Propeller Club of Jacksonville names JAXPORT’s Bennett 2023 Maritime Person of the Year

The Propeller Club - Port of Jacksonville presented JAXPORT Chief Operating Officer James Bennett, P.E., with the 2023 Maritime Person of the Year award on Thursday. The recognition honors an individual who has made an outstanding and lasting impact on the growth and success of Jacksonville’s maritime community.

As Chief Operating Officer, Bennett is responsible for overseeing the port’s three operational divisions as well as its engineering and construction department. He also oversees the implementation of a more than $250 million annual capital growth program.

Major projects under his area of responsibility include the expansion of Blount Island’s container and auto-handling capabilities. He has managed the completion of JAXPORT’s major growth initiatives, including the 47-foot harbor deepening project to allow larger ships to call JAXPORT, a $100 million berth modernization project to accommodate the addition of new eco-friendly cranes, and renovations to improve operational efficiencies at the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal.

“James is a visionary with the knowledge and experience to take Jacksonville’s growth to the next level,” Propeller Club – Port of Jacksonville Outgoing President Kenny Santos said. “With James serving on the JAXPORT leadership team, he has positioned our region well through the impact of the completion of the deepened 47-foot channel, which is bringing more business opportunities to Jacksonville.”

An Accredited Maritime Port Executive (AMPE) and licensed professional engineer, Bennett joined JAXPORT in 2017 as Senior Director of Engineering and Construction and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in August 2022. He has extensive experience in senior transportation positions in both private and public sectors, including over 20 years with the Florida Department of Transportation.