Tampa port CEO’s pay this year: nearly $1 million
Get personalized newsletters for any city in the world with Headline, sign up here.
Port Tampa Bay CEO Paul Anderson will earn nearly $1 million this year, including a base salary increase and a significant bonus, marking the highest pay he has received to date. The port's board voted 4-1 to raise his salary from approximately $597,000 to around $636,000 and to award a $350,000 bonus, the same as in the previous year. This increase comes in light of the port's remarkable economic growth, with its impact doubling from 2015 to 2024, generating an impressive $34. 6 billion in business output last year. Comparatively, Anderson's salary dwarfs those of other Florida port CEOs, such as Jacksonville's and PortMiami's leaders, prompting discussions about pay equity in public sector roles.
Mayor Jane Castor's dissenting vote on the bonus reflects ongoing concerns over high executive pay in public institutions. The port's rapid growth is attributed to the increase in cargo and cruise passengers, showcasing its vital role in Florida's economy. As Florida's population continues to rise, the economic contributions of ports are becoming increasingly significant. This situation underscores the need for transparency and accountability in public sector compensation.