The following is the text of a news release from Seafarers International House:
(NEW YORK) — Members of the maritime community gathered Thursday night at the New York Athletic Club to honor three of its leaders: Jack Buono of ExxonMobil, Paul Doell of the American Maritime Officers, and Larry Rutkowski of Seward & Kissel LLP.
These individuals were awarded the 2017 Outstanding Friend of Seafarers Award by Seafarers International House, a Lutheran nonprofit agency serving merchant seafarers, at the organization's 16th annual Setting the Course awards banquet. Together, the men represent over 108 years of leadership and service in the maritime industry.
Jack Buono
After graduating from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., with a bachelor of science degree in marine transportation in 1978, Buono joined ExxonMobil's Marine Department (later reorganized as SeaRiver Maritime Inc.). He held various positions there at sea and ashore, and ultimately was named president and CEO in 2012. He retired in 2016 after 38 years of service with ExxonMobil.
Paul Doell
Doell joined the American Maritime Officers in 1972. AMO is an affiliate of Seafarers International Union of North America. He spent most of his union career as various positions, including legislative director in Washington, D.C., communication director and AMO's liaison to media outlets in the Great Lakes region. Doell was elected president of AMO in 2014 and is now in his 45th year of service to the union. His father, Ray Doell, was secretary-treasurer of the union in the 1960s.
Larry Rutkowski
Rutkowski is a 1975 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and a 1978 graduate of Columbia University Law School. In 1992 he joined the partnership of Seward & Kissel LLP, where he practices corporate and maritime finance law. He is head of the firm's Maritime and Transportation Finance Group. He is a member of several bar associations and has been recognized as "best lawyer" by a variety of international organizations. He is also on the faculty of Charleston School of Law.
Following the reception, the 300 banquet guests were entertained by the United States Coast Guard Academy Glee Club under the direction of Dr. Robert G. Newton.
