Posted on March 16, 2021
The Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association’s (GICA) Board of Directors has selected Paul Dittman as its prospective president. He will assume the role at GICA’s 116th Annual Seminar in August 2021.
Dittman is currently the Vice President of Compliance, Security and Safety at Turn Services, a position he accepted after retiring from the U.S. Coast Guard. Most of his Coast Guard career was spent in the Eighth Coast Guard District in a variety of staff and command positions.
He has worked closely with the inland towing industry in St. Louis, New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Port Arthur, Texas, on issues ranging from waterways management, marine inspections, casualty and personal action investigations, pollution response, high water, and port security.
During his last assignment as the Director of Western Rivers and Waterways Management, he was the senior Captain responsible for overseeing all aids to navigation and U.S. Coast Guard waterways management activities throughout the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and Western Rivers system.
Dittman is a graduate of Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Bourne, Mass., where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Transportation Management and an Unlimited Tonnage Third Mate’s license. He was also awarded a Master of Arts degree in National Security Strategy by the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, R.I. Paul and his wife, Joan, live in Covington, La., and have four children.
“We are thrilled to announce the selection of Paul Dittman as our prospective president,” said GICA Chair Mary McCarthy. “Paul has worked closely with GICA for many years. His experience in the Coast Guard and towboat industry has prepared him very well for leading our association. Simply put, he knows our issues and membership.”
Chas Haun, GICA’s Chairman Elect, added, “Paul’s already been a great advocate for the towing industry. I look forward to him continuing in that role with GICA.”
Dittman will succeed GICA’s current President, Jim Stark, who has served the association since July 2010 and who is planing to retire.
