Port Everglades chief is elected AAPA chairman

The election took place Tuesday at the association's Spring Conference.

Cernak is scheduled to be installed for a one-year term on the final day of AAPA’s 106th Annual Convention, set for Oct. 1-4, in Long Beach, California. He will assume the AAPA chairmanship from Mark McAndrews, Port of Pascagoula port director, who began his stint on Oct. 26, 2016.

'With his valuable experience as a port director involved with diversified cargo, petroleum and cruise operations, longstanding active engagement with AAPA member ports throughout the hemisphere and a background in seaport engineering, Steve Cernak is a superb choice for leading our association during the upcoming activity year,' AAPA president and ceo Kurt Nagle said.

He added: 'Steve’s leadership skills will be of enormous value as our member ports work together to address common challenges and legislative priorities.'

Cernak has led Port Everglades since March 2012. His career in the seaport industry extends more than 30 years, involving both port authority and private-sector experience. Previously, he led the Port of Galveston as port director and chief executive, was president of the Galveston Port Facilities Corp. and served as manager of the Port Development Department for The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Since 1999, Cernak has served on AAPA’s Cruise Committee, Curriculum Committee, Maritime Economic Development Committee, Harbors and Navigation Committee and as a member of the association's board and chair of its US Legislative Policy Council.