Governor Ron DeSantis Announces the Appointment of Six to the Board of Pilot Commissioners

By Pelumi Emmanuel

Published: July 22, 2022 | 9:01 PM GMT

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the reappointment of Michael Jaccoma to the Board of Pilot Commissioners and the appointments of Robert Benson, Sheldon Bernau, Bruce Cumings, Thomas “Jason” Hodge, and Brian Seuter.

Robert Benson

Benson is a retired Partner with Crow Horwath LLP. He holds a Florida CPA licence and belongs to both the South Florida Construction Association and the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County. Benson graduated from Pace University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Sheldon Bernau

Bernau is the Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager at Synovus Trust Company. He holds a certification in public accounting and belongs to the Northwest Florida Bar Association Foundation, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Pensacola Christian College and the University of West Florida are where Bernau received his bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting, as well as his master’s degree in accountancy.

Bruce Cumings

Cumings is a Harbor Pilot with Port Everglades Pilots Association. His many honours include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and he is a retired veteran of the United States Naval Reserve. Cumings is a First-Class Pilot and a member of the Council of American Master Mariners, the Reserve Officers Association, and Broward Navy Days. Cumings graduated from Salve Regina University with a master’s degree in international relations after receiving his bachelor’s degree in nautical science from the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Thomas “Jason” Hodge

Hodge works for SSA Atlantic as a manager of sales and marketing. Prior to this, he held the positions of Operations Manager for Hamburg Süd, Inc. and Senior Port Operations Manager for A.P. Moller Maersk. Hodge belongs to the Jacksonville Propeller Club.

Brian Seuter

Seuter is a harbour pilot who has Amelia’s checkmate. He served in the US Naval Reserve previously. He is a member of the American Pilot Association, the Florida Harbor Pilots Associations, and the Master Mates and Pilots Union and holds a United States Coast Guard Unlimited Masters License. Massachusetts Maritime Academy is where Seuter obtained his maritime transportation bachelor’s degree.

Michael Jaccoma

For Biscayne Bay Pilots, Jaccoma is a harbour pilot. He has been actively involved in the Florida piloting industry since 1988 and currently holds the position of Vice Chairman on the Board of Pilot Commissioners. Jaccoma holds a First-Class Pilot Endorsement for the Port of Miami and is a United States Coast Guard Licensed Unlimited Master. He graduated from Maine Maritime Academy with a bachelor’s degree in nautical science.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

About Pelumi Emmanuel

Pelumi Emmanuel is an accomplished writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He is a passionate and dedicated professional who is committed to producing high-quality content that informs, engages, and entertains readers. Pelumi’s love for reading and writing is evident in his work, which has been read worldwide and has garnered him a loyal following. His journalistic expertise is matched only by his natural talent for storytelling, making his articles both informative and engaging. He lives in California, USA.