ACBL announces strategic reorganization

Over the last few years, American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) has embarked on a journey to realize its vision of being the trusted leader in marine transportation. As part of this ongoing transformation, ACBL is announcing an important reorganization designed to enhance and optimize operational efficiency, customer satisfaction and ensure successful execution of ACBL’s fleet strategy.

Fleet Development and 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 position, Sutton will be responsible for vessel reliability, leasing, building and acquisitions. He will also lead our new barge pooling business segment. Sutton’s extensive experience at ACBL and Jeffboat uniquely qualifies him to manage this critical business function. He will continue to report to CEO, Mike Ellis and be an integral member of ACBL’s Executive Team.

Operations

As part of this reorganization, we are pleased to announce Brent Cervenka will be joining the ACBL Team as our Chief Operating Officer, reporting to Mike Ellis. Brent brings a wealth of experience in logistics and operations from his previous roles at Target, Amazon, Pitney Bowes and most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Pandion Logistics. Brent will oversee Logistics and Network Operations, Vessel Operations, Fleet and Facility Operations, Safety and Operational Training.

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

With mixed emotions we announce that after a long and esteemed career in the Maritime Industry, our SVP – Dry Cargo Division, Bob Blocker will be retiring effective June 2025. Blocker has been a cornerstone of ACBL, contributing significantly to the company’s growth and success over his lengthy tenure. His dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on the company.

As a part of Blocker’s planned retirement, ACBL has undergone a strategic reorganization of its Dry Cargo Division and introduced the new role of Chief Commercial Officer. After a comprehensive national search, ACBL is pleased to announce that Ricky Stover has been selected to fill this critical position. Stover brings 20+ years of transportation industry experience in the rail and trucking sectors, most recently serving as a sales and marketing officer at Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway. He will be responsible for all non-liquid commercial activity, business development, mergers and acquisitions and will report to Mike Ellis.

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

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

Further, Jeff Carman has been promoted to Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and will be responsible for all dry cargo markets, except grain which will continue to be led by Rich McCarty.

"This reorganization confirms our commitment to building a strong and diversified team capable of executing our strategic initiatives. With ACBL and industry veteran Patrick Sutton leading our Fleet Development Strategy and Brent Cervenka joining us as Chief Operating Officer, we are well-positioned to continue our transformation journey and build on our operational excellence," said CEO Mike Ellis. "The addition of Ricky Stover as Chief Commercial Officer and the promotion of Jeff Carman to Vice President of Sales and Marketing mark another crucial phase in our transformational journey. Their expertise and leadership will drive us toward achieving our long-term strategy and reinforcing our position as the trusted leader in marine transportation. I extend my deepest gratitude to Bob Blocker for his invaluable contributions and dedicated service. We look forward to celebrating his remarkable career as he transitions into retirement.”