Posted on July 14, 2025
Establishing a Unified Voice for Maritime Workforce Engagement
We Work the Waterways (WWW) proudly announces the formation of its inaugural Board of Directors and Advisory Council, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s launch as an independent nonprofit.
With leaders representing every corner of the maritime industry, from logistics firms and port authorities to maritime educators and deck-level professionals, this governing body positions WWW as a unified voice for workforce engagement and development within the maritime shipping and logistics industry.
“We are honored to welcome such a dynamic and inclusive group to lead this next chapter,” said Errin Howard, WWW Executive Director. “This board reflects the voices of the deck, the docks, the classroom, and the boardroom, and that’s exactly what our industry and future workforce need.”
As WWW embarks on this next chapter, the organization is focused on building national brand awareness and establishing a credible, go-to presence for those seeking talent, training, or maritime career opportunities. The newly appointed leadership team will help guide this effort, ensuring that WWW continues to serve as a bridge between education, industry, and the next generation of maritime professionals.
Board of Directors
Officers
President – Seth Lawson, Lawson Rigging
Vice President – Kelly Dimarco, Plaquemines Parish Government
Secretary – Capt. Jeanne Ferrer, Crescent River Pilots / Open Waters
Treasurer – Sydney DeFillips, Mississippi Power
Director of Board-Staff Engagement – Dawn Lopez, Associated Terminals/Turn Services
General Board Members
Capt. Aaron Williams, Bollard Consulting
Arthur Yves, Associated Terminals/Turn Services
Brandon Phillips, Riverview Boat & Tug Service
Christa White, Ingram Barge Company
David Murray, Waterways Journal
Heather Ervin, Marine Log
Katie Dunn, ADM/ARTCo
Merritt Parsons Vesich, Louisiana CAT
Richard Lockwood, consultant
Tony Dow, QSL
Advisory Council
Alexandra (Alex) Hernandez, Port of South Louisiana
Ashley Pitts, Salacia Logistics
Capt. Kenny Brown, Maritime Throwdown
Casey Stubbs, Golding Barge Line
Frank McCormack, Waterways Journal
Holly Normand, Celtic Marine
Jenna Gaudet, Eckstein Trade & Transport LLC / WIMOs Association
Marty Vizier, Sennebogen
Paul Rohde, Waterways Council, Inc.
Stephen LeBeouf, ADM/ARTCo
Terence James, PhD, Vicksburg Warren School District
Thomas Cagle, T&T Marine
To learn more about each board and advisory member, including photos, titles, and short bios, visit: https://weworkthewaterways.com/about-us/our-team/.
About We Work the Waterways
We Work the Waterways is a national nonprofit working to build a stronger future for the maritime workforce. Through strategic outreach, school programming, and industry collaboration, WWW serves as a bridge between industry, education, and workforce development. Our mission is to promote awareness of the various career opportunities in maritime shipping and logistics, and to become the go-to source for those seeking to work on or along our America’s vital waterways.
Interested in being involved with our advisory council? Email: contact@weworkthewaterways.com.
