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.
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 the company’s 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, chief executive officer and board member, and be a member of ACBL’s executive team.
As part of the reorganization, Brent Cervenka will be joining the ACBL team as our chief operating officer, reporting to Mike Ellis. Cervenka brings a wealth of experience in logistics and operations from his previous roles at Target, Amazon, Pitney Bowes and most recently serving as COO at Pandion Logistics. Cervenka 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,” Cervenka said in a statement announcing the new reorganization plan. “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.”
Meanwhile, dry cargo division senior vice president Bob Blocker will be retiring effective June 2025. As a part of his 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 has hired Ricky Stover to fill the position. Stover brings over 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,” said Stover. “I look forward to joining a growth-focused team 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 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,” said Ellis.
