"Don't be afraid to start at the bottom,” said Brian Taylor, chief executive officer of the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT), as he spoke last month to students enrolled in the College’s transportation and logistics programs. “That's where you learn. That's where you grow."

On October 11, Taylor addressed approximately 50 students at the Downtown Campus Advanced Technology Center. During his talk, Taylor shared his four attributes that define success: passion, humility, the ability to tolerate uncertainty and people skills.

The CEO also discussed topics including JAXPORT’s role in the supply chain industry, the latest updates regarding port growth projects and the employment outlook for Northeast Florida’s transportation and logistics sector. Taylor stressed to students the importance of building both a plan as well as a backup plan, thinking ahead and developing leadership skills.

Executive Chair for the School of Business, Professional Studies and Public Safety/Kent Campus President Dr. Cedrick Gibson and Executive Chair for the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics/Downtown Campus President Dr. Marie Gnage joined the College’s logistics and transportation faculty in thanking Taylor for inspiring our student professionals.