Port leader Cernak, 63, dies

​U.S. port industry leader Steven M. Cernak is dead at age 63.

​Cernak died Saturday (March 16) following a courageous battle against cancer.

​Cernak, who served since 2012 as chief executive and port director of Port Everglades, in South Florida’s Broward County, was immediate past chairman of both the hemispherewide American Association of Port Authorities and the Florida Ports Council.

​At Port Everglades, Cernak was leading the port’s most aggressive expansion program in its history. In February, he was honored with AAPA’s 2019 Cruise Award, a biennial recognition for positive impact on the relationship between a port and the Western Hemisphere cruise industry, with Cernak cited for his strategic acumen and leadership in growing cruise business at both Port Everglades and the Port of Galveston, Texas.

​Prior to taking the helm at Port Everglades, Cernak served 13 years as port director and chief executive officer of the Port of Galveston. Before that, he was senior engineer at the Port of New York & New Jersey.

​In connection with the February award, Andrew Saporito, deputy director for The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Port Department, said of Cernak, “Steve’s a natural at leadership. He knows it’s all about inspiring people to believe in the purpose and believe in him. He builds relationships and networks to excite others to reach new industry heights.”

​Survivors include his wife, Cindy, and two children, as well as grandchildren.