Alabama Port Authority CEO John Driscoll Resigns; Doug Otto Named Interim Director Amid Global Search

MOBILE, AL (BuzzReport) – John Driscoll, the accomplished CEO and Director of the Alabama Port Authority, has retired from his position, effective immediately, according to an official announcement released Tuesday afternoon. Doug Otto, the Port’s Chief Engineering Officer, has been appointed as interim Director, with a global search now underway for a permanent successor.

Driscoll, who took the helm in 2020 following the tenure of Jimmy Lyons, leaves a legacy marked by significant infrastructure development and strategic growth initiatives for the Port of Mobile. His resignation was announced during the Port Authority’s regularly scheduled board of directors meeting.

Under Driscoll’s leadership, the Port Authority initiated and advanced several major capital projects designed to enhance the Port’s capacity and competitive edge. These include the crucial deepening and widening of the Port of Mobile’s ship channel, substantial new investments at the McDuffie Coal Terminal and the APM container terminal, and the groundbreaking for the Montgomery Intermodal Container Facility.

“As Director, John has implemented major capital projects that will position the Port for future growth,” said Zeke Smith, Chairman of the Alabama Port Authority Board of Directors. “We thank him for his service to the State of Alabama, and wish him well in retirement.”

Driscoll, a Maryland native with a background in maritime industry leadership roles in California and internationally, expressed pride in the Port’s achievements. “The Alabama Port Authority is truly a world-class operation,” Driscoll stated. “I am proud of our achievements that we have made as a team. Those accomplishments have positioned the Port to provide excellent service for our customers for generations to come. While I’ll miss the Port and the people associated with it, it is time for me to focus on my wife, children, and extended family.”

Taking over immediately as interim Director, Doug Otto brings extensive experience to the role. Otto has served as the Port’s Chief Engineering Officer and possesses a robust background with the US Army Corps of Engineers.

“We’re also pleased to name Doug Otto as the Port’s interim Director,” Smith added. “From his time as Chief Engineering Officer at the Port to his extensive background with the US Army Corps of Engineers, Doug is well-positioned to lead the Port Authority through this transition as we continue and enhance major projects in the coming months.”

The Port Authority Board of Directors has promptly initiated a global search to identify a new, permanent director, ensuring continuity on major projects and commercial development during this transition period.