The Manatee County Port Authority (MCPA) has hired Carlos Buqueras as Port Manatee’s new executive director; the hiring will be effective on Jan. 2, 2012.

MCPA members approved a three-year employment agreement with Buqueras during a public meeting on Nov. 17th.

Buqueras, who is currently the director of business development at Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., was selected from a field of more than 80 applicants to succeed David L. McDonald, who is retiring on Jan. 31, 2012 after more than 36 years at the port.

“I am humbled by the port authority’s confidence in me and [I] look forward to leading Port Manatee to new levels of success,” said Buqueras. “I hope to become an active part of this community.”

Buqueras, 57, has worked at Port Everglades for 22 years. He helped double container cargo at the port during his tenure and will bring that expertise to Port Manatee.

“We conducted an exhaustive national search and are confident Mr. Buqueras is the right person to take Port Manatee to the next level,” commented Manatee County Port Authority Chairman Larry Bustle.

Buqueras will become Port Manatee’s fifth executive director and will work alongside McDonald until his official retirement on Jan. 31, 2012