Royster to leave Port of Baltimore

Royster to leave Port of Baltimore F. Brooks Royster III, former chief executive officer of the Port of Miami Terminal Operating Co. has stepped down as executive director of the Maryland Port Administration at the end of July, according to a report in the Baltimore Sun.
   Royster still has three years remaining on his contract. However, the newspaper reported that newly elected Maryland Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley and his team want to pick their own port director.
   “I’m disappointed I’m leaving, but I’m not mad,” Royster told The Sun. “I wish the governor and the secretary (of transportation) and this port nothing but the best.”
   Maryland's former Republican Gov. Bob Ehrlich appointed Royster to the top port post in May 2005, replacing James J. White, who resigned largely over a staffing dispute with the Ehrlich administration.
   Royster is a 35-year veteran of the maritime industry. He was CEO at POMTOC for three years and has served as the CEO of the Mississippi State Port Authority, as well as senior management roles at private sector maritime firms throughout the southern United States.
   Maryland Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari said a new port chief for Baltimore would be named by the time Royster departs.