Commissioners At Helm of Port Canaveral Bring Vision, Experience

By  //  May 10, 2015

SPACE COAST DAILY BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

CANAVERAL PORT AUTHORITY LEADERS include, left to right, Commissioner Wayne Justice, Commissioner Bruce Deardoff, Chairman Jerry Allender, Vice-Chairman John ‘Hank’ Evans, and  Secretary/Treasurer Tom Weinberg. (CPA image)
CANAVERAL PORT AUTHORITY LEADERS include, left to right, Commissioner Wayne Justice, Commissioner Bruce Deardoff, Chairman Jerry Allender, Vice-Chairman John ‘Hank’ Evans and Secretary/Treasurer Tom Weinberg. (CPA image)

BREVARD COUNTY • PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – All of the strategic decisions that determine the Port’s path rest upon the shoulders of the five-member elected body of the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners.

As the Port grows, so does the Commission’s responsibility – not only for the Port’s success, but also for the welfare of the local business and residential community affected by the Port’s activities.

Every year, Commissioners must make complex decisions on an incredibly broad range of issues.

How do they do it? By bringing the totality of their professional and life experiences to the job of being policy makers and public stewards.

EXPERIENCE, EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE DIFFERENCES CREATE GOOD DECISIONS

The 2015 Board of Commisioners is poised for an exciting year which includes the initiation of long-range master planning and the creation of actionable business plans for all four Port activity lines.

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This year’s Commissioners, one new and four returning, offer widely ranging perspectives and experience.

This year’s Commissioners, one new and four returning, offer widely ranging perspectives and experience.

According to past Chairman Tom Weinberg, “I see more individuality than ever in this Commission and that’s very positive. We make better decisions when we all talk and we’re all heard.”

New Chairman Jerry Allender agrees, “This Commission is more dynamic because of our diverse backgrounds. Together, with a common focus on doing the best thing for this Port and community, we’re able to create very well-thought-out solutions.”

■ CHAIRMAN JERRY ALLENDER

Titusville attorney Jerry Allender brings a historical perspective to the Board in his 17th year of service.

Jerry Allender
Jerry Allender

After seeing the first cruise ships arrive during his first tenure (1983-1994), he returned four years ago to help the Port reach its next stage.

Allender is eager to see the Port complete a comprehensive land plan, having witnessed first-hand how land and leasing decisions can affect growth many years later.

“This will be an important product of this year’s master planning effort.”

“Also, we need to accelerate our cargo focus even more for the good of our community,” said Allender.

John Walsh Is Space Coast Daily 2014 Person of the YearRelated Story:
John Walsh Is Space Coast Daily 2014 Person of the Year

He will have many chances this year to help this happen as the Port seeks to market itself as an automobile processing hub, open a container terminal with a leading global operator, develop off-site logistics warehousing and pursue on-dock rail connections.

■ VICE-CHAIRMAN JOHN ‘HANK’ EVANS

John ‘Hank’ Evans, a practicing attorney specializing in real estate since 1973, has a background in financing and leasing which make financial stability and watching the budget important focuses for him.

Hank Evans
Hank Evans

Recently, his input saved the Port significant interest charges on a large loan.

Evans also serves as the Commission liaison for the Cove Redevelopment. “I truly want the Cove to become a destination both tourists and residents can enjoy.”

The Cove developer’s Phase 1 concept will be coming before Evans and the rest of the Commission soon for a vote.

Once approved, the work to make this dream a solid reality — including signing tenant leases and building leasable space — can begin.

■ SECRETARY/TREASURER TOM WEINBERG

Licensed realtor Tom Weinberg has held local, state, and federal government positions, valuable experience in his current role.

Weinberg-Tom-180
Tom Weinberg

“People say government can’t get anything done, but if you know the rules, you can do a lot.”

As last year’s Chairman, Weinberg is known for his work to ensure the Commission’s decision-making procedures are efficient and fueled by timely, in-depth information.

His perspective also is influenced by his deep family roots in Brevard County, dating back to 1880.

A strong believer that community involvement is fundamental to good government, he champions transparency and, focused on including community input in the Port’s planning process, has promoted public workshops on Cove development, the development of new boat ramps and, in 2015, cruise and strategic master planning.

COMMISSIONER BRUCE DEARDOFF

Bruce Deardoff, an automotive dealership owner, has employed hundreds of Brevard County residents.

Bruce Deardoff
Bruce Deardoff

When the Shuttle program ended, “I saw an opportunity to use my business experience to spur growth and jobs at the Port.”

He has been active in promoting investments in Port infrastructure that generate high-paying construction jobs and permanent local jobs, such as Cruise Terminal 1,the new north-side cargo berths with post-Panamax container cranes and The Cove’s expansion.

As Deardoff has said many times during Board meetings, “There is a saying in business, ‘you have to spend money to make money.”

This has been a critical concept in the decisions the Commission has made, and continues to make, to create a Port bigger, better, more diverse in its activities and influential in the regional economy than anyone envisioned 20 years ago.

■ COMMISSIONER WAYNE JUSTICE

First-year Commissioner Wayne Justice says his approach to his new role definitely is influenced by his 37 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, including service on 12 ships and experience as captain on four plus shore-side assignments involving construction, federal budgets, operational policies and disaster preparedness.

Wayne Justice
Wayne Justice

The retired Admiral offers in-depth maritime knowledge to the Board.

“I specifically appreciate ‘needs’ vs. ‘wants’ and will be keenly focused on developing a comprehensive plan for managed growth that will optimize the Port’s massive potential.”

His election for this year was timely as the Port Authority begins the complex process of prioritizing its options, opportunities and challenges to develop a Master Plan for the next decades.

COMMISSION DESIGNATES 2015 AMBASSADORS

Front, from left: Maxwell King, Dennis Hepburn, Bob Lawton, Teri Scott, Robi Roberts, Bob Socks, Ed Lanni Back, from left: Mike Gautreaux, Jim Handley,Susie Wasdin, Bill Bancroft, Chuck Rowland, Jay Honeycutt
PORT CANAVERAL AMBASSADORS include, front row from left: Maxwell King, Dennis Hepburn, Bob Lawton, Teri Scott, Robi Roberts, Bob Socks and Ed Lanni. Back. Back row from left: Mike Gautreaux, Jim Handley, Susie Wasdin, Bill Bancroft, Chuck Rowland and Jay Honeycutt. (CPA image)

Port Commissioners appoint volunteer ambassadors to help communicate and connect with the community. The appointments are:

■ Chairman Jerry Allender› Dennis Hepburn & Robi Roberts
■ Vice Chairman John ‘Hank’ Evans› Teri Scott & Bob Socks
■ Secretary/Treasurer Tom Weinberg › Jim Handley & Jay Honeycutt
■ Commissioner Bruce Deardoff› Bill Bancroft & Susie Wasdin
■ Commissioner Wayne Justice › Mike Gautreaux & Maxwell King
■ Ambassador Emeritus› Bob Lawton, Chuck Rowland, Captain Ed Lanni

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