Michael Meekins was named Executive Director in March 2023. He was promoted after serving less than three years as the Port's Director of Business Development in April 2020.
He hit the ground running, despite starting at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Meekins played a pivotal role in numerous port-related projects such as the successful launch and rebranding of the cruise line now known as Margaritaville at Sea and the development of a one-of-a- kind cement storage facility operated by a construction materials company. In 2021, Meekins was entrusted with managing the Port’s operations department.
Prior to joining the Port of
Palm Beach, Meekins served as the Senior Director of Cruise and Port Operations
at Port Canaveral, FL. He was responsible for coordinating all operations for
644 cruise ships per year and over 3.6 million passengers, which generated over
$80 million in direct revenue for the Canaveral Port Authority and $648 million
in indirect revenue for the Port. Meekins was also the direct contact for
all cruise and cargo business development and was assigned to coordinate all
operations within the port on a daily basis. This included multiple
restaurants, stores, marinas, three public parks, two sets of boat ramps, a 300
space RV Park and 4.5 acres of public beaches. During his time at Port
Canaveral, the port more than doubled in volume and revenues.
Meekins also has experience in the aviation industry. He spent
10 years as a Senior Vice President of Operations, where he oversaw aviation
operations in 52 cities across the country. During this time period, he
was responsible for new route startup operations and ongoing oversight of
ground operations.
Before that, Michael worked as a contractor for the New York Power Authority as a Project Manager, overseeing multiple sub-contractors and projects.
One of his proudest accomplishments is the time he spent in
the military. He served 10 years in the U.S. Navy as a Jet Engine
Mechanic, both ashore and deployed. His last tour of duty was onboard the
U.S.S. Independence in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. He then
carried over his military career serving in the Air Force Reserves.