ALEX KING

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PANAMA CITY PORT AUTHORITY, PANAMA CITY

The Panama City Port Authority handles over 2 million tons of containerized, breakbulk and bulk cargo annually. It also supports two on-port heavy manufacturers and several large regional industries in the community, generates $1.6 billion in regional economic activity and supports 11,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs throughout Northwest Florida. King oversees a staff of 70.

EDUCATION: Auburn University (BS)

FIRST JOB: After graduating from Auburn, an opportunity came to join Rail Management Corp., a short-line railroad company in Panama City, as a management trainee. My first years were spent learning rail operations from the ground up, affording invaluable experience of working day and night with career railroaders and learning every facet of how railroads operate, grow and increase revenue. This first job turned into a 10-year career in the rail industry.

DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: During high school and college, I was a member of the drumline in the marching band and played drums in the high school and university jazz bands. My alternate career would have been playing as a drummer for a touring jazz or Carolina Beach music band.

SOMETHING SUPRISING: As the 50-year mark in life draws closer, I have decided to take on a very challenging sport; competition pickleball with my wife and daughters. The competition is grueling!

HOBBIES: Beach time on the weekends is always at the top of the list for my family project. Shade trees take a long time to grow!