State of the Port Luncheon 2026

Join us for one of the most anticipated events of the year — the Annual State of the Port Address, presented by Doug Otto, Director and CEO of the Alabama Port Authority. This important event offers a comprehensive overview of the current performance, future vision, and strategic priorities of the Port of Mobile, Alabama’s gateway to global trade.

Doug Otto was named Director & CEO in November 2025. He began his position as Vice President of Engineering at the Alabama Port Authority in January 2022 and was appointed to Chief Engineering Officer in 2024. In this role, he was responsible for the Port’s engineering, construction, environmental, and grant management programs.

Prior to joining the Port, Doug was Chief of the Engineering Division for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District where he was the principal advisor to the District Commander on all engineering matters and responsible for military, civil works, international/interagency and environmental programs.

Doug holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Auburn University and a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. He is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Alabama and is Facility Engineer Level III certified. Doug is also a graduate of the USAF Air Command and Staff and Air War Colleges.

Aside from his long career as an engineer, Doug also served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserve for more than 30 years, retiring as a Colonel. While in the USAFR, he served as a C-130/WC-130 Instructor and Evaluator Pilot, and Squadron Commander of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, commonly known as the “Hurricane Hunters”.

A native of Mobile, Doug has four children and four grandchildren and resides with his wife, Kim, in Mobile.