Governor Kay Ivey names three new members, reappoints one to the Alabama State Port Authority Board

Three new board members will take their seats this month, when the Alabama State Port Authority’s board of directors meet on business matters concerning the state’s only seaport.  Gov. Kay Ivey appointed Tony Cochran and Dr. Patricia Sims to represent both Northern region seats and Carl Jemison to represent the Central region.  Governor Ivey also reappointed Alvin Hope to his second term representing the Southern region.  Pursuant to the Alabama Constitution and pertinent statutes, the Alabama State Senate will consider and confirm all four appointments in February 2021 during the Regular Legislative Session. 

Gov. Ivey, in separate letters to Cochran, Jemison, Sims and Hope, expressed appreciation for their service and tasked her appointees to be good stewards of public money while instilling trust in state government noting members would be making important decisions affecting the citizens of Alabama.  “I’ve appointed individuals that have consistently demonstrated the necessary knowledge and leadership skills critical to economic expansion in Alabama,” said Ivey. “The success of our port is fundamental to Alabama businesses and jobs, and I’m confident these folks will contribute to the great work being done under John Driscoll and the board.”  

Established by legislative act in 2000, the nine-member board holds fiscal and policy oversight for the public seaport.  The Port Authority’s chair, Bestor Ward, welcomed the appointments noting, “their depth of experience is complementary to our board, and the synergy generated between our combined board and our new director will net opportunities for the port and the state.”  Port Authority director and chief executive officer, John Driscoll noted, “Both my management team and I look forward to working with our new members and leveraging their diverse skill set to advance Alabama’s seaport for economic development and jobs growth.”

Tony Cochran is the owner and managing partner of CK Business Solutions, PC, holding over 40 years in business management consulting and accounting experience.  He is a certified public accountant and a chartered global management accountant focused on business acquisitions and sales.  Mr. Cochran holds leadership positions on numerous boards and commissions, including the Albertville Chamber of Commerce, Business Council of Alabama, the National Acoustic Neuroma Association, and his recent appointment as chair of the Alabama Small Business Commission.

Dr. Patricia Sims is President of Drake State Community & Technical College in Huntsville, Ala. Dr. Sims holds over twenty years of teaching and academic leadership experience. She has authored a number of publications and presentations on college accreditation, workforce development, foundation planning, and partnerships in education.  Dr. Sims holds extensive experience in university and college accreditation and currently serves on the board of trustees and the executive council for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the Burritt Memorial Committee, and the University of Alabama College of Education Board of Advisors.  She recently served on the Alabama Articulation and General Studies Committee (STARS) as the regional college representative.  Dr. Sims named to the 2019 Class of Women Who Shape the State of Alabama and identified as one of the Ten Most Dominant Leaders of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.  Dr. Sims serves on several boards and councils including Alabama Forever Wild, Alabama United, and the Women’s Economic Development Council Foundation Board. 

Carl Jamison is a shareholder and chair of the executive committee for the firm JamisonMoneyFarmer, PC in Tuscaloosa, Ala.  Mr. Jamison holds over 35 years of attest, tax and consulting services to manufacturing, construction, medical and real estate industry clients. Mr. Jamison is past chair and currently serves on the executive committee for the Business Council of Alabama, and is past chair and current board member for the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority and Progress PAC.  Mr. Jamison currently serves on Gov. Ivey’s Study Group on Gaming Policy. 

Alvin Hope is an attorney and shareholder of Maynard Cooper Gale, and has served on the Port Authority’s board since August 2015.  Mr. Hope’s legal practice includes economic development and incentives, public financing, health care, and labor and employment.  Recognized as one of The Best Lawyers in America in the Area of Economic Development. Mr. Hope serves on the board of trustees for the Alabama Center for Real Estate and is a member of the State Bar in both Alabama and Georgia.