Mr. James H. Garrett is an accomplished executive leader with extensive experience in river transportation, logistics, energy, and port operations. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Paducah–McCracken County Riverport Authority, providing executive leadership for a publicly owned riverport that oversees a multifaceted operational enterprise.
In addition to his public-sector leadership, Mr. Garrett spent a significant portion of his career with American Electric Power (AEP), where he held progressively senior leadership roles spanning fuel operations, mining, river operations, engineering, construction, and plant management. As Managing Director of Fuel Operations and Mining, he provided corporate leadership across multiple facilities, directing long-term operational and financial planning, capital investments, and comprehensive safety, health, and environmental initiatives. He also served as President of Merrill Marine Services, where he led operations, marketing, and financial performance for a marine surveying and appraisal firm.
Mr. Garrett holds a Bachelor of Science in Safety Engineering Technology and an Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Fairmont State University. He completed the American Electric Power MBA Management Program at The Ohio State University and received advanced training in LEAN Management.
He is actively engaged in the Paducah, Kentucky community, serving on several local boards including the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce and the Regional Transportation Committee. He also serves as a radio sports broadcaster for the McCracken County High School Mustangs.