ACBL announces reorganization plan | Work boat

During the last years, Line of American commercial barges (ACBL) has embarked on a journey to realize its vision of being the trusted leader in shipping. As part of this ongoing transformation, ACBL is announcing a significant reorganization designed to improve and optimize operational efficiencies, customer satisfaction and ensure the success of ACBL’s fleet strategy.

To oversee the successful execution of ACBL’s fleet strategy, Patrick Sutton will assume the new role of Senior Vice President of Fleet Development and Strategy. In this role, Sutton will be responsible for vessel reliability, leasing, construction and acquisitions. He will also handle the company’s new barge pooling business segment.

Sutton’s extensive experience at the ACBL and Jeffboat uniquely qualifies him to manage this critical business function. He will continue to report to CEO Mike Ellis, CEO and Board Member, and will be a member of ACBL’s senior management team.

As part of the reorganization, Brent Cervenka will join the ACBL team as Director of Operations, reporting to Mike Ellis. Cervenka brings a wealth of logistics and operations experience from his previous roles at Target, Amazon, Pitney Bowes and more recently as COO at Pandion Logistics. Cervenka will oversee logistics and network operations, vessel operations, fleet and facility operations, security and operational training.

“I am honored to join ACBL and look forward to contributing to our continued transformation and future success,” Cervenka said in a statement announcing the new reorganization plan. “With the exceptional talent and dedication of the ACBL team, I am confident that we can achieve new heights in operational excellence and customer service. Together, we will drive innovation and efficiency, ensuring ACBL remains an industry leader.

Meanwhile, Bob Blocker, Senior Vice President of the Dry Goods Division, will retire effective June 2025. As part of his planned retirement, ACBL has conducted a strategic reorganization of its Dry Goods Division and introduced the new role of commercial director. After an extensive national search, ACBL hired Ricky Stover to fill the position. Stover brings over 20 years of transportation industry experience in both rail and road, most recently serving as Sales and Marketing Manager at Canadian Pacific Railway of Kansas City. He will be responsible for all illiquid business activities, business development, mergers and acquisitions and will report to Mike Ellis.

“Joining the ACBL is an exciting opportunity for me and my family,” Stover said. “I look forward to joining a team focused on growth and accelerating the success that Mike and (the) team have accomplished.” »

Blocker will work closely with Stover and the Dry Cargo team over the next year until his official retirement in June 2025.

Additionally, Jeff Carman has been promoted to vice president of sales and marketing and will be responsible for all dry goods markets except grains which will continue to be led by Rich McCarty.

“This reorganization confirms our commitment to building a strong, diverse team capable of executing our strategic initiatives,” Ellis said.