Alabama Port Authority announces new external affairs team

Alabama Port Authority Director and CEO, John C. Driscoll, today announced a new External Affairs team, which will lead communications and government relations for the state port authority.

“I am pleased to announce the port’s new external affairs team, whose expertise will support our work to provide competitive options for our customers and deliver transportation solutions across the State of Alabama,” said Driscoll.

The new External Affairs team will include Maggie Oliver, VP of Communications & Federal Affairs, Catherine Reaves, VP of Policy & State Affairs and Molly Tillman, Director of Public Affairs.

“Alabama is in one of the best positions geographically, politically, and economically to be the answer to the country’s supply chain struggles that we have all witnessed over the past couple of years,” said Driscoll. “This move reflects our commitment to the State of Alabama, leveraging the skills and talents of this team who will take Alabama’s port to the next level.”

Oliver will serve as primary spokesperson while leading communications strategy and federal affairs. Reaves will lead state affairs and drive development of public policy to support the Port’s commercial goals. Tillman will be managing external engagement to support government relations, communications, and commercial activities.

This announcement comes as long-time port authority leader, Judith Adams, is set to retire in December. Adams has served the State of Alabama at the Port Authority for 28 years and has been instrumental in the Port’s growth.

Two major projects are slated to open in 2025 and will further enhance the Port’s growth. The deepening and widening of the federal channel to a 50-foot depth will allow larger vessels to make Mobile their first port of call. Also in 2025, the Port Authority will open a new inland intermodal facility served by CSX in Montgomery. Both projects, in conjunction with increased growth at the Port’s container terminal, will provide new advantages and opportunities for businesses across Alabama.