Foxx names new members to marine advisory panel

The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd):

(WASHINGTON) — U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced the appointment of 29 new members to the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Committee (MTSNAC). Established in 2010, MTSNAC is comprised of leaders from commercial transportation firms, ship construction, repair and recycling, trade associations, state and local public entities, labor organizations, academics, and environmental groups that advise the secretary and the Maritime Administration on policies to ensure that the U.S. Marine Transportation System is capable of responding to projected trade increases. 

“The experience and insights of this group will greatly benefit the federal transportation decision-making process,” said Foxx. “This advisory committee will help us take the next critical steps needed to move the National Maritime Transportation Strategy forward.” 

The committee advises the secretary on solutions to impediments hindering effective use of short-sea transportation and other matters as the secretary determines. Committee members undertake information-gathering activities and develop technical advice before presenting recommendations. MTSNAC policy recommendations have led to the expansion of the Marine Transportation System, the integration of Marine Highways into the surface transportation system and the improvement and streamlining of the Title XI ship financing process. 

“The maritime industry is facing many challenges and is made up of different interests,” Maritime Administrator Paul “Chip” Jaenichen said. “However, bringing those interests together on this committee has played a vital role in helping us develop our National Maritime Transportation Strategy to ensure we remain viable and competitive in the 21st century. We are extremely grateful for their commitment to advancing our Marine Transportation System.” 

MTSNAC is comprised of 40 members from commercial transportation firms, shipbuilding, repair and recycling companies, trade associations, state and local entities, labor organizations, academics and environmental groups. Committee members serve two-year terms, with no more than two consecutive term re­appointments, and approximately one-third of members' terms of office expire every two years.  

The department strives to select individuals with in-depth knowledge of their respective industries or government sectors. Members are nominated through a full and open process published in the Federal Register. 

The new members are: 

Gary Adams, vice president, global logistics, Walmart Stores Inc.
Robert Berry, vice president, International Shipbreaking Lte LLC
Gary Brown, Vice President Port Sales, Genesee & Wyoming – Coastal Region
Molly Campbell, director, Port Commerce Department, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Gregory Faust, director of operations, Department of Transportation-Washington State Ferries Division
Peter Ford, chief strategy officer, Ports America
John Graykowski, principal, Maritime Industry Consultants
Bill Hanson, vice president, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company LLC
Daniel Harmon, director, Maritime Division, Texas Department of Transportation
Susan Hayman, vice president, health, safety, quality and external affairs, Foss Maritime Co.
Jared Henry, vice president U.S. government trade, Hapag-Lloyd USA LLC
Tim Hinkley, senior vice president, global logistics, Hasbro Inc.
Jim Kruse, director, Center for Ports & Waterways, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Gary LaGrange, president and chief executive officer, Port of New Orleans
Griff Lynch, chief operating officer/incoming executive director, Georgia Ports Authority
Jim Pelliccio, president and CEO, Port Newark Container Terminal
William Pennella, vice chairman and executive vice president, Crowley Maritime Corp.
Torey Presti, president, National Shipping Agencies Inc.
Jonathan Rosenthal, principal, Saybrook Corporate Opportunity Funds
Scott Sigman, transportation and export infrastructure lead, Illinois Soybean Association
Anne Strauss-Weider, director, freight planning, North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority
Capt. Richard Suttie, executive director, University Advanced Partnership Initiative, Center for Homeland Security and Defense, Naval Postgraduate School
John Townsend, maritime systems specialist, Honeywell Technology Solutions Inc.
Dr. Thomas Wakeman III, research professor, Stevens Institute of Technology
Robert Wellner, executive vice president, Liberty Global Logistics LLC
Thomas Wetherald, director of business development and strategic planning, General Dynamics-NASSCO
Lisa Wieland, port director, Massachusetts Port Authority
Brian Wright, president and CEO, Owensboro Riverport Authority 

Ex-officio non-voting members:

Capt. James Jenkins, USCG, senior maritime safety and security adviser to the secretary, Department of Transportation 

By Professional Mariner Staff