The Alabama Port Authority announced Wednesday two senior leadership appointments designed to strengthen operational execution and support delivery of its historic capital investment program. Both appointments take effect early in the new year.
The appointments enhance the Port’s executive capacity in two critical areas—operations and engineering—at a time of increasing cargo volumes and significant infrastructure investment.
“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.”
As part of the Port’s leadership plan, on December 30, the Port Authority Board of Directors approved Otto’s appointment of Alex King as chief operating officer, effective March 1, 2026, and Jason Krick as chief professional engineer, effective February 1, 2026. King will succeed Rick Clark, who announced his decision to depart the Alabama Port Authority to pursue new professional opportunities.
As chief operating officer, King will oversee terminal operations and the Port’s existing customer base, with responsibility for advancing current business lines and ensuring reliable, efficient service. King currently serves as chief executive officer of the Panama City Port Authority, where he led terminal operations, strengthened financial performance, and advanced infrastructure and operational improvements. His experience in breakbulk operations and terminal management positions him to build on the Port’s strong operational foundation as volumes and operational complexity continue to grow, the Authority shared.
As chief engineering officer, Krick will lead engineering, planning and technical delivery across the Port’s system, supporting execution of 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 leads a multidisciplinary team responsible for a $1.5 billion program supporting 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 stated that these appointments reinforce the Port’s focus on operational excellence, disciplined infrastructure delivery and long-term competitiveness.
