Alabama Port Authority has announced two senior leadership appointments as it prepares for 2026, strengthening executive capacity in operations and engineering amid rising cargo volumes and a major capital investment program.
Both appointments were approved by the Port Authority’s Board of Directors on 30 December and will take effect early in the new year.
“As the Port continues to grow, it’s essential that we have strong leadership in both operations and engineering,” said Doug Otto, Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Alabama Port Authority. “These appointments reinforce our focus on execution, reliability, and long-term infrastructure delivery.”
Chief operating officer appointment
Alex King has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, effective 1 March 2026. He will succeed Rick Clark, who has announced his departure from the Alabama Port Authority to pursue new professional opportunities.
In his new role, King will oversee terminal operations and the Port’s existing customer base, with responsibility for advancing current business lines and ensuring reliable and efficient service delivery.
King currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Panama City Port Authority, where he led terminal operations, improved financial performance, and advanced infrastructure and operational initiatives. His background in breakbulk operations and terminal management is expected to support the Port as operational volumes and complexity continue to increase.
Chief engineering officer appointment
Jason Krick has been appointed Chief Engineering Officer, effective 1 February 2026. He will lead engineering, planning, and technical delivery across the Port’s system, supporting major capital projects and long-term infrastructure strategy.
Krick currently serves as Chief of the Engineering Division for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District, where he oversees a multidisciplinary team managing a USD 1.5 billion program covering military construction, civil works, and interagency projects.
“Delivering complex infrastructure projects while maintaining reliable day-to-day operations requires experienced leadership,” Otto added. “Alex and Jason bring the depth of experience needed to support that work.”
The Alabama Port Authority said the appointments underscore its continued focus on operational excellence, disciplined infrastructure delivery, and long-term competitiveness as it executes its growth and investment plans.
