Miami-Dade County changes PortMiami leadership

Bill Johnson trades ships for sewer

Disagreements over building a soccer stadium on Dodge Island lead to a change in leadership at PortMiami. Bill Johnson, left, is leaving his post to become Miami-Dade County's water-and-sewer chief. Johnson trained Juan Kuryla, center, to be the port's new director. And Kevin Lynsky, right, will be the new deputy director.

MIAMI After disagreements over the possibility of having a soccer stadium on Dodge Island, Miami-Dade County hired a new PortMiami director, sources said Wednesday.

After nearly eight years at the helm of the 11th largest port in the nation, Bill Johnson will soon be putting the real estate disagreements behind him. He is taking the job as water-and-sewer chief.

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Johnson's right hand man Juan Kuryla will take his place. The decision doesn't come as a surprise to PortMiami employees. Last year, Johnson said he had been considering leaving the port and was preparing Kuryla as his possible replacement.

Read PortMiami Director Juan Kuryla's resume

With 27 years with the county, his experience ranges from working as a park and recreation manager, tourist development council coordinator and assistant to the County manager.

Kuryla joined PortMiami in 1998 as assistant to the port director and worked in the port's intergovernmental affairs and maritime departments. He is a Miami-Dade Community College and Florida International University graduate.  

Taking Kuryla's job as deputy director was Kevin Lynskey, who has handled cargo and cruise contract development.  Lynskey is a Georgetown and Columbian University graduate.

Miami-Dade County Carlos Gimenez's office has yet to release how much the public employees will be earning.