Kenneth Graybill, captain of Crowley Maritime Corp.'s articulated tug-barge Legend/750-2, and Sal
Menoyo, general manager of Crowley’s Port Everglades terminal, were each
presented with 2011 Thomas Crowley Awards, the company's highest honor, at
an offsite ceremony held in Jacksonville, Fla.
The ceremony took on additional significance, Crowley says,
because Graybill is the first person in company history to receive the trophy
as a mariner.
The exclusive employee recognition program was created in
1985 and only 54 of the company's more than 5,300 employees have received the
award symbolized by a limited edition bronze sculpture, which depicts company
founder Thomas Crowley ferrying goods to and from ships on San Francisco Bay in
the early 1890s.
The trophy serves not only as a tribute to the company’s founder,
Crowley says, but also to those honorees who have aligned themselves closely
with the company's values displaying outstanding performance, dedication,
leadership and initiative.
Crowley's Chairman, President and CEO Tom Crowley
Jr., the grandson of the company's founder, presented the awards before
more than 110 employees and senior leaders who had gathered from around the
world in October for an important company safety summit. Included in audience
were 14 past recipients of the Thomas Crowley Award.
"Both of these men embody the qualities that this
trophy represents," said Crowley. "The honor for Capt. Graybill,
however, takes on additional meaning, not only because he is the first seagoing
employee to be presented with this award, but also because he was nominated earlier
this year by Capt. Vic Goldberg.”
Goldberg, who worked for Crowley as vice president of marine
operations for the company’s petroleum transportation group for 10 years,
passed away unexpectedly in early October.
“In his submission letter, Vic wrote that he nominated Ken
because ‘he has been a leader amongst his shipmates, always commanding his
vessel in a professional manner. Most importantly, Capt. Graybill has been the
sea trial master for all of [Crowley’s] new ATBs prior to their delivery. This requires
long periods away from home during his vacation time … Kenny has never refused
to help when it is needed. I believe he measures up to all the values that this
trophy embodies.’ I couldn’t agree more,” said Crowley.
"This is an amazing honor," said Graybill. "I
accept it with heartfelt appreciation. It’s important for my fellow crewmembers
to understand that we are recognized for a job well done. We are part of a
company that recognizes that."
Menoyo has also demonstrated unyielding dedication to the
company.
"Sal started his career at Crowley in Puerto Rico and
has moved through the ranks to where he is today. He has done a fantastic
job," explained Crowley. "He has embraced our safety culture by
starting a great new safety program in St. Thomas and he’s doing it again now
in Port Everglades. He’s taking this long-time Crowley port to a whole new
level and reviving it with his fresh, new approach. But that’s only part of the
reason why he was awarded. He also is recognized for the ‘can-do’ attitude he
has displayed across so many disciplines and in so many locations.”
“I am very humbled and honored to receive the award,” said
Menoyo. “I dedicate this award to all the employees who I have worked with
throughout my career and allowed me to contribute to Crowley's success and
accomplishments. We are very lucky to work for such a great company where
our core values are the driving force of our business.”
Graybill, who lives in Jacksonville, began his career at
Crowley in 2002 as a chief mate in Virginia, and by 2003 had become a master.
In 2005 and 2006, he transferred as a master to New Jersey and Jacksonville,
consecutively, and he most recently sailed as captain aboard the Legend/750-2,
one of three vessels in the class of Crowley’s largest ATBs.
Menoyo, domiciled in Port Everglades, Fla., joined Crowley
in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1995 as a senior port captain. In 2000, he
transferred to Crowley’s liner services team and held the roles of manager,
cargo services, and manager, cargo operations, in St. Thomas. In 2004, he transferred
to San Juan, Puerto Rico, as manager, yard operations, and soon after was
advanced to the role of manager, cargo claims. In 2008, Menoyo
was transferred back to St. Thomas as director of port
operations and was soon promoted to general manager. In early 2011, he
transferred to Port Everglades in the same position. He has a bachelor's degree
in marine transportation from the Maritime College at Fort Schuyler, State
University of New York. He is also a certified facility security officer.