In Memoriam: Mark Sheppard

Mark Ivey Sheppard, vice president for trade and development for the Alabama State Port Authority, died May 14 at his home following a brief illness. He was 61 years old.

"Mark Sheppard’s sudden passing comes as a deep shock to our maritime and international trade community," said James K. Lyons, the port authority’s director and chief executive officer. "We are deeply saddened by Mark’s passing. He was a key member of our team and a good friend."

Recruited by the Alabama State Port Authority in February 2005, Mr. Sheppard led trade and carrier development for the port authority’s intermodal investments. Under his tenure, business and ocean carrier service expanded at the new container terminal despite a global economic recession from 2008 through 2010.  

Mr. Sheppard’s maritime career spanned over 30 years, beginning with a management trainee position for United States Lines, then one of the world’s largest container shipping lines. He subsequently worked in the U.S. Gulf for Hapag-Lloyd, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Ned-Lloyd Lines.

Mr. Sheppard served on the board of directors for the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway Development Council and as vice chairman and chairman-elect for the Alabama Germany Partnership. He was a native of Mobile and graduated from the University of South Alabama. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Sheppard, and is survived by his daughter, Jessica Allen Sheppard of Washington, D.C. 

American Association of Port Authorities
Asociación Americana de Autoridades Portuarias
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