Garrett Hired As New Paducah Port Director

James Garrett will serve as the next director of the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority.

The riverport announced Garrett’s hiring November 14. He begins work December 2. Garrett succeeds Tim Cahill, who is retiring.

“Under Mr. Cahill’s leadership, the riverport made significant strides in operational efficiency, infrastructure development and community engagement,” the riverport’s board of directors said in a news release. “The board of directors extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Cahill for his contributions and wishes him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

Ines Rivas-Hutchins, chairwoman of the port’s board of directors, said Garrett stood out as the ideal candidate to guide the riverport into its next chapter.

“His extensive experience in river transportation, logistics and project management, combined with his vision and strong leadership skills, make him uniquely qualified to build on the solid foundation laid by Tim Cahill,” she said.

Garrett brings with him decades of experience in the maritime and transportation industries. He has served as president of Merrill Marine Services in Paducah and managing director of fuel operations and mining for American Electric Power. The port noted that Garrett has overseen major operational and capital projects, advanced safety and environmental compliance initiatives and driven efficiency in river operations and logistics.

As executive director of the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority, Garrett will oversee daily operations, fiscal management and strategic initiatives for the riverport. He will also be instrumental in advancing key infrastructure projects, expanding business development opportunities and maintaining the riverport’s reputation in the maritime industry, according to the news release.