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Port Tampa Bay

Florida Gov. Rick Scott appointed Mike Griffin to the Tampa Port Authority due to recent reports of excessive spending at Port Tampa Bay.

Griffin, 36, is the senior managing director of Savills Studley Occupier Services in Tampa. He also is the current chair of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. Griffin received his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning Aug. 1, and ending Nov. 15, 2019.

Mike Griffin

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In December 2015, the Tampa Bay Times named Griffin one of the top 25 most influential business players in Tampa Bay.

“Recently, I was concerned to see media reports detailing wasteful spending by the executives at Port Tampa Bay. The actions detailed in these reports should serve as a reminder of the importance of the oversight every appointee is charged with providing. I look forward to the Tampa Port Authority governing board reviewing policies to prevent wasteful spending by employees,” Scott explained in a statement.

“We welcome Mike Griffin to the Port Tampa Bay Board of Commissioners. Mr. Griffin’s years of experience in the business and commercial real estate community will be an invaluable resource as we continue to grow and strengthen the Port, creating more local jobs and opportunities,” said Port Tampa Bay CEO Paul Anderson, in a statement released Aug. 1. “As a direct result of the millions of dollars generated in recent years, Port Tampa Bay remains on pace to be off county tax rolls within nine years.

Port Tampa Bay uses approximately $11 million in taxpayer money strictly for infrastructure projects from a separate account.

This year, Port Tampa Bay is expected to break all-time revenue records.

“Although we are currently reviewing all Port Tampa Bay expense policies, I believe there is a misperception about the integrity of how we spend Port Tampa Bay dollars. I look forward to the opportunity to provide a detailed explanation of our budget, and illustrate how our investments have vastly improved the economic landscape in the Tampa Bay area. We are excited to work with Mr. Griffin and welcome him to the Port Tampa Bay family.”