Port of Baltimore director leaving for Miami cruise port

Jonathan Daniels is stepping down as executive director of the Maryland Port Administration to lead PortMiami, one of the world’s largest cruise passenger ports.

What’s happening: Daniels announced his resignation Tuesday in a letter to port stakeholders. He will remain in the role until early August.

What’s important: Daniels cited his background in the cruise industry and the chance to live near his grandson as reasons for taking the job. He joined the Maryland Port Administration about two years ago, coming from Port Everglades in Florida.

What we know: Maryland Deputy Secretary of Transportation Samantha Biddle will serve as interim executive director after Daniels leaves. The state will conduct a nationwide search to permanently fill the position.

His tenure: Daniels arrived just six weeks before the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in March 2024, a disaster that disrupted cargo traffic at the port for months. He also noted several milestones during his time, including:

• A second-best-ever year for cargo volumes in 2025.
• A new five-year contract with Carnival Cruise Line.
• A $147 million federal Environmental Protection Agency grant to add zero-emission equipment at the port.
• The launch of double-stack container rail service.

Daniels thanked Governor Wes Moore and transportation secretaries Paul Wiedefeld and Paul Thomson for their support.