Manatee County Port Authority Confirms New Port Manatee Executive Director

The Manatee County Port Authority has hired Carlos Buqueras as Port Manatee’s new executive director effective Jan. 2, 2012.

MCPA members approved a three-year employment agreement with Buqueras during a public meeting Nov. 17th.

Buqueras, who is currently director of business development at Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., was selected from a field of more than 80 applicants to succeed David L. McDonald PPM®, who is retiring Jan. 31, 2012 after more than 36 years at the port.

“I am humbled by the port authority’s confidence in me and look forward to leading Port Manatee to new levels of success,” said Buqueras. “I hope to become an active part of this community.”

Buqueras, 57, has been at Port Everglades for 22 years. He helped double container cargo at the port during his tenure and will bring that expertise to Port Manatee.

“We conducted an exhaustive national search and are confident Mr. Buqueras is the right person to take Port Manatee to the next level,” commented Manatee County Port Authority Chairman Larry Bustle.

Buqueras becomes Port Manatee’s fifth executive director and will work alongside McDonald until his official retirement Jan. 31, 2012.