Paul Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT), has been named to the Port Subcommittee of the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC). The MTSNAC provides guidance to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation on policies that affect efficient and environmentally friendly waterborne freight and passenger movements. Anderson joins other prominent maritime experts on the panel, including Richard Larrabee, Director of the Port Commerce Department of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, who serves as chairman of the Port Subcommittee.

According to the sponsoring agency, the Federal Maritime Administration, the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC) is a chartered, non-federal body, created to advise the Secretary of Transportation on Marine Transportation System (MTS) issues, including the effective use and expansion of America’s Marine Highway, and port development and challenges. The 29 member MTSNAC is comprised of leaders from commercial transportation firms, port and water stakeholders, labor, and federal, state and local public entities.

The Council’s primary role is to provide advice and make policy recommendations to the Secretary on transportation development issues that address impediments to the effective use of America’s overall MTS. However, the Council will pay specific attention to the expansion and development of the Nation’s Marine Highway and port system through its Marine Highway subcommittee and the Secretary’s Port Advisory Council. The Council is also charged with providing the Secretary with guidance regarding the development of a national freight policy and the integration of water into the overall transportation system.

“I am honored to serve in support of Secretary LaHood by becoming involved in the MTSNAC,” said Anderson. “It is critical that we recognize the importance of seaports to the entire nation’s future competitiveness and economic health. I look forward to influencing national conversation and national policy in order to optimize our entire Marine Transportation System.”

Paul Anderson, a former Federal Maritime Commissioner, joined JAXPORT as CEO in January 2011 after holding a series of high-profile leadership positions in the public and private sectors over the last three decades. Anderson was nominated to the Federal Maritime Commission in 2003 by President George W. Bush and served a five-year term.