John Driscoll, director and chief executive officer of the Alabama State Port Authority, announced that Beth Ann Frisher will join the Port Authority senior management team as the new chief commercial officer effective Feb. 18.
“Beth stood out amongst a very impressive list of qualified individuals seeking to lead this critical position at the Authority,” Driscoll said.
Frisher earned her bachelor’s degree from Duke University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Frisher brings to the Port Authority extensive commercial maritime experience at the senior level in both the public and private sectors.
Prior to joining the Port Authority, Frisher served as the head of business development and international marketing at the Port of Oakland. Her experience also includes more than 15 years with AP Moller-Maersk in both Europe and North American, directing sales and marketing, business process and pricing initiatives. Frisher will be responsible for all commercial activities involving sales, marketing and real estate development.
In another move, Driscoll named Judith Adams vice president of internal-external affairs for the Port Authority. In this new role, Adams will lead the Port Authority’s government relations, initiatives at the local, state and federal levels. Adams will also lead port-wide administration for buildings services, service contracts and internal policy development. Adams will continue to manage the Port Authority’s community and public affairs, internal and external communications, public policy, events and serve as the port’s economic development liaison.
Driscoll also realigned internal operations. Bill Inge will continue to serve as vice president of general cargo and intermodal, leading the general cargo and intermodal operations, but Driscoll has added Theodore Terminals and operating lease terminals management to Inge’s portfolio of responsibilities.
“These changes provide both business and administration management continuity for both our customers and employees, and better align with the Port Authority’s business objectives and strategies for growth,” Driscoll said.
The Alabama State Port Authority owns and operates the state of Alabama’s deep-water port facilities at the Port of Mobile, which is currently the 11th-largest U.S. seaport by total trade, generating $25.4 billion in economic value statewide. The Port Authority’s container, general cargo and bulk facilities have immediate access to two interstate systems, five Class 1 railroads, nearly 15,000 miles of inland waterways and air cargo connections.
