Jonathan Daniels has been appointed executive director of the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Maryland Port Administration.
The port administration manages and directs the six state-owned marine terminals at the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore.
Daniels comes to Maryland after serving as Chief Executive Officer and Director at Port Everglades in Broward County, Fl., and takes the reins from Brian Miller, who had served as interim Acting Executive Director at the port following the June 2023 resignation of William P. Doyle.
“We’re excited to have someone of Jonathan Daniels’ stature join us in such a pivotal role leading the Maryland Port Administration,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “Jonathan’s strong experience leading major U.S. ports and his unique economic development background make him the perfect choice for the Port of Baltimore as we continue to advance significant projects that will grow business and increase job opportunities.”
At Port Everglades, Daniels led a $3 billion plan to expand the port’s container, energy, and cruise operations.
Port Everglades is the 13th busiest container port in the U.S., the busiest energy port in Florida and the third busiest cruise homeport in the world.
Prior to his work at Port Everglades, Daniels served as Executive Director and CEO for the Mississippi State Port Authority and oversaw a $570 million expansion and reconstruction project.
He previously worked with the Port of Oswego in New York and the Eastern Maine Development Corporation.
Daniels holds an undergraduate degree in political science from The Citadel and also studied maritime management at the Maine Maritime Academy.
With operations dating back three centuries, the Port of Baltimore currently ranks first among the nation’s ports for autos and light truck volume, and roll on/roll off farm and construction machinery.
“The Port of Baltimore is one of the top performing ports in the nation, with a great labor force and a very involved port community,” said Daniels.
“I’m looking forward to getting started, helping to increase port business and jobs, and lending my experience and guidance to transformational projects like the Howard Street Tunnel initiative and the Mid-Chesapeake Bay Island Ecosystem restoration,” he said.