Port Canaveral, FL –  The Canaveral Port Authority announced today Dr. Jeff Long, Ph.D. has joined the Port as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective July 15, 2024. A well-respected finance executive, Dr. Long brings to the Port 35 years of experience in finance and operational management, capital funding and debt service, strategic long-range planning, public accounting, and financial auditing.
 
“Well-defined financial strategies and sound fiscal policy management are important pillars supporting the success of our mission as an economic driver for our region and the State of Florida,” stated Port CEO Captain John Murray.  “We are excited to have Jeff on board. His business experience and financial expertise are central to continuing our growth and vital to ensuring we remain competitive in a complex global market." 
 
As CFO, Long’s primary duty is to preserve and safeguard the financial assets and affairs of the Canaveral Port Authority. Reporting directly to the CEO, Dr. Long will have overall responsibility for providing strategic financial guidance and defining and managing the Port's efforts to achieve fiscal and business goals and objectives.
 
Prior to joining Port Canaveral, Dr. Long spent more than a decade as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Auburn University Harbert College of Business in Alabama where he also served as Assistant Dean, Finance and Administration.  Prior to his tenure at the university, Dr. Long was the Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Port Director for Port Canaveral where he led financial strategies which increased port revenues by 54% over a three-year period.  
 
Dr. Long’s professional experience includes as a Senior Accountant with the public accounting firm Deloitte & Touche, Senior Director of Finance, Administration and Operations for ESPN, and Vice President of Finance and Controller for The Golf Channel.

Dr. Long holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Auburn University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Auburn University. He is a Florida and Alabama Certified Public Accountant.