Women In Maritime Operations Leadership

National Board

Founder & Executive Director

Kasey Eckstein- President at Eckstein Trade & Transport

Kasey Eckstein is the current executive director of Women in Maritime Operations and was the founder of the organization in 2017. She is also the founder and president of Eckstein Trade & Transport “ET&T”, a certified woman-owned small business specializing in marine transportation services and recruitment services specializing in female placement. Kasey is also the owner of Eckstein Fleeting Services. Kasey graduated from the College of Charleston with a bachelor's degree in corporate communications with a concentration in marketing. She has over a decade of experience in the maritime industry with an expertise in transporting liquid and dry cargoes via barge along the entire U.S. Inland Waterway System. Kasey has previously served as the youngest board member in the history of the Mississippi Valley Trade and Transport Council, was the youngest recipient of the Inland Marine Expos 40 Under 40 Award in 2018 and was a Marine Log Magazine Top Woman in Maritime in 2021. Kasey also currently sits on the board of Breakbulk Americas.


Executive President

Taylor Dickerson- Vice President of Project Management at Kirby Corporation

Taylor serves as the Vice President of the Project Management Office for Kirby Corporation responsible for managing the portfolio of executive level projects in technology advancement and innovation, mergers and acquisitions, corporate strategy, process improvement and efficiency, cost savings, and more. Taylor started her career in the maritime industry in 2008 with Kirby and has served in many roles within Logistics, Sales, Operations, Maintenance, Safety, Finance, and most recently Special Projects. She holds a Masters of Business Administration in Finance and Energy from Tulane University, and a Bachelors of Business Administration in Management and Entrepreneurial Studies from Texas State University. Taylor also serves on the Board of Directors as President of the Texas Waterway Operators Association (TWOA) and Vice President of Hiro Health Corporation. She met her husband Ted after moving to Houston to work for Kirby and they now have identical twin boys (Davis and Luke) and a beautiful German Shepard (Tex).

Executive Vice President

Ludy Brinck- Liquid Sales Director at American Commercial Barge Line 

Ludy Brinck currently serves as Liquid Sales Director for American Commercial Barge Lines working primarily in the chemicals division. 

Ludy began her maritime career as a deckhand in 1987 on a passenger vessel in Chattanooga, Tennessee, obtaining her first USCG Master’s license two years later. Over the next two decades, she expanded her experience and enhanced her license by serving on various vessels across the Tennessee, Upper Miss, Illinois, and Ohio rivers. She has operated such unique vessels as: the world’s largest Riverboat Casino, Steamboat/Paddle-wheelers; and the WWII Amphibious warship; LST 325.

In 2012, with a desire to deepen her understanding of the industry, Ludy joined the logistics team at ACBL. She soon transitioned to the Liquids Division, where she led the liquid logistics and Customer Service teams. Ludy is passionate about continuous improvement and helping others reach their full potential (both professionally and personally). When not spending time with her husband Robert, their 5 children and grandchildren, she served as a licensed Massage Therapist for Hospice Southern Indiana and currently serves as Executive Vice President for Women in Maritime Operations. 

Executive Treasurer

Laura T. Lewis - Sales Manager at TowWorks, LLC

Laura has been a very active member in WIMOs since day one. She served as the WIMOs Southern Louisiana Chapter Treasurer 2020-2023. Also, Laura is involved in numerous other maritime networking organizations. With a long-standing family history in the Maritime Industry, Laura has a lot to bring to the table and to the organization. She is the third generation of marine-industry professionals in her family and she loves the people and camaraderie amongst her peers. Throughout her career, she has helped sell and implement various technology solutions for countless marine companies, to assist with crewing and HR, fleet maintenance, operations, billing and compliance. In 2018, Laura became a certified SubChapter M Lead Auditor and Surveyor as well as a certified ISM Lead Auditor. She is currently employed with TowWorks, LLC. She is also Crisis Intervention and Stress Management credentialed to assist the Seamen’s Church with critical incident response in the southern region. This is just a small snapshot of Laura’s successes and contributions to this Industry.

Executive Secretary

April-Hope Wareham - Eastern US Continuous Improvement Lead for Cargill Agricultural Supply Chain North America

April-Hope (AH) is the Continuous Improvement Grain Lead for 30+ interior grain terminals along and east of the Mississippi River. AH has over a decade of barge, bluewater shipping, and rail operations experience. She entered the maritime industry through the grain industry after graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a B.S. in Technical Systems Management. She has worked at six Cargill facilities since starting with the company in Pipestone, Minnesota in 2014 and has been in the maritime side of the business since moving to Seneca, Illinois 2015. She learned grain stevedoring while working at the Westwego, Louisiana export terminal and moved to Tacoma, Washington to continue her career as a part of the Cargill/CHS Temco joint venture in 2018. AH has also managed food safety for multiple grain facilities. She earned her M.S. in Supply Chain Management from Michigan State University in 2023 with a focus on grain transportation within the United States. AH enjoys engaging everyone in more safe and efficient ways to operate grain elevators and spends her spare time running, climbing, and hiking.

WIMOs Support Team

Co-Founder & Assistant Executive Director

Jenna Gaudet - Executive Vice President at Eckstein Trade & Transport

Jenna Gaudet is the co-owner and Executive Vice President of Eckstein Trade & Transport LLC. She is the third generation of her family to work in maritime. She started her career working for the family business, St. John Fleeting, LLC in 2010 as a night-time dispatcher. In August 2012, she was promoted to CFO of the company where she not only ran the financial department, but she gained skills in contract negotiations, insurance, and land lease management. Jenna is the co-founder of WIMOs association and served as the National Treasurer until 2021 when she took on the role of Assistant Executive Director. She also serves on the advisory board of River Works Discovery.

Director of Marketing & Brand Management

Caroline Abbott - Marine Engineer at Marine Spill Response Corporation

Ms. Abbott received a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering Technology from Texas A&M University at Galveston. She started her career with Sabine Surveyors, in 2014 as a surveyor on the Mississippi River in New Orleans and worked as a port engineer in the Shipyard Services Division. In 2019, she transferred to Houston and continued conducting P&I and draft surveys. In fall of 2020, Ms. Abbott joined Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC) and works as a Marine Engineer focusing on Gulf equipment. She is responsible for executing Dry Dockings and UWILDs along with drafting shipyard specifications and bid evaluations. Additionally, Ms. Abbott supplies technical engineering guidance for all MSRC equipment including modifications, upgrades and repairs.

Director of Communications

Angelica Brooks - Reserve Officer in United States Coast Guard

Angelica Brooks is an Oklahoma native. She obtained her B.A. in Economics and minor in Spanish from Spelman College. Ms. Brooks served seven years as an active-duty officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. She was stationed in Atlanta, GA as a recruiter, Baltimore, MD as a navigator and public affairs officer, and Houston, TX as a marine inspector and public affairs officer. Ms. Brooks continues to serve in the USCG as a reserve officer. She is in the Incident Management Division in Staten Island, New York. Lastly, Ms. Brooks is a graduate student at Columbia University where she is a candidate for her M.S. in Strategic Communication.

WIMOs National Bookkeeper

Becky is the payroll manager and 401k administrator at Marquette Transportation Company.  Marquette was founded in 1978 in Cassville, WI and relocated to Paducah KY in 1991. Becky joined the Marquette team in 1999 in the accounting department processing payroll for approximately 290 vessel employees.  As the Company grew, her workload and responsibilities increased and she transitioned into her current position.  She enjoys the fast-paced environment of the industry, the many challenges and changes a day can bring, and interaction with our mariners.

Director of Development

Liz Dassouki - Broker at Compass Maritime

Liz Dassouki is a Broker with Compass Maritime, with a focus on business development and expanding Compass Maritime’s reach within the inland tug and barge liquid and dry bulk markets. Liz began her maritime career in Kirby Inland Marine’s dispatch group before moving up to the sales. She then continued her career serving as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing for both E-Squared Marine and most recently Campbell Transportation Company. Liz is helping to expand Compass Maritime’s physical footprint by being the first broker to be based in Houston, TX. Liz has a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from DePaul University, as well as a minor in Spanish from her time studying abroad in Madrid. Liz grew up in Chicago but has called Houston home since 2009.

Social Medial & Design Intern

Lathan Thomas

Lathan has a desire for both art and tech, backed by certificates in Graphic Communications Design and Computer Science. Lathan has always sought to making things look good and work well together while being excited to bring a mix of creativity and technical know-how to the design table.

Southern Louisiana Chapter Board

SOLA Chapter President

Anna Whittemore is the VP of Sales and Logistics for Gulf Inland at Marquette Transportation Company.  Anna has a very diverse career background in the maritime industry. She graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy as a USCG Licensed Marine Engineer. Her career started overseas in South Korea, at the world’s largest shipyard, Hyundai Heavy Industries. She oversaw the construction and commissioning of a deepwater drillship and then set sail and transited to the Gulf of Mexico. After three years of turning wrenches in the Gulf, Anna moved her career shoreside, becoming a technical project manager for marine propulsions systems. Learning the inland market, Anna shifted back to the Operational side of the business, where she now oversees Sales & Logistics.

SOLA Chapter Vice President

Mindy Melancon is the Senior Invoicing Analyst for Associated Terminals and Turn Services. She started her career in the maritime industry 5 years ago working primarily as the Billing Clerk for Turn Services. Mindy have since then grown into her current role as the lead focal point for revenue collection, contract management, and various process improvement efforts for both Associated Terminals and Turn Services. While working closely with customers as a liaison and various departments in my organization, her role has allowed her to build many professional relationships. Mindy has gained a multitude of knowledge while working here and I absolutely love working in the maritime industry!

SOLA Chapter Secretary

Merritt Parsons is the Director of Training & Development for Louisiana CAT, a machinery and power systems supplier for the maritime industry. She began working at Louisiana CAT in 2022, but her career began at Associated Terminals, where she developed a passion for providing maritime workers with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed for a fulfilling career. In her 7 years at AT, Merritt held a variety of HR-focused roles, including Director of Human Capital Development. She holds a BS in Human Resource Development from LSU, and an MS in Human Capital Development from USM. Merritt has achieved the SHRM-SCP credential, which is awarded to Senior Certified Professionals in the field of HR by the Society for Human Resource Management. She has been a member of WIMOS since its inception and participates in many other maritime organizations and outreach programs including WISTA and Riverworks Discovery. 

SOLA Chapter Treasurer

Heather launched her career in the maritime industry in the summer of 2006, after earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Marketing from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Throughout her tenure in the industry, she has gained years of experience in Logistics, Contract Administration, Communications, Planning and Budgeting, Sales and Community Outreach. Heather has been a team member of the former AEP River Operations, American Commercial Barge Line, and is currently the Sales Manager at M/G Transport Services, an inland barge transportation provider, located in Metairie, LA.

Heather enjoys being an enthusiastic member of WIMOs and MVTTC in the New Orleans area, and has been actively involved with RiverWorks Discovery, Living Lands & Waters, the Annual Marine Industry Charity Tournament in St. Louis, and the Paducah Dragon Boat Festival. While at ACBL, Heather hosted a monthly educational Lunch and Learn event for the marine industry in the Louisville area, represented ACBL as a NeXt! Ambassador with Louisville’s Fund for the Arts, and was a participating member of the Lexington Coal Exchange and Central Ohio River Business Association. Heather lives in Mandeville, LA with her husband Nate and their toddler daughter, plus 2 dogs and a cool cat.

West Kentucky Chapter Board

Western Kentucky Chapter President

Whitney Cruse began her career in the river industry in 2008. Within a year, she advanced from an Administration Assistant to a Logistics Manager. She then spent 9 years prioritizing customer needs while planning tows and coordinating traffic with fleets. In 2017, Whitney was promoted to Vice President of Barge Logistics, leading a team of 5 and managing over 1400 barges.

Western Kentucky Chapter Vice President

Katie Cronin is the Vice-President of the Western Kentucky chapter of WIMOs. She has been working for Ingram Barge Company as a Human Resources Business Partner in Paducah, KY for a year and a half. Including Ingram, Katie has been working in the maritime industry for the past seven years. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, spending time on the lake and watching live music.

Western Kentucky Chapter Secretary

Valerie Coffelt began her career at Marquette in February of 2008 as an Administrative Assistant for the personnel department. Soon after, she was promoted to a Crew Manager and this role is where her passion for the people out on the water, who were getting the job done began! Valerie also spent almost 3 years in Marquette’s Safety and Compliance department, at the start of the implementation of SUB-M, and learned many invaluable things about the industry! Valerie is now filling a newly created role of Director of Deck Personnel.

Western Kentucky Chapter Treasurer

Jessica Nanney began her maritime career in 2014 at Ingram Barge as part of the Logistics and Customer Service group, where she gained foundational knowledge of the barge industry spanning all river segments.  In 2017, she transitioned to the Supply Chain/Procurement Department as a buyer where she learned a completely different side of the business in the everyday operations.  A year later she was promoted to manager leading a team of two buyers, where she currently serves today.  In this role, Jessica is responsible for vendor management, cost reduction and management, supporting internal customers in various sourcing needs, and most importantly, providing the vessel associates with the supplies they need to do their jobs effectively and efficiently. 

Houston Chapter Board

Houston Chapter President

Kelly Barwick is currently a US Flag Chartering Specialist for Phillips 66. Kelly started her career with Phillips 66 in May of 2015 as an Operations Coordinator, and did two years in Marine Assurance before becoming a chartering specialist. Prior to joining Phillips 66, Kelly Barwick worked at Odfjell Chemical Tankers from 2007 - 2015 as a Vessel Port Operator and Transshipment Coordinator. Kelly started her maritime career at Kirby Inland Marine in January 1997 until she left for Odfjell Chemical Tankers in 2007. Kelly Barwick graduated from Texas A&M University with Bachelor Degree in Marine Transportation.

Houston Chapter Vice President

Allison Branner is currently the Compliance & Regulatory Coordinator for Terral RiverService, Inc. She arrived at Terral with a comprehensive understanding of the inland tank barge industry stemming from her time at Kirby Inland Marine, where she gained experience in a wide range of industry practices, including fleet operations and maintenance, new barge construction, barge maintenance, emergency response, incident investigation, sales, and dispatch. Allison graduated from Texas A&M at Galveston with a Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology. She loves to travel and spent most of the last several years living overseas, first in Australia, and then in Scotland, but currently resides in Houston, Texas with her two children. She enjoys the outdoors in many forms, including hunting, fishing, hiking, and scuba diving, as well as sitting on the patio with a good book.

Houston Chapter Vice Secretary

Melina Ramseur is the Marketing Representative for AmSpec. For over 35 years, AmSpec continues to be one of the world’s leading providers of testing, inspection, and certification services to companies all over the world, in a variety of industries. Prior to working at AmSpec, Melina worked for Kirby Corporation as an Administrative Assistant (Kirby Inland Marine & Kirby Offshore Marine). She has over 9 years of experience within the Maritime Industry. While living in Brazil, she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Translation, concentrated in French and Spanish at Sao Paulo State University (UNESP). Sao Paulo State University is listed under the best universities in Brazil and South America according to Times Higher Education’s World University Ranking data. After graduating, she moved to the United States where she had the opportunity to learn English as a Second Language at The Emory College Language Center in Atlanta – Georgia, having the opportunity to become polyglot and fluent in English, Spanish, French and having Portuguese as her native language. While living in Atlanta, she pursued Business Administration Degree at Georgia State University Perimeter College. There, she became a member of Alpha Beta Gamma – an international organization created to honor outstanding Business Administration Students at two-year institutions of higher learning.

Houston Chapter Treasurer

Norabel Matamoros is an Account Manager at Kirby Offshore Marine. She has been in the maritime industry for over 9 years. During this time at Kirby she has served in several different roles that have assisted and continue to assist in her career growth.

Ohio Valley Chapter Board

Ohio Valley Chapter President

Kristen Stojakovich is the Senior Manager of Logistics for Campbell Transportation Company. She entered the industry when she started working for CTC as a logistics Coordinator during her last semester of undergrad. Kristen graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a business degree specializing in supply chain management. She loves working in the maritime industry and continuing to be educated about the inland river system. Kristen favorite part about joining WIMO’s is how strong my network of support is now with so many amazing women in the industry.

Ohio Valley Chapter Vice President

Jackie Hansford is the Lead Dispatcher for the Ohio River for American Commercial Barge Lines. She began her career with American Commercial Barge Line in 1996, holding various positions throughout the years. Jackie joined WIMOs in 2020 and is proud to be part of an organization that mentors and uplifts other females. She looks forward to helping build a support network for all women in the maritime industry.

Ohio Valley Chapter Treasurer

Erena Robinson is the Liquid Sales Manager at American Commercial Barge Line. Her career in the maritime industry began with ACBL in the logistics department where she grew her  knowledge through various roles in my 11 years tenure. Erena graduated with a degree in Psychological Brain Sciences from the University of Louisville. Erena is the proud mom of 3 beautiful boys (4 if you include her husband), and one dog. She values the mission of WIMO's and is honored to be supporting the Ohio Valley Chapter as Treasurer.

Ohio Valley Chapter Secretary

Shannon Secreti is the logistics coordinator for Campbell Transportation Company (CTC).  She started with CTC in 2010 as a logistics assistant and accepted the role as a logistics coordinator in 2019.  Shannon has an Associate’s degree in accounting and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. When applying for the position at CTC back in 2010 Shannon had no knowledge of the River Industry.  Over the 12 years working for CTC she has learned a lot and continue to learn everyday.  It is amazing how many opportunities there are in the River Industry. She is excited to be a part of the WIMOS association because it allows her the opportunity to meet and work with a lot of outstanding women in the industry.

Coastal Bend Chapter Board

Coastal Bend Chapter President

Tabitha D. Brown is the Assistant Manager, Operations & Business Development at Brown Water Marine Service, Inc. in Ingleside, Texas. She started her career in the maritime industry at a harbor tug company serving the Port of Corpus Christi following the completion of her Bachelor of Arts in Communications at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi in 2013. She made the switch to the inland push boat industry in 2019. Tabitha has served as a member of the Harbor Tug Safety Committee and South Texas Waterway Advisory Committee for the Port of Corpus Christi. She is an active member of the Propeller Club of Corpus Christi and has been a member of WIMOs since 2020. She is a 2023 recipient of the Waterways Journal IMX 40 Under 40 award and is involved in other non-profit community organizations such as Paws & Claws of the Coastal Bend (President 2023), Cotillion II, and Buc Days Rodeo.

Tabitha loves the ever-changing environment that the maritime industry has to offer. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, her pets and being with friends and family.

Coastal Bend Chapter Vice President

Mercedes Gonzalez graduated from Southwestern University in 2021 with a B.S. in Mathematics and Biology and from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in 2023 with a M.S. in Informatics with an emphasis in Data Analytics and Visualizations. Over the last 18 months, Mercedes has worked as a vessel traffic controller for the Port of Corpus Christi, where she ensures the safe passage of all vessels transiting the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. To gain more industry experience, Mercedes also works with the Port’s operations, accounting, and IT teams to ensure accurate data is produced within the Harbormaster’s office. Additionally, Mercedes joined WIMOs to learn more about the maritime industry overall.

Tabitha loves the ever-changing environment that the maritime industry has to offer. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, her pets and being with friends and family.

Coastal Bend Chapter Treasurer

Laura Kinder is the Project Manager for Channel and DMPA Development at the Port of Corpus Christi. This position has introduced her to the Maritime Industry and incorporates her experience with construction. Ms. Kinder is responsible for managing the construction of dredge material placement areas and the maintenance of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. She received her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from the University of Hawaii – Manoa and her PMP, which is a certification for project management. Ms. Kinder is currently pursuing her Construction Manager In Training certification. She is passionate about continuing education and mentoring other women in maritime and construction. She is excited to see the WIMOs Coastal Bend Chapter grow and for women to support each other in their career development!

Coastal Bend Chapter Secretary

Nelly Elder has a B.A. in Maritime Administration from Texas A&M University of Galveston and has worked in the maritime industry for nearly 15 years. Her experience includes surveying, environmental disposal, and business development. Currently, Nelly is a representative at Suderman & Young Towing Company. Ms. Elder enjoys personal development opportunities and giving back to the maritime industry, which she has been able to do by serving as a board member for several industry-related non-profits.

Pacific Northwest Chapter Board

Pacific Northwest Bend Chapter President

Stephanie Goetz is the General Manager of Vancouver Bulk Terminals (VBT) in Vancouver, WA. Their career at this terminal started seven years ago when she was brand new to the logistics world. They've worked their way up in the ranks and are currently responsible for managing all aspects of VBT: financial, commercial and operations.

Stephanie's background is primarily in regulatory reviews (engineering and inspections) and project management prior to being with VBT. She graduated from SUNY Maritime College with a BE in Naval Architecture with an engineering sailing license from the USCG.

On the regulatory side, she's conducted reviews of tugs, barges and vessel stability along with load line assignments during their engineering days, to crawling the inner workings of a vessel to approve repairs in her surveyor days. For a time, Stephanie worked for the Alaska Marine Highway managing their federal contracts for vessel repairs and upgrades. She had an incredibly diverse career so far that she's been absolutely in love with, and can’t wait to see what the future holds as the maritime world is always changing.

Pacific Northwest Bend Chapter Vice President

As Corporate Communications and Marketing Manager at Tidewater, the largest inland tug and barge company on the Columbia Snake River System and west of the Mississippi, Jennifer Riddle oversees all internal and external communications, as well as government affairs and public relations. In addition, Jennifer is responsible for developing, implementing, and executing marketing plans for all four companies under the Tidewater Holdings umbrella. Jennifer has been with Tidewater for nine years and has thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the maritime and transportation industries. Prior to Tidewater, Jennifer spent three years in Sweden establishing an organization for expatriates and their families, then moved back to the Pacific Northwest where she worked for the Vancouver Housing Authority, then in commercial real estate. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and psychology from the University of Washington, Seattle, and a Master of Business Administration degree from WGU Washington University. Having grown up on a commercial logging farm in the Wallowa Lake (Oregon) area, Jennifer will take any chance to explore the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Pacific Northwest Bend Chapter Treasurer

June Moran works as the Plant Superintendent for the TEMCO, LLC Tacoma Terminal and has been the interim Treasurer for the WIMO’s PNW seed chapter for the past 2 years. She has worked closely with the WIMO’s National Chapter members to bring the PNW into full Chapter status. June’s goal as the PNW Chapter Treasurer is to maintain fiscal responsibility and transparency for our Chapter members to ensure that their membership dues are accounted for and invested wisely and would also wish to help our newly elected PNW Board members transition into full Chapter status by introducing them to the WIMO’s National organizational structure and how it works behind the scenes.

Pacific Northwest Bend Chapter Secretary

Lori Kaylor is the commercial sales associate for the Port of Vancouver USA. She has been with the port and a part of the maritime industry for four years and has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Administration from Washington State University and is currently pursuing her MBA from there as well. Lori's role at the port lets her partner with internal teams, as well as diverse groups of industry partners to facilitate the movement of cargo through the port.