Two Major Management Positions Filled at Docks

Leslie H. Stuart and H.S. “Smitty” Thorne III have been named to major management positions at Alabama State Docks. Director and Chief Executive Officer James K. Lyons recommended and the Alabama State Port Authority Board approved the hirings at a recent meeting.

Stuart, who has 41 years of experience in the international transportation industry, is manager of Trade & Development. Thorne is manager of Bulk Operations, with oversight of the Bulk Material Handling Plant and McDuffie Terminals. Thorne has 33 years of experience in the maritime industry.

Lyons, who praised the work as well as work ethic of the two, said, “I have known each of these men for almost 30 years. Alabama State Docks will be well served by their expertise. They will be a great help to us. It is always exciting when we can hire personnel who have great experience in the maritime industry. I am pleased they have joined our team.”

Stuart also has responsibility for real and personal property as well as marketing at the port. His background includes: president of Container Services International Inc. of Mobile; vice president of a number of Ryan-Walsh Stevedoring Co. subsidiary companies including Southern Steamship Agency, Southern Marine Inc., Container Services International Inc., World Wide Crating and Warehousing Co., and Ryan-Walsh Stevedoring Company. 

Thorne’s background includes 29 years with Ryan-Walsh Stevedoring Co. in various vice president positions in the Southeast and four years with the Jackson Kearney Group as general manager – East Gulf, and vice president - New Orleans Operations.