The Birmingham-Jefferson County Port Authority (BJCPA) Board unites leaders in economic development, architecture, finance, energy, and community engagement to drive growth across the Birmingham Port and the Birmingport Industrial Corridor.
The Board’s role is simple but essential: keep BJCPA focused on its mission to strengthen freight logistics in Alabama, expand inland port infrastructure, and ensure the Port delivers real benefits for Central Alabama and beyond. That means supporting smart investment, championing public-private partnerships in logistics, and keeping community impact and long-term competitiveness at the center of every decision.
Leading this effort is BJCPA Executive Director David Russell. David brings more than seven years of experience in economic development, logistics, and port management to his role. With a background spanning both public and private sectors, David pairs practical deal execution with a clear focus on regional competitiveness. He is certified as an Inland Maritime Port Executive, reinforcing BJCPA’s commitment to efficient rail, river, and road logistics.
Board members
Jonathan Schniper
Manager of Business and Economic Development, Spire Energy
Jonathan is a strategic partnership builder who helps organizations grow by aligning strategy, people, and performance. With experience in executive leadership, economic development, and cross-industry collaboration, he specializes in turning complex challenges into clear opportunities. He brings a track record of leading high-performing teams, driving operational efficiency, and negotiating partnerships that deliver measurable results.
Mashonda Taylor
President and CEO, Woodlawn United
Mashonda leads comprehensive community revitalization in Birmingham’s historic Woodlawn neighborhood as President and CEO of Woodlawn United. Her work spans housing, cradle-to-career education, business growth, workforce development, and infrastructure, all rooted in long-term outcomes for families and neighborhoods. Mashonda brings a nationally recognized, place-based perspective to BJCPA, helping ensure economic development in Central Alabama remains connected to community needs, job creation, and sustainable progress.
Jonathan Porter
Senior Vice President of Customer Operations, Alabama Power
Jonathan represents Southern Company, one of the region’s most significant energy and infrastructure leaders. He provides strategic oversight of customer experience across business offices, service centers, and digital platforms, and brings more than three decades of experience in operations, customer service, economic development, and external affairs. Jonathan’s perspective supports BJCPA’s focus on long-range infrastructure planning, industrial growth, and the role reliable, forward-looking utilities play in attracting business investment across the Birmingport Industrial Corridor.
Charles Williams
Architect, Charles Williams & Associates
Charles is an experienced architect with a background in AutoCAD, value engineering, urban planning, and mixed-use development. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Auburn University and brings a practical design lens to how industrial sites and port-adjacent land can be planned, optimized and developed responsibly. His expertise helps BJCPA evaluate growth opportunities that balance operational needs with smart land use and long-term regional value.
Justin Mayfield
Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Justin is an industry thought leader in client service and sustainable financial strategy. He currently serves with Osborne and Associates at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, supporting clients through insightful investment guidance and proactive asset management. On the BJCPA Board, he strengthens financial stewardship and helps ensure investments in Alabama inland port infrastructure deliver durable returns for the region.
BJCPA is actively looking to connect with companies exploring new freight options, industrial sites, or public-private partnerships in logistics. Please fill out our partnership contact form, and a member of our team will follow up with details on the next steps.