Huntsville, AL, February 2, 2026
The Alabama Port Authority has announced a significant restructuring of its executive leadership team to enhance operational efficiency and support statewide development. Under the leadership of CEO Doug Otto, the new C-suite focuses on strategic growth areas such as trade and logistics. Key appointments, including Alex King as COO and Maggie Oliver as CDO, reflect a commitment to fostering economic prosperity in Alabama while supporting the growing economy of Huntsville. This structured leadership aims to drive new initiatives, improve productivity, and ensure the Port’s pivotal role in the regional economy.
Huntsville, AL – The Alabama Port Authority, a vital engine for economic growth across the State-level, recently announced a significant restructuring of its executive leadership team, signaling a strategic push for enhanced operational efficiency and expansive State-level development. This move highlights a commitment to robust leadership and a forward-thinking approach to managing a critical State-level asset, fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurial innovation and sustained economic prosperity across Alabama. The proactive assembly of a seasoned C-suite reflects a strategic vision to optimize port operations and capitalize on emerging opportunities, which can indirectly benefit various business sectors throughout the state, including Huntsville’s growing economy.
Strong, decisive leadership is often the bedrock of any successful enterprise, and the Alabama Port Authority’s latest appointments underscore this principle. In a dynamic global marketplace, the ability to adapt, innovate, and execute with precision is paramount. This revamped leadership team is poised to guide the Port through its next phase of growth, focusing on key areas that directly impact trade, logistics, and job creation statewide. Such strategic appointments exemplify the spirit of personal achievement and the drive for excellence that propels economic advancement, reinforcing the importance of skilled management in both public and private sectors.
Alabama Port Authority Forges New C-Suite for State-Level Growth
The Alabama Port Authority, under the direction of Director and CEO Doug Otto, has unveiled a new executive leadership team. This team has been assembled to support the next phase of the Port’s growth and to strengthen its role in driving State-level economic development. This strategic realignment is designed to ensure a leadership structure that is aligned, forward-looking, and built to deliver on the Port’s expanding responsibilities. Doug Otto was named Director & CEO in November 2025, bringing three decades of experience in port operations and infrastructure development, including leadership roles with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He had previously served as interim director since August 2025 and was appointed Chief Engineering Officer in 2024, after starting as Vice President of Engineering in January 2022. The Board determined that maintaining consistent leadership during the Port’s ongoing major capital investment program is essential for delivering infrastructure projects on schedule and continuing the organization’s strong momentum.
Driving Operational Excellence: The Chief Operating Officer
Alex King has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer, with his role becoming effective on March 1, 2026. As Chief Operating Officer, King will oversee the Port’s operational strategy, with a focus on fostering growth within existing business lines, particularly at the Port’s McDuffie Coal, Pinto Steel, and General Cargo terminals. His responsibilities include supervising efforts to increase customer volumes, boost terminal productivity, and advance modernization initiatives at these terminals, which are vital for supporting Alabama’s traditional industries, including forest products and steel. King brings extensive experience in terminal operations and breakbulk cargo to this role, positioning him to ensure reliable and efficient service while implementing targeted infrastructure enhancements that support both short-term performance and long-term growth for the State-level. Chris Ransom is serving as interim COO until King assumes the position.
Forging Future Growth and Development: The Chief Development Officer
Maggie Oliver has taken on the newly created role of Chief Development Officer. In this capacity, Oliver will lead the Port Authority’s marketing, communications, and economic development strategy, signifying a clear shift in how the Port promotes new business growth. Her priority will be to advance a State-level development strategy to increase Port cargo volume by collaborating with economic development partners, attracting new industries, influencing supply chain location decisions, and aligning long-term investments with Alabama’s infrastructure and industrial strengths. This strategic approach aims to position Alabama as a competitive hub for distribution, manufacturing, and logistics activities, thereby boosting container volume through the Port and contributing to overall State-level economic expansion. This focus on attracting new industries and private investment underscores a commitment to fostering a vibrant business climate across Alabama.
Strategic Policy and Governance: The Chief Policy Officer
The executive team also includes Catherine Reaves as the Chief Policy Officer, a newly created position. Reaves will lead policy, government affairs, and board governance, while also managing executive priorities across the organization. Her role is crucial in serving as a vital link between the executive leadership team, the Port Authority Board of Directors, and external stakeholders, ensuring strategic alignment and organizational consistency. Furthermore, Reaves will oversee legal coordination and advocacy efforts, supporting effective governance, regulatory compliance, and the disciplined execution of the Authority’s mission and strategic goals as the Port’s scope and public responsibilities expand. This position is key to navigating the regulatory landscape and ensuring a stable environment for State-level business operations.
Investing in Infrastructure and Innovation: The Chief Engineering Officer
Jason Krick has been appointed as the Chief Engineering Officer, effective February 1, 2026. In this role, Krick will oversee the Port Authority’s capital planning, engineering, and infrastructure delivery programs. He is responsible for advancing major modernization and expansion initiatives, ensuring that projects are delivered efficiently and align with the Port’s growth strategy and operational goals. Krick will provide oversight across complex, multi-year capital investments, translating long-term plans into increased capacity to support increased cargo volumes, boosted performance, and the Port’s competitive advantages for the State-level. This emphasis on strategic infrastructure investment is fundamental to facilitating business growth and enhancing State-level logistical capabilities, benefiting Alabama AL entrepreneurs and larger enterprises alike.
Sound Financial Stewardship: The Chief Financial Officer
Chris Ransom continues his tenure as Chief Financial Officer, a position he has held since 2023. Ransom is responsible for leading the Port Authority’s financial strategy, long-term forecasting, and capital planning. His role involves aligning financial resources with the Port’s growth priorities, ensuring that operations expansion, infrastructure investments, and economic development initiatives are supported by disciplined budgeting, sustainable funding methods, and rigorous financial analysis. Ransom’s financial leadership is instrumental in enabling the executive team to implement strategy, turning long-term vision into practical, financially sound plans that allow the organization to invest confidently and responsibly as it grows and contributes to the Huntsville economic growth and broader Alabama economy.
Conclusion
The formation of this new C-suite leadership team at the Alabama Port Authority marks a significant step toward solidifying the Port’s role as a leading economic driver for the State-level. Under Doug Otto’s leadership, this integrated team is focused on a unified growth strategy to enhance core operations, invest in infrastructure and capacity, and collaborate with public and private partners to promote long-term economic development across Alabama. This collaborative approach, coupled with a commitment to strategic planning and efficient execution, promises to bolster Alabama’s competitive position and create lasting value for its citizens and businesses. The efforts of the Alabama Port Authority are critical for fostering a robust State-level economy, supporting Huntsville AL business, and empowering Alabama AL entrepreneurs. We encourage our readers to stay informed and engaged with the economic developments shaping our state’s future and to continue supporting Huntsville small business initiatives that collectively contribute to Huntsville economic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who is the Director & CEO of the Alabama Port Authority?
A: Doug Otto was named Director & CEO of the Alabama Port Authority in November 2025.
Q: Who are the new members of the Alabama Port Authority’s C-suite leadership team?
A: The new C-suite leadership team includes Alex King as Chief Operating Officer, Maggie Oliver as Chief Development Officer, Catherine Reaves as Chief Policy Officer, Jason Krick as Chief Engineering Officer, and Chris Ransom as Chief Financial Officer.
Q: What is Alex King’s role and when does it become effective?
A: Alex King has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer, effective on March 1, 2026. He will oversee the Port’s operational strategy, focusing on growth at the McDuffie Coal, Pinto Steel, and General Cargo terminals.
Q: What are Maggie Oliver’s responsibilities as Chief Development Officer?
A: As Chief Development Officer, Maggie Oliver will lead the Port Authority’s marketing, communications, and economic development strategy, aiming to increase Port cargo volume by attracting new industries and aligning investments with Alabama’s infrastructure.
Q: What does the Chief Policy Officer, Catherine Reaves, oversee?
A: Catherine Reaves, as Chief Policy Officer, will lead policy, government affairs, and board governance, ensuring strategic alignment and organizational consistency between the executive team, the Board, and external stakeholders.
Q: When did Jason Krick’s appointment as Chief Engineering Officer become effective and what are his duties?
A: Jason Krick’s appointment as Chief Engineering Officer became effective on February 1, 2026. He will oversee the Port Authority’s capital planning, engineering, and infrastructure delivery programs, advancing modernization and expansion initiatives.
Q: What is Chris Ransom’s role in the new leadership team?
A: Chris Ransom has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2023, leading the Port Authority’s financial strategy, long-term forecasting, and capital planning.
Key Features of Alabama Port Authority’s New Leadership Team
| Leader Name | Position | Key Responsibilities | Effective Date / Tenure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doug Otto | Director & CEO | Overall leadership and strategic direction for State-level growth, overseeing capital investment programs. | Named November 2025 |
| Alex King | Chief Operating Officer | Oversees operational strategy, growth at McDuffie Coal, Pinto Steel, and General Cargo terminals, increasing volumes and productivity. | Effective March 1, 2026 |
| Maggie Oliver | Chief Development Officer | Leads marketing, communications, and State-level economic development strategy, attracting new industries and increasing cargo volumes. | Newly created role |
| Catherine Reaves | Chief Policy Officer | Leads policy, government affairs, board governance, ensuring strategic alignment and managing executive priorities. | Newly created role |
| Jason Krick | Chief Engineering Officer | Oversees capital planning, engineering, and infrastructure delivery programs, advancing modernization and expansion initiatives. | Effective February 1, 2026 |
| Chris Ransom | Chief Financial Officer | Leads financial strategy, long-term forecasting, and capital planning, aligning resources with growth priorities. | Since 2023 |
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Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
