Marine Log’s Top Women in Maritime 2025: The full interviews

As the maritime industry continues to expand, innovate, and welcome a more diverse workforce, we’re proud to present our 2025 list of Top Women in Maritime—now in its sixth year of celebrating the leaders shaping the future of our industry.

This year’s honorees represent a remarkable group of 20 women from around the world, each nominated by Marine Log readers. Their backgrounds span vessel operations, shoreside management, engineering, policy, technology, and more. What unites them is their impact: each has made meaningful, measurable contributions to the maritime sector.

In the pages ahead, we highlight their achievements, influence, and the work that earned them a place on this year’s list.

Elena Calhoun, Marine Systems Engineer, Boksa Marine Design

Elena Calhoun is a Marine Systems Engineer with Boksa Marine Design, where she focuses on systems engineering for the Cheoy Lee Yachts Discovery line of explorer pocket yachts as well as other commercial, pleasure, and government projects. She is a licensed USCG 3rd Assistant Engineer (unlimited tonnage) and a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserves, she brings a strong foundation of technical expertise and operational experience to her role. 

Prior to joining Boksa Marine Design, Elena worked as a design engineer and project planner. Her hands-on background spans both commercial and government shipyards, where she performed systems engineering and contributed to a range of maritime projects. Elena holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Class of 2020

Marine Log (ML): What would you say to women entering or new to the maritime industry today?

Elena: Always be open to learning. Whether it’s developing a new skill, discovering a different approach, or diving into a new subject. In this industry, learning never stops. Throughout my career in the maritime industry, I’ve taken on a variety of roles, and each one has taught me valuable lessons that I continue to apply to my success today.

Community is also important in this industry. As women in a traditionally male-dominated field, we may face unique challenges, but that should never limit our potential. Surround yourself with people who support and inspire you—coworkers, mentors, and other women in the industry. Seek out those who uplift you, recognize your value, and encourage your growth.

Capt. Kamila Calko, Founder & Owner, SeaLight & SeaLight Sisters

With a distinguished two-decade career, Capt. Kamila Calko is a highly accomplished mariner and a dedicated advocate for an inclusive maritime sector. From helming tugboats to captaining Canadian Coast Guard and ro-ro passenger-ferry ships, her hands-on experience is extensive. Calko is also the first and only woman to qualify for the Pacific Pilotage Authority’s examinations, a testament to her profound expertise and resilience.

Driven by a passion to create a more equitable industry, Calko founded SeaLight, an initiative committed to driving systemic change. Through workshops, consulting, and advocacy, SeaLight empowers individuals and organizations to build a more inclusive environment. Central to this mission is SeaLight Sisters, a recently established non-profit, registered in Canada, dedicated to providing a comprehensive hub of resources for women in maritime. This includes vital support for mental health, legal advocacy, and educational empowerment. Anchored by an online community and app, this platform ensures that SeaLight’s initiatives are directly informed by the lived experiences of women at sea.

ML: What would you say to women entering or new to the maritime industry today?”

Kamila: What I would say is this: You are enough, and you do not have to prove your worth to the system.

I spent years believing I had to be “bullet-proof”—suppressing my true self, working harder than my peers, and letting micro-aggressions go unanswered. That immense pressure to conform is the single biggest barrier to long-term success and leads directly to burnout.

Instead, know your value and claim your space. Be professional, yes, but lead with vulnerability and collaborative strength. And most importantly, know that you are not alone: SeaLight Sisters exists because that burden should not be yours to carry. We are building the network, the legal guidance, and the specialized support needed to ensure your competency—not your gender—is the only thing that matters.”

Capt. Tamara Colette, Associate Professor, Marine Transportation, Cal Poly Maritime Academy

Captain Tamara Colette is a graduate of the California Maritime Academy, class of 2007, and holds a U.S. Coast Guard Master Unlimited License, All Oceans. She sailed as Chief Mate on bulk, breakbulk, and heavy lift vessels in both domestic and international trade.

She is now an Associate Professor of Marine Transportation at Cal Poly Maritime Academy, where she teaches courses in navigation, simulation, and boat handling. She has served on the Academic Senate and as Chair of the Marine Transportation Department.

Colette holds a Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Management. She is the author of the fourth edition of The Masters Handbook on Ship’s Business (Cornell Press) and has published on topics including eco-piloting and maritime student engagement.

Her work in the classroom has been recognized with awards including the University’s Mission Achievement Award for Student Learning and the peer-selected Outstanding Teacher Award.

Beyond her professional life, she is a proud wife and mother of three.

ML:  What would I say to a woman entering or new to the maritime industry today?

Tamara: Embrace your identity. Seek out connections with other women from day one. You belong here and you have nothing to prove. Maritime is a hard work industry, so work hard, develop a tough skin, and speak up often for yourself and others. I, for one, will always believe you. 

When you get the chance to lead, choose to improve things for everyone who comes after you. We work — and sometimes live — in an industry with such a rich past, the stuff of tattoos. Respect that history, but please continue the work of progressing our field toward a new, more welcoming era. We are stronger together.

Lastly, embrace the opportunities that come, and enjoy the water. We are so excited for your future. May you always have fair winds and good health.”

Erica Custis, General Manager, Moran Towing – Wilmington

Erica oversees tug operations supporting commercial vessel traffic throughout the port. A lifelong mariner, Custis grew up boating on Nandua Creek and the Chesapeake Bay on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. After earning a degree from Radford University in 1999, she spent several years as a deckhand on sailing vessels in the Caribbean before graduating from Texas Maritime Academy at Texas A&M University at Galveston in 2004. She sailed as a third mate from 2004 to 2006 before joining Moran Towing, where she served as a ship-assist tug captain in Norfolk, Va., for 16 years prior to assuming her current leadership role in Wilmington in 2022. Custis is a term member of the Port of Wilmington Harbor Safety Committee and president of the Propeller Club, Port of Wilmington.

ML: What successes are you most proud of in your maritime career? 

Erica: Never giving up and pushing past comfort zones during milestone accomplishment periods like sailing on ships as third officer, becoming a ship assist tug captain, attaining a first-class pilot license, navigating the general manager learning curve etc. Staying fair, kind, grounded, and believing that I deserve to be there right next to my male counterparts through it all.

Angelique Davis, Senior Naval Architect, PE, VARD

Angelique is a senior naval architect and professional engineer whose leadership and technical expertise have advanced Canada’s maritime design and consulting capabilities. A graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Ocean and Naval Architectural Engineering program, she has been a licensed engineer with Professional Engineers Ontario since 2013. Her work on ferries, icebreakers, offshore patrol vessels, and other complex projects reflects her strong commitment to safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Currently serving as Quality Assurance Manager at Vard Marine Inc., Angelique leads continuous improvement initiatives, oversees ISO 9001:2015 compliance, and supports engineering teams in delivering consistent, high-quality work.

She is also a dedicated mentor and advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). At Vard, she founded a cross-functional EDI initiative, fostering a more inclusive workplace culture. Her contributions extend beyond her formal role through active involvement with the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) and other industry events. Recognized as one of Professional Engineers Ontario’s ‘25 Outstanding Female Engineers’ and featured in Women in the Institution 1919–2019 by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), Angelique is widely respected for her thoughtful communication, inclusive leadership, and commitment to professional excellence.

Karen Demsey, Director, Port Operations, Crowley Logistics

Karen Dempsey serves as the director of port operations at Crowley’s marine logistics terminal in Eddystone, Pennsylvania, where she provides comprehensive oversight of all terminal activities. Her dedication to safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance ensures the terminal consistently meets the highest operational standards.

With more than 43 years dedicated to advancing maritime logistics at Crowley, Dempsey possesses extensive expertise in documentation, intermodal trucking and port operations. Her strategic vision has shaped key logistics initiatives across the company, including Crowley’s inaugural service connecting Central America to the U.S. Northeast, a milestone recognized as the industry’s fastest route.

Dempsey’s leadership is marked by operational excellence and a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction. Her leadership and dedication have been pivotal in maintaining Crowley’s reputation for reliable and innovative logistics solutions.

Mara DuVernois, Tender Manager, Resolve Marine

Mara DuVernois is the Tender Manager at Resolve Marine, a global marine salvage company headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She earned a dual degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Webb Institute and is currently pursuing her MBA at the University of Florida. Mara has worked on maritime operations on all seven continents, including the M/V Dali response following the FSK bridge collapse, deep-water recovery off the coast of Malaysia, a containership fire in Canada, an Antarctica fuel resupply mission, a grounded cargo vessel in South Africa, artificial reef construction, and more. Active in professional organizations, Mara serves as the Education Committee Chair for the American Salvage Association (ASA), as a member of the Women’s International Shipping and Trade Association (WISTA), and as the Florida Regional Coordinator for Webb Institute. Mara is committed to advancing as a leader in global maritime emergency response and wreck removal, pursuing hands-on experience and development in high-impact, multi-faceted operations.

ML: What would you say to women entering or new to the maritime industry today?

Mara: Be a sponge.  

When I started in maritime, my unofficial mission was to get involved in anything and everything – from operations to commercial to deck support to meetings I probably wasn’t supposed to be on. I would stay past my shift just to experience as much as possible: scrubbing heat exchanger plates, sitting in on contract negotiations, learning dive tables, supporting critical lifts, etc. Each time, I’d walk away with new ideas, one more bruise, and another puzzle piece in understanding the business.

While background or education might have gotten you into the room, your drive to stretch beyond that will propel your career. Learn the finance side, discover how the new subsea drill works, connect with the deck crew, etc. Never underestimate how much credibility comes from learning how to connect dots across the industry.

Own your development and embrace the opportunities. The maritime industry is a mix of chaos, problem-solving, and the occasional 3am call (“hey, you will NOT believe what just happened”). Most importantly, enjoy it! This industry is complex, unpredictable, full of characters – and absolutely will be worth it.

Jenna Gaudet, Co-Founder, WIMOs and EVP, Eckstein Trade & Transport LLC

Jenna Gaudet’s maritime career began with her family business, St. John Fleeting, LLC “SJF”, in 2010. Gaudet got her start with the company as a nighttime dispatcher, and although maritime had always been a part of her life, this is where she fell in love with the industry. She was eager to learn the foundations of the business and continued to dispatch until 2012 when she was promoted to CFO of SJF. In 2017, along with her now business partner Kasey Eckstein, she co-founded WIMOs Association, which is dedicated to the education, engagement, and elevation of women in the maritime industry. In 2021, Gaudet left SJF to pursue other endeavors outside the maritime industry. In the end, her attachment to the industry and friendship with Eckstein brought her back home, and she joined Eckstein Trade & Transport, LLC “ET&T” as a partner and Executive Vice President in September 2022. ET&T is a full-service brokering firm and equipment operator that also provides aggregate and construction material sourcing. She currently serves as Assistant Executive Director of WIMOs Association and a We Work the Waterways Advisory Board Member.

ML: What would you say to women entering or new to the maritime industry today?

Jenna: If I could speak to every woman entering the maritime industry, I would tell them to find their community. I think that all throughout history, woman have been most successful when they were engaged in a community of other like-minded women. This is what made the biggest difference in my career. I was given many opportunities because of my family’s history in the industry, but for me, I think meeting my business partner, Kasey Eckstein, and many other women who I now call friends is where I started to thrive in my career. I think it is important to have that network to lean on when you need support.

Gerona Goethe, General Manager, Bay Ship & Yacht Co.

Gerona Goethe brings more than 20 years of experience in the shipyard industry. A proud graduate of Cal Poly Maritime Academy (formerly California Maritime Academy), she began her career with Walther Engineering under the guidance of Charlie Walther before joining Bay Ship & Yacht Co.

Gerona joined Bay Ship & Yacht Co. as a Project Administrator supporting production operations across multiple vessel projects. Over the years, she advanced into key leadership roles, including Contracts Administrator and Estimating & Contracts Manager, where she helped strengthen contract strategy, project planning, and operational coordination.

In 2022, Gerona was promoted to General Manager. In this role, she played a central part in the transition of Bay Ship & Yacht Co. from private ownership to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) model. Today, she continues to lead with a focus on collaboration, operational excellence, and building a strong employee-centered culture.

ML: What successes are you most proud of in your maritime career? 

Gerona: Answering this question is challenging because it implies that I’ve already achieved everything possible in my career. My career has been defined by continual growth and learning. I’ve been fortunate to work for organizations that encouraged development and provided opportunities to expand my skills. Each new skill allowed me to take on greater responsibility, ultimately leading to my current role as General Manager.

If I were to highlight one success, it would be collaborating with past ownership to step outside our comfort zone and pursue a project we might not have otherwise considered. That decision proved pivotal; it sustained us through the pandemic and positioned BSY for continued success, resulting in additional contracts with the same agency.   

Since BSY transitioned to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) model, each day brings new challenges and opportunities. This structure has deepened our shared sense of responsibility and pride, and my focus has been on continuing to guide BSY along a path of sustainable growth and long-term success.

Irem Gokmen, Regional CEO – Americas, Inchcape Shipping Services

Irem began her career in financial consultancy with Deloitte and Marsh, where she developed a strong foundation in business analysis and strategic insight. She later transitioned into the maritime industry, moving into operational and commercial leadership roles that would define the next 18 years of her career at Wilhelmsen. During her tenure, Irem held several key leadership positions across multiple regions mainly in Turkey, UAE and Singapore. In each role, she played a pivotal part in driving growth, enhancing customer engagement, and strengthening the company’s regional footprint.

In 2024, she joined Inchcape Shipping Services as area general manager for North America and was promoted to Regional CEO, Americas in 2025.

Her career is distinguished by a consistent focus on profitable growth, strategic execution, and team empowerment. Irem’s leadership style emphasizes collaboration, customer-centricity, and continuous improvement—ensuring sales efficiency and operational excellence while addressing the evolving needs of the shipping industry with forward-thinking solutions.

ML: What successes are you most proud of in your maritime career?

Irem: Throughout my career in the maritime industry, I have been fortunate to work across diverse geographies and cultures, leading teams united by a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer focus. Together, we have driven sustainable growth while fostering an environment where people thrive. By promoting a culture of empowerment and accountability, I have seen individuals grow into confident leaders who carry forward the same values of collaboration and continuous improvement, which I am most proud of.

Melissa Hertel, Vice President, Thornton Tomasetti’s Forensics Practice

Melissa has more than 35 years of experience in naval architecture and marine engineering. Based in Seattle, she leads teams specializing in forensic investigation, risk consulting, and vessel repair design. Hertel has overseen projects ranging from fireboats and Navy workboats to ferries and research vessels and has extensive experience in emergency response and salvage operations. She holds a degree from the Webb Institute and an MBA in international business from Georgetown University.

ML: What would you say to women entering or new to the maritime industry today?

Melissa Hertel: No matter what stage you are in your career, find a mentor. Look for someone who knows the maritime industry well and who is outside of your management chain to give you guidance when you need it and a fresh perspective when you ask. A good mentor is someone who genuinely wants to see you succeed and has your best interests at heart. Build on that relationship and maintain it as your career evolves. You won’t always need their support, but when you do, it makes all the difference to have someone in your corner.

Dorothea Ioannou is the CEO of the Managers of the American P&I Club

Dorothea is the first female CEO to lead an international group club in its 170-year history. Dorothea holds a J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law and a B.A. from CUNY and her career spans more than 30 years, almost exclusively in marine insurance. After joining the managers of the American Club in 2005 as a claims executive, she became known for her expertise in managing, negotiating, and resolving maritime claims and disputes, including complicated marine casualties. Promotions saw her rise to general manager, regional business development director, and global business development director, making her the first woman to occupy a top-level global position in the history of the American Club and its managers.

She was then identified for future leadership within the company’s succession plan. She was promoted to COO, then in 2020 to Deputy COO, when she was also appointed secretary of the board of directors of the club. In August 2022 she assumed her current position as CEO. Concurrent with her professional obligations, Dorothea is active in the shipping industry and has served as VP of WISTA Hellas, chair of the WISTA International Nominations Committee, member of the Piraeus Marine Club Board and currently serves as the 2nd VP of the International Propeller Club of the U.S. She has dedicated much of her time through the years to mentoring. Dorothea’s achievements have earned her industry awards such as the 2017 Lloyd’s List Next Generation Shipping Award, the 2022 Seatrade Maritime Diversity & Inclusion Award, International Personality of the Year at the 2022 Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards,and the WISTA Personality of the Year Award for 2023. 

ML: What would you say to women entering or new to the maritime industry today?

Dorothea: Congratulations and welcome! You are embarking on a truly international journey within an industry that that is critical to global commerce and will bless you with connections to the most dynamic and innovative people from every part of the world. This is an industry that, while complex and often challenging, is also one of the most fulfilling as it is vital to our world. Shipping connects everything — trade, economies, people – and you will be rewarded not just with a career, but with an adventure of constant learning, enrichment, and opportunities to make a difference.

My advice: Whatever sector within the maritime industry you find yourself in, whatever role you hold, keep your mind, heart, and eyes open to everything around you. Do not restrict yourself to a job description or to what you think you are supposed to be doing – but rather maintain a 360-degree approach and embrace every single path and possibility as a learning experience. Be courageous! Add value at every opportunity so that you make yourself valuable to those around you. Remember that the maritime world is a world connected to every other industry in some way or form and that it is constantly evolving. Be conscious of this. Be adaptable. Be active. Become a member of maritime organizations and volunteer your time. I guarantee you it will be worth it. Find mentors — men and women — who believe in meritocracy, and in turn, mentor others. Remember that mentorship is a two-way street, a good mentor needs a good mentee — one whose mind is open, one who is humble and understands the value of experience.

As you navigate your career, take one step at a time. Do not look too far ahead. Focus your efforts and vision on mastering the task at hand. Remember that you can only move forward if you are able to stand steady where you are. Do not forget to help those coming up behind you — you can only keep moving forward effectively if the role you are leaving is filled well. Take time to self-reflect but never give in to self-doubt. Always offer help and always be kind. It will come back to you tenfold. Concentrate on being the best professional, the best colleague, and the best person you can be. This path can conquer bias and stereotypes. This is the path from which true leadership is achieved.

Finally, remember, that resilience and authenticity go hand and hand. If you have them, they will be your greatest assets on an incredible journey.

Dr. Lee Kindberg, Environment and Sustainability for Maersk in North America (Ret.) and Consultant for Starcrest Consulting Group

Dr. Lee Kindberg was Head of Environment and Sustainability for Maersk in North America, and is now with the Starcrest Consulting Group, where she is involved in maritime environmental and decarbonization strategies for Port Authorities and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). She is also a member of the Board of OceanWings, which makes wind-assisted propulsion systems for large commercial vessels.  She served on the Marine Board of the National Academies of Sciences, the US EPA’s Clean Air Act Advisory Committee and chaired the EPA Ports Workgroup. She was active for 18 years in the Clean Cargo Working Group, a global program dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of shipping. She is part of the team working to establish the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Shanghai Green Shipping Corridor. 

ML: What would you say to women entering or new to the maritime industry today? 

This is such an exciting time to be in the maritime industry! We connect the world with essential raw materials, foods, goods and energy. Ocean shipping has the lowest carbon footprint of any mode of transport and is working to be more sustainable. We are the only industry to have set global standards for decarbonization, and are working on innovative fuels, wind-assisted propulsion, IT systems, and underwater noise reduction (whale protection).  Women are now leading in management, implementation and customer-facing roles. Pick your passion and join us. And when you do, reach out and network with other women in the field. Welcome aboard!

Laura Lewis, Sales Manager, TowWorks

Lewis comes from a long history of mariners, marine engineers, and marine electricians, so the maritime industry has always been close to her heart. Over 20 years ago, she helped guide the development of a custom software solution for a marine transportation company, sparking a career dedicated to helping marine operators streamline operations through technology. In 2018, she became a certified SubChapter M Lead Auditor, Surveyor, Designated Person Ashore, and ISM Lead Auditor to help operators navigate evolving regulatory demands. She currently serves as secretary of the Marine Navigation Safety Association (MNSA), executive board treasurer for Women in Maritime Operations (WIMOs) and as a Chaplain Associate with The Seamen’s Church Institute. Her work reflects a deep commitment to innovation, advocacy, and the well-being of those who keep the maritime industry moving.

ML: What successes are you most proud of in your maritime career?

Laura: It really comes down to the impact I’ve helped make at the intersection of operations, technology, and community.  At TowWorks, our team has had the privilege of shaping a platform that’s become central to how companies run their business. Being part of its growth—and seeing it evolve into a tool that truly supports the maritime industry—has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.  Just as important to me is the work I do outside the office—giving back to the maritime community. As Executive Treasurer for Women in Maritime Operations, or WIMOs — fostering our mission of supporting the professional growth, development, and connection of women across the industry has been nothing short of amazing. 

As a Chaplain Associate with The Seamen’s Church Institute, being available for response in times of crisis as well as helping organize the distribution of hundreds of care packages to mariners working away from home during the holidays through the “Christmas at Sea” program, feeds my soul. It’s a powerful reminder of the human side of this industry—the people behind the cargo, the technology, and the operations.  For nearly 30 years, maritime has shaped who I am—professionally and personally—and I’m deeply grateful for the chance to contribute to its future.

Gail Loughlin, Founder, Midwest Tankermen Inc.

Gail is the Founder of Midwest Tankermen Inc., a certified Woman-Owned Small Business specializing in shore-based transfers of liquid, hazardous cargo on the inland waterways. A graduate of Illinois State University, Gail earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Mathematics and Psychology. After beginning her career as a Montessori school teacher, Gail identified a critical need in the maritime industry and, in 1977, co-founded Midwest Tankermen, Inc. with her then-husband, Joe Loughlin, and brother-in-law, Kenny Chancellor. Throughout her career, she remained dedicated to education, serving on the Montessori School board and as a substitute teacher.

When Gail first entered the Inland Marine industry, she was handed two phone numbers for every Tankerman: their home phone and the phone number of the bar they frequented. Uncomfortable calling anyone out of a bar to work, Gail began working directly with facilities to schedule barges in advance—an unheard-of practice at the time that has become a Chicagoland industry standard. From the beginning, she believed Tankermen deserved the best support possible, consistently offering generous benefits and financial assistance to help them through whatever life brought their way. Guided by her belief in second chances, she often hired individuals who others would pass on, many of whom became some of Midwest Tankermen’s top performers and the foundation of its loyal workforce. As one of the few women leading a company in the inland maritime sector in the late 1970s, Gail paved the way for greater female representation in the industry.

Her vision and dedication laid the foundation for the company’s core values of Safety, Teamwork, and Family—principles that continue to guide Midwest Tankermen today under the leadership of her children, James and Shannon. Gail is a proud supporter of the Lockport Police Department, Special Olympics, charities supporting victims of domestic violence, and numerous local charitable organizations. In her free time, she enjoys traveling the world, going out to dinner with friends, and spending time with her family and six grandchildren. She is also an avid bowler and a longtime member of two bowling leagues.

ML: What successes are you most proud of in your maritime career? 

Gail: Looking back, my proudest achievements aren’t about revenue or market share — they’re about people. When we founded Midwest Tankermen in 1977, we operated from a farmhouse kitchen table, and I was on call 24/7 for years. In those days, the rest of the industry viewed our tankermen out in the field as interchangeable labor; safety wasn’t always a priority, and respect was in short supply. I made it my mission to change that. We built our business on simple principles:take great care of our employees, and our employees will step up and take great care of our customers. We insisted on a strong safety culture and lived by the motto “never leave the job until it’s complete.”

More importantly, we treated our field employees as professionals whose knowledge and dedication kept our customers — and the environment — safe. We listened to them, created schedules that respected their personal lives, and made sure they knew they were how important they were. Over time, that respect transformed our culture; the average tenure of our tankermen is now nine years and 12 years across all staff, which is rare in in a business where employees work on call, 24/7, outside, year-round, in the Chicago region. I’m also proud of proving that a woman could lead in this industry, even when many believed otherwise. Today, the company has grown from a handful of employees to nearly forty and is being led by our second generation of leadership. But the thing I’m most proud of is that we still live by those early values of respect, safety and care for people—and that our field teams know they matter.

Christi Marvel, Lead – Non-Grain Barge Freight Merchandising Operations, Cooper Consolidated

Christi Marvel currently leads Cooper Consolidated’s nongrain barge freight merchandising operations, but her remarkable career began nearly 20 years ago in our accounting department. Her energy, curiosity, and commitment to growth quickly led her into the logistics division, where she excelled in customer service and demonstrated an eye for detail.

Over the years, Christi rose to manage the logistics division, where she not only handled daily customer interactions with excellence but also played a pivotal role in mentoring many of the future leaders across Cooper Consolidated, CTLC, and our marine divisions. In her current role, Christi is a key driver in executing all nongrain barge contracts between Cooper Consolidated and our vendor partners.

ML: What would you say to women entering or new to the maritime industry today?

Christi: Get ready for an exciting ride, new challenges and rewarding work! To be able to make a difference and contribute to an industry that affects all of our daily lives has been a source of pride for me for the last 20 years. I am honored and humbled to be recognized for a job that I absolutely love!

Angela Dyer McVeay, President & CEO, MK Industries

For nearly 30 years, Angela Dyer McVeay has quietly reshaped the face of maritime leadership. As President and CEO of MK Industries, she leads one of the nation’s most respected woman-owned staffing firms, supplying the skilled trades that power America’s shipyards and critical infrastructure. 

Known for her calm authority and deep respect for craftsmanship, Angela built a company defined by trust, integrity, and longevity in an industry built on steel and grit. Her vision continues to open doors for women in maritime and inspire a new standard of leadership.

ML: What successes are you most proud of in your maritime career? 

I’m most proud of proving that a woman can not only belong but lead in this industry. When MK Industries started thirty years ago, I was one of the few women in the room. Today, we’ve grown into one of the leading woman-owned maritime & critical infrastructure staffing firms in the country. What makes me proud isn’t just the scale of what we’ve built, but the people behind it, from our team to the welders, fitters, and craftsmen whose skill keeps our industry moving forward. Our success has shown that leadership built on integrity, safety, and heart can stand the test of time.

Rear Adm. Zeita Merchant, Assistant Commandant for Workforce, USCG

Merchant oversees all military and civilian personnel policies, assignments, and benefits. She previously led the Personnel Service Center, supporting more than 45,000 active-duty and reserve members.

A career operations-ashore officer, she has held key marine safety and security roles nationwide, including Commander of Sector New York and Captain of the Port. Her strategic assignments include Special Assistant to the Vice Commandants and U.S. Congressional Fellow.

Merchant holds a doctorate, two master’s degrees, and fellowships at Harvard and MIT. Her awards include two Legions of Merit, the Captain David H. Jarvis Inspirational Leadership Award, and two honorary doctorates.

ML: What successes are you most proud of in your maritime career? 

When I look back over my maritime career, I’m incredibly proud of the operational work I’ve led in some of our nation’s most critical ports: New Orleans, Miami, Houston, Chicago, and New York. In each of those regions, I had the privilege of overseeing major responses, protecting millions of people, and ensuring commerce kept moving through some of the busiest economic gateways in the world. Whether it was hurricane recovery, major marine casualties, or keeping supply chains resilient during national crises — the operational impact was significant, and I’m proud of that service.

But if I’m honest, none of those accomplishments compare to the legacy you leave in people.

What I’m proudest of are the officers, enlisted members, civilians, maritime students – cadets and midshipmen – and young maritime professionals I’ve mentored over the years — those who saw themselves in this industry because someone took the time to invest in them. Seeing them step into leadership roles, break barriers, and carry the mission forward is the most meaningful success of my career.

Ships will change, technology will evolve, ports will grow but people are the true enduring legacy. And I’m honored to have played even a small part in shaping the next generation of maritime leaders!

Ashley O’Brien, Engineering Project Manager for Port Tampa Bay

Ashley oversees engineering and construction contracts that support the port’s marine and upland infrastructure. A graduate of SUNY Maritime College, she holds a U.S. Coast Guard unlimited tonnage third mate’s license and a bachelor’s degree in marine environmental science. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology.

O’Brien previously worked on Florida Department of Transportation projects for Pasco County and served as a project engineer with Archer Western Construction on the Pinellas Gateway Expressway.

Active in the maritime community, she is president of both the SUNY Maritime College Alumni Association Tampa Bay Chapter and the Tampa Bay Maritime Education Committee. She was inducted into the SUNY Maritime College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024 and is a member of WISTA, WIMOs, the Propeller Club Port Tampa Bay, and the Society of Women Engineers.

ML: What would you say to women entering or new to the maritime industry today?

Ashley: You are only limited by the lines you draw yourself. In two male dominated industries, Maritime and Construction, there are many obvious challenges, but that is life no matter what industry it is, and who has the majority percentage in it. It is all about how you react and handle these uphill battles, problems and dilemmas in a civil manner which keep an even playing field where you do not set yourself more important as a woman and don’t put any man or woman down to stand out. As far as my experiences, if you do your job, and don’t waste time complaining about something that can be done instead of rebuttal, you will earn the respect of all your colleague’s regardless of if it is a man or woman. Prove to yourself you can do the job, and the rest will handle itself and fall into place. You will earn respect from others in showcasing your abilities and work ethic. You will not get everyone’s “approval”, but if you leave work going home proud of what you have accomplished and follow your gut, those “smaller” people will only wash away. The other people you meet along the way, you will have a mutual respect with.

Rachel Rowe, Ferry Operations Division Manager, Skagit County Public Works

Rachel Rowe is the Ferry Operations Division Manager for Skagit County Public Works, where she leads one of the most forward-looking vessel transitions in the Pacific Northwest, the Guemes Island Electric Ferry Replacement Project. With nearly 30 years in the maritime industry, Rachel’s career spans vessel operations, regulatory compliance, capital planning, budget strategy, and public service. She is licensed as a 100-Ton Master, who rose through the ranks acquiring a rare blend of technical acumen, policy insight, and community-centered leadership. 

ML: What successes are you most proud of in your maritime career? 

Rachel: With nearly 30 years in this industry, I’ve built my career from the deck up. As a true hawsepiper, I’ve advanced through determination, a passion for learning, and a deep respect for the mentors who shaped my journey.  My journey has taken me from vessel operations to a leadership role where I’ve led complex teams, managed multi-million-dollar budgets and projects, and driven operational excellence across both public and private sectors. I hope my path inspires young women to explore their potential and turn challenges into opportunities, especially in a field where we remain underrepresented.

Among my proudest achievements is leading the Guemes Island Electric Ferry Replacement Project, a transformative initiative to replace a 46-year-old diesel vessel with a battery-electric ferry designed to serve the community for the next four decades. With the support of an exceptional project team, I’ve overseen every phase of this effort, from stakeholder engagement, engineering, and environmental planning to budget strategy, grant management, and interagency coordination. It marks a major step toward decarbonizing marine transportation while preserving reliable, equitable service for our island communities.

Navigating this project has required balancing technical complexity, fiscal constraints, and public accountability. We’ve faced funding volatility, supply chain disruptions, and rising construction costs, yet maintained transparency and community trust throughout. I’ve worked closely with engineers, elected officials, and partners at every level of government to ensure that sustainability doesn’t come at the expense of safety or service.

Beyond the vessel itself, I’m proud of how this project reflects a broader shift in our industry toward innovation, resilience, and equity. This isn’t just about replacing a ferry; it’s about redefining what public maritime service can be. And that’s the legacy I’m proud to help shape.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE: Charlotte Bollinger, Bollinger Shipyards

Charlotte Bollinger, a Lockport, La., native, earned a BA in Education from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. She previously served as executive vice president and a board member of Bollinger Shipyards, founded by her father, Donald G. Bollinger, in 1946. The company was later led by her brother, Donald “Boysie” Bollinger, and is now under third-generation leadership with her son, Benjamin Bordelon, president and CEO, who continues to grow Bollinger as the nation’s largest privately owned shipbuilder and repairer. A dedicated civic leader, Charlotte has served as president or board member of numerous business and political organizations. She is a founding board member of the Lafourche Parish Education Foundation, Restore or Retreat, and the Water Institute of the Gulf, contributing to coastal protection, education, and community growth.

Her expertise earned appointments from multiple Louisiana governors and from U.S. Transportation Secretary Elizabeth Dole to the U.S. Coast Guard Advisory Council. Since 2017, she has chaired the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana, guiding its growth of more than 675 percent. She is the mother of three and grandmother of seven.

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