New chief of staff set to help guide port operations

TAMPA — Port Tampa Bay has appointed Mark "Clay" Clayton Hollis III as its new chief of staff, effective Feb. 18. He succeeds Jamal Sowell, who was named by Gov. Ron DeSantis to lead economic development agency Enterprise Florida.

According to a press release, Hollis most recently served as external affairs director for former Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam. He also served as senior legislative assistant to former U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Okeechobee. 

"Clay has a sharp understanding of complex issues at both the federal and state level," Port Tampa Bay President/CEO Paul Anderson states in the release. "We welcome his leadership and extensive experience to this important role."

As chief of staff at Port Tampa Bay, Hollis will be responsible for coordinating the operations of the president/CEO's office and assisting the port's executive team in the management of public affairs alongside state and local government. He will also serve as a liaison to the governor and state executive branch.