Alabama State Port Authority Names John C. Driscoll as Director and CEO

John DriscollMay 18, 2020 - The Alabama State Port Authority recently named John C. Driscoll as Director and Chief Executive Officer for the Port Authority, effective June 1, 2020.

“Over the last several months, the Board and Jimmy Lyons worked through a nationwide search to identify a slate of qualified candidates,” said Bestor Ward, Chairman of the Alabama State Port Authority. “It was John’s qualifications that made him the natural choice. Our board looks forward to John joining the Port Authority team in June.”

Driscoll most recently served as Maritime Director at the Port of Oakland in Oakland, California. He had operational and marketing responsibility for one of the nation’s top 10 container seaports. Driscoll was credited with improving that port’s operating efficiency, financial performance and community relations.

Prior to working in Oakland, Driscoll served as vice president of export sales for CMA CGM (America) LLC.

Driscoll gained deep international maritime experience and contacts working with Sea-Land Service, Maersk Line and CMA CGM. He successfully developed business operations in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

“This is a gratifying opportunity and a career highlight," said Driscoll. "I've seen the caliber of people who work here and the contributions the Port of Mobile makes to Alabama, the local community, and global trade. There is so much to be proud of at Mobile. The responsibility in leading this port is fantastic, and we will work together to continue the progress made under Executive Director Lyons.”

The Port Authority’s current Director and CEO, James Lyons, noted, “I’ve observed over the years John’s incredible contributions to the industry. His abilities were affirmed through our extensive assessment of his body of work and my conversations with those who have worked with him. I am confident John will be an excellent fit for our seaport, our management team, and our employees, and I personally look forward to the transition.”

Lyons will assist Driscoll in the transition and serve as director emeritus until his retirement at the end of the year.

The Alabama State Port Authority owns and operates the State of Alabama’s deep-water port facilities at the Port of Mobile, currently the 11th largest U.S. Seaport by total trade. The Port Authority’s facilities alone handled over 26 million tons of cargo in 2019.

SOURCE: Alabama State Port Authority