The Seamen's Church Institute will honor Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd. chief executive John C. Wobensmith and retired Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda L. Fagan at its 48th Annual Silver Bell Awards Dinner on June 11 in New York City.
Wobensmith, who serves as chairman, chief executive officer, and president of Genco, will receive the Silver Bell Award. Fagan, who served as the 27th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Wobensmith possesses more than 30 years of experience in maritime finance, shipping, and corporate leadership and has been credited with driving Genco's strategic growth as a global dry bulk operator. He was inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame in 2024.
Fagan made history as the first woman to lead a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. During a four-decade career, she served on all seven continents and held senior leadership positions, including vice commandant, commander of Coast Guard Pacific Area, and commander of Sector New York. As commandant, she oversaw more than 50,000 active-duty, reserve, civilian, and auxiliary personnel.
"John Wobensmith and Admiral Linda Fagan exemplify the values of service, integrity, and dedication that define leadership," said the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt, president and executive director of the Seamen's Church Institute. "We are honored to recognize their extraordinary contributions and grateful for their longstanding support of the maritime community."
"For nearly five decades, the Silver Bell Awards Dinner has served as a hallmark gathering of the shipping industry, recognizing individuals whose leadership and dedication have strengthened the maritime sector while advancing the safety, dignity, and well-being of those who serve at sea," the Seamen's Church Institute said in a statement. "The strong turnout and generous support underscored the industry’s enduring commitment to the welfare of mariners and seafarers and its longstanding partnership with the Seamen’s Church Institute."
Last year's event drew more than 600 guests and raised over $770,000 in support of the Seamen's Church Institute's mission to advance the welfare of seafarers and mariners.
Founded in 1834, the Seamen's Church Institute is North America's largest mariner and seafarer service organization, providing advocacy, training, crisis response, and pastoral care to maritime workers.
