By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Gov. Kay Ivey has reappointed Dr. Patricia Sims, president of Drake State Community & Technical College, to the Alabama Port Authority Board of Directors, continuing her role as the Northern District representative.
Sims previously served on the board from August 2020 through July 2025, completing a five-year term. Her reappointment was announced Jan. 7. Gov. Ivey also reappointed Tony Cochran and Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson to the board.
Established by legislative act in 2000, the nine-member Alabama Port Authority Board provides fiscal and policy oversight for the state’s public seaport system. The authority owns and operates Alabama’s water port facilities at the Port of Mobile, one of the largest and fastest-growing seaports in the United States.
“It’s an honor to continue serving on the Port Authority board,” Sims said in a statement. “The work we’ve been doing is critical to Alabama’s economy, and I look forward to building on the progress we’ve made as we advance the Port’s strategic initiatives.”
The Port of Mobile plays a major role in Alabama’s economic development, supporting container, general cargo, and bulk shipping operations. The port offers direct access to two interstate highway systems, five Class I railroads, and nearly 15,000 miles of inland waterways, making it a key logistics hub for domestic and international trade.
According to the Alabama Port Authority, cargo and vessel activity associated with the port supports tens of thousands of jobs statewide and generates billions of dollars in economic impact for Alabama each year.
Sims’ continued service on the board reflects the ongoing connection between Alabama’s workforce development efforts and the state’s growing maritime and logistics industries. As president of Drake State, Sims has emphasized education and training pathways that align with high-demand sectors, including transportation, manufacturing, and infrastructure.