Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners today unanimously approved John Walsh as the new CEO of Port Canaveral. Walsh had served in the interim role since March as the Board sought to replace former CEO Stan Payne.

Walsh was hired in February 2011 as Deputy Executive Director of Infrastructure. During the past two years, he has directed planning, engineering, design, construction and development of more than $300 million in planned capital projects.

“John has demonstrated leadership, vision and an unselfish commitment to the Port, its staff, and the community,” Board Chairman Tom Weinberg said before the vote. “I am impressed with his understanding of Port and community issues, as well as his understanding of the complexities of the maritime industry.”

Walsh has more than 32 years of construction, design-build and real estate development experience. A former owner of general construction and development firms, he holds a MBA from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and a Graduate Management Certificate from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He also earned a bachelor of science in Construction Management from Drexel University in Philadelphia.

He and his wife Susan have been married for 32 years and have two adult children.