I was presented with the award during the club’s National Maritime Day festivities. I was recognized for my work in organizing the Belle of Louisville’s 100th birthday last October. The Propeller Club also acknowledged my participation in the annual Kentucky Derby events “Thunder over Louisville” and “The Great Steamboat Race.” I am proud to join a long and impressive list of capable maritime professionals who the club has recognized each year since 1984 for their contributions to the maritime industry and the inland river system.
I worked very hard to make sure that the Belle of Louisville’s centennial celebration was exceptional, but I didn’t expect to receive an award for my efforts. Even though organizing the event was quite a challenge, the real reward for me was the opportunity to showcase a national treasure such as the Belle of Louisville. There is a special place in my heart for this historically significant riverboat. I did my best to steer the Belle of Cincinnati to victory during our annual river race, but it was only fitting that the grand Belle of Louisville won handily on her birthday.
I have been a mariner on the inland river system since 1970. I hold three merchant mariner licenses and have logged countless hours as a master of riverboats. I am proud of the many awards I have received over the years. I have served on many industry work groups and was president of the Passenger Vessel Association in 1988.
I am very honored to have been named Maritime Person of the Year by the Port of Louisville Propeller Club.
I have had a great career on the river, one that I didn’t anticipate. I look forward to many more years on the water and in service to the maritime industry.
