before the selection.
"I am very excited about this opportunity and anxious to get started just as quickly as possible," said Taylor in an email to the Daily Record after his selection.
He did not attend the meeting.
Taylor's previous position was senior vice president of sales and operations, aerospace for New Breed Logistics in High Point, N.C. Taylor also worked as executive vice president, chief operating officer and chief commercial officer at Horizon Lines Inc., based in Charlotte, N.C.
The board also discussed the candidacy of JaxPort Interim CEO Roy Schleicher, who was executive vice president before the search, for the position.
"Accepting the recommendation of Heidrick & Struggles is in no way trying to say that we don't value what Roy has done and what he has brought to the table," said board member John Newman.
The board appointed Vice Chairman Joe York to negotiate the contract with Taylor and bring it back for board approval.
Schleicher reported to the board during Monday's regular meeting that Mitsui O.S.K. Lines board Chairman Akimitsu Ashida and TraPac Inc. President Yoshikaru Hirakawa will visit Jacksonville July 16.
They plan to meet with Mayor Alvin Brown to discuss the City's port support.
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