J. Stanley Payne, CEO of Port Canaveral, has been elected incoming Chairman of the Board of Directors of the  Florida Ports Council (FPC), the professional association of Port Directors of the state’s 14 deepwater seaports. He will serve a two-year term as the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

“Stan has shown great leadership on current challenges facing our seaports and his commitment to finding effective solutions will serve us well,” says John LaCapra, president of Florida Ports Council.  “We have every confidence in his ability to represent our industry during the next two years.”

Florida Ports Council and its staff represent the seaports on transportation, security, and economic development policy issues and infrastructure funding programs before the Legislature, the Governor’s Office, and state agencies.  It also serves as the link to educate and inform the public and government leaders about the essential role ports play in Florida’s economy.

Payne, who has been with Canaveral Port Authority since 2004, has extensive experience in port operations and shipping. He is a former deputy executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, has served as president of the North Atlantic Ports Association, and currently is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Port Authorities. Payne holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Virginia and graduated from Marshall-Wythe School of Law, College of William & Mary.