(DUBUQUE, Iowa) — The Waterways Council Inc. (WCI) and its senior vice president, Debra (Colbert) Calhoun, were honored Nov. 7 with National Rivers Hall of Fame (NRHOF) Achievement Awards during the 16th annual Waterways Symposium in Pittsburgh, Pa.
The WCI is a broad-based coalition of shippers, inland carriers, waterway service providers, contractors, ports, manufacturers, energy providers, agriculture and agribusiness supporters, organized labors, conservation organizations, and other advocacy groups working toward the modernization of our national system of ports and inland waterways.
The WCI’s commitment to addressing such key issues has increased national awareness of the importance of river infrastructure and maintenance, and has done so under the leadership of a small and effective team comprised of Mike Toohey, president and CEO; Calhoun; Tracy Zea, vice president government relations; Paul Rohde, vice president Midwest; and Medina Moran, senior executive assistant .
Helping move the needle at WCI and within the industry, Calhoun was also honored by the NRHOF for her nearly 25 years of serving as an effective voice on behalf of America’s river transportation industry.
In addition to her impact at WCI, Calhoun served a variety of maritime industry clients as the former president/CEO of Colbert Communications, a communications consultancy practice. She also served in public affairs and communications for the American Waterways Operators, as well as the Telecommunications Industry Association and the Aerospace Industries Association. Calhoun also serves as secretary of the National Waterways Foundation.
About National Rivers Hall of Fame
Established in 1985 with 113 national advisors, the mission of the National Rivers Hall of Fame is to collect, preserve, and share the stories of the women and men who have had a significant impact on the rivers of America. Located at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque, Iowa, the Hall of Fame advances its mission through educational programs and exhibits through the museum and aquarium, and through its national outreach program, RiverWorks Discovery. The hall is supported by members in 36 states. For more information on the NRHOF, click here.