Staff Reports
The Florida Ports Council named Niki McKinnell as vice president of public affairs.
McKinnell replaces Jennifer Krell Davis who has accepted a position as deputy director of the Office of Public Information at The Florida Bar.
McKinnell brings more than a decade of communications and public affairs experience to the Florida Ports Council. She comes from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), where she managed marketing programs and grants to increase driver safety on Florida’s roadways.
“McKinnell’s background and experience will be critical in our outreach to the global business community about the immense opportunities regarding Florida’s 15 public seaports, as well as educating Florida’s leadership and public about the significant economic benefits ports bring,” said Doug Wheeler, president and CEO of the Florida Ports Council.
Before the DHSMV, McKinnell served as chief marketing officer at the Florida Department of Children and Families, creating nationally recognized campaigns to protect Florida’s most vulnerable. Previously, she was the new media and marketing manager for the Florida Department of Education, communications manager at the Florida Dental Association, and a representative at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
McKinnell received her bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Florida and lives in Tallahassee with her two daughters.
