Ships, schedules and stories intersect on a waterfront that never sleeps. At Port Tampa Bay, Kenneth Washington, chief information officer and vice president, treats technology as a service to commerce and people, turning smart investment into safer operations and smoother experiences.
Washington describes a three-year stretch shaped by tighter processes and clearer coordination. Targeted upgrades reduced friction across terminals and improved turnaround times. Safety rose with better visibility, while customer engagement strengthened through tools that surface the right information when choices cannot wait. Cargo activity advanced and cruise itineraries broadened, reinforcing Port Tampa Bay’s role as a regional engine for trade and travel.
Work across global logistics is changing fast, so preparation must keep pace. Washington aligns workforce development with priority skills in data analytics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and modern digital systems. Partnerships create pathways for continuous learning, and employees are encouraged to test new capabilities in live operations so value shows up where it counts. The aim is simple to state and demanding to deliver: a team confident in complex environments who serve carriers, passengers and community needs with judgment and care.
Energy for this agenda comes from clarity of purpose. Washington shares wins across teams, speaks plainly about challenges and keeps curiosity at the center so ideas move. He treats innovation as a daily practice rather than a one-time initiative, which helps progress compound through steady delivery. His Titan 100 Honoree distinction reflects that standard and the outcomes it produces for the region.
If he could master a single capability instantly, Washington would choose emotional intelligence at its highest level. He values presence in conversation, the discipline to listen deeply and the skill to resolve conflict with integrity. Those strengths turn meetings into progress, help collaborators stay aligned and build a shared sense of mission that lasts beyond any milestone. In a complex ecosystem of public agencies and private partners, empathy paired with accountability becomes a force multiplier.
Pride over the last year centers on strategic relationships that extend Port Tampa Bay’s reach and sharpen its effectiveness. Washington engaged stakeholders more deliberately, opening avenues for collaboration that translate into better service for carriers, smoother experiences for travelers and stronger outcomes for the region. The professional milestone carried personal meaning as well, reinforcing a belief that leadership grows through connection, learning and steady practice.
The five-year view is focused. Washington intends to act as a catalyst for innovation, growth and meaningful impact. That means modern platforms that reduce friction, smarter insights that guide decisions and an experience that keeps Port Tampa Bay welcoming, competitive and resilient. He measures success by people developed and value delivered. Mentorship stands with modernization, and community benefit stands with operational excellence. The focus is to use tools wisely, prepare teams thoroughly and keep customers at the center so Port Tampa Bay thrives as a trusted gateway for trade and travel.
