MIKE RUBIN

PRESIDENT & CEO, FLORIDA PORTS COUNCIL, TALLAHASSEE

Florida is a top maritime trade state and home to the world’s largest cruise ports. Rubin has served the nonprofit Florida Ports Council for 26 years, four as president and CEO. The FPC, the professional association for Florida’s 16 public seaports, provides leadership through a collective voice in the areas of state and federal advocacy, data and research, and marketing and communication.

EDUCATION: Rollins College (BA), Florida State University (JD)

MENTOR: John LaCapra was the first President and CEO of the Florida Ports Council. John hired me and helped me understand the importance of Florida’s seaports. John also preached passion and consistency of efforts in the legislative process. Those two foundations have helped me through many long legislative sessions.

READING/LISTENING: I love everything written by Pat Conroy or James Lee Burke. I recommend the Florida History Podcast to any Floridian — the history of Florida is fascinating.

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: My father remains my greatest inspiration. My father was a leader of a Boeing team that developed the lunar rover — leaving an imprint on the moon was quite the inspiration for my brothers and me. He was a role model, mentor, and coach to three sons — two lawyers and a doctor.