Maritime

MANUFACTURING

JAMES MARTIN

CEO

Gulf Wind Technology

Martin aims to develop technologies that will “de-risk wind power in complex wind environments, through innovations in safety, rotor design and system operation in peak wind events such as hurricanes.” He moved from the United Kingdom in 2010 to establish a manufacturing center for wind turbine blades based at the NASA campus in New Orleans. He has led innovation in the field of large rotors.

Education: Tulane University (MBA), University of Plymouth (BS) Hidden Gem: “JB’s Fuel Dock out at West End is the best place for a top-dog pizza and a brew.” On the Horizon: “The emerging offshore wind market has the potential to bring over 10,000 manufacturing jobs back to the region by 2030.” Hobby: “I am a passionate kite foiler.”

MANUFACTURING

JAMES W. PELLERIN

Chairman and CEO

Pellerin Milnor

Founded in 1947 by W.A. Pellerin, his wife Mildred, son Norvin, and brother-in-law A.W. “Jack” Walsdorf, Pellerin Milnor (name derived from MILdred and NORvin) began by manufacturing commercial “extractors” — essentially large-scale versions of top-loading washing machines. In 1982, Pellerin took the reins of a business that today manufactures a variety of laundry equipment.

Education: University of Virginia (BSME) First Job: Storeroom parts picker Advice: “Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” Go-to Restaurant: GW Fins Hidden Gem: Ciro’s Coté Sud Hero: Jordan Peterson Nonprofit Cause: Harry Tompson Center

MARITIME

BEN BORDELON

President and CEO

Bollinger

Bordelon is the grandson of Donald Bollinger, who founded Bollinger Shipyards in 1946, and the third generation to lead the company. Before his career in the maritime industry, he played football for the LSU Tigers and the San Diego Chargers. He retired from the NFL in 1999, and started as a project manager at Bollinger in 2000, eventually taking the helm in 2014.

Education: Louisiana State University (BS) On the Horizon: Expanding our footprint across the Gulf Coast Advice: “Know your business and ask questions when you don’t know the answer.” Hobby/Passion: Hunting, fishing, and football Hero: “My grandfather, he was my mentor and friend.”

MARITIME

BRANDY D. CHRISTIAN

President and CEO Port of New Orleans

Christian leads both the port and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, which have combined revenues of $100 million, nearly 500 employees, and many millions in capital projects. In her port role, Christian oversees all cargo, cruise and industrial real estate operations. At the Public Belt, she sets strategic direction and oversees rail holdings.

Education: University of Southern California (MPA), University of Arizona (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Shaya Hidden Gem: “All the boutique stores particularly on Old Metairie Road and Magazine Street” Advice: “Always stay persistent to the vision.” Best Fest: Jazz Fest Nonprofit Cause: American Cancer Society

MARITIME

EDDIE COMPASS IV

CEO

Next Generation Logistics (NGL)

At age 25, this master mariner became one of the youngest captains in the American merchant fleet. In 2015, he bought two vessels and started NGL, a marine transportation company that has delivered cargo for Fortune 500 companies including Shell, Chevron and ExxonMobil. NGL also works in dredging, hydrographic surveying and maritime construction.

Education: Texas A&M University (BS) Best Fest: Po-Boy Festival Go-to Restaurant: Neyow’s Creole Cafe Hidden Gem: 11.22 Restaurant, Bar & Grill Nonprofit Cause: Son of a Saint Best Part of Job: “It’s incredible when the people on my team truly feel like they are a part of it, because they are!”

MARITIME

SHANE GUIDRY

Chairman of the Board and CEO Harvey Gulf International Marine

Guidry is credited with transforming Harvey Gulf from an inland and offshore towing vessel operator to a successful provider of supply vessel services for the offshore oil and gas industry. The company claims to be the first owner/operator of LNG-powered offshore supply vessels in the U.S. Guidry leads business development, M&A activity, client management, design and sales.

Education: Holy Cross College, Nicholls State University Nonprofit Cause: Sunshine Kids Advice: “If you can’t pay cash, don’t do it.” Poboy Pick: Fried shrimp and oyster from Bear’s Poboys at Gennaro’s Go-to Restaurant: “Rizzuto’s Ristorante & Chop House — best steaks in town” BIZNEWORLEANS.COM

MARITIME

DREW M. HEAPHY

Executive Director

St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District

Heaphy has been with the port since 1999 and assumed directorial duties in 2017. During his tenure, the port has made several major acquisitions. Boasso America, a premier intermodal container service company, consolidated its headquarters on the premises, which reportedly brought in $5 million in revenue and produced more than 200 jobs.

Education: University of New Orleans (MBA), Southeastern Louisiana University (BS) First Job: Working at a gas station Nonprofit Cause: Driven Youth Organization Advice: “Be patient.” On the Horizon: New warehouse facility for the American Sugar Refinery Best Fest: NOLA Crawfish Festival

MARITIME

LEE JACKSON

CEO

Jackson Offshore

Jackson has more than 30 years of experience in the maritime industry. In 2011, he founded his own company, which provides marine services to the offshore oil and gas industry. He’s the third African-American river pilot commissioned in the state, and seventh in the nation, and was appointed by the state to oversee the regulatory compliance of pilots along the Mississippi River.

Highlight of Leadership: “Working with people” Nonprofit Cause: American Heart Association Advice: “Life isn’t perfect ... but you can either complain or you can make a difference.” Go-to Restauarant: Herbsaint Hidden Gem: Mosca’s Hobby/Passion: Fishing Hero: “I admire many but my mom is the best.”

MARITIME

PAUL MATTHEWS

CEO

Port of South Louisiana

Matthews runs the nation’s leading grain exporter and one of the largest tonnage ports in the entire western hemisphere. When he took over at the beginning of 2022, he simultaneously made history by becoming Louisiana’s first African-American port director. Previously, he served as deputy port director at Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District.

Education: University of Louisiana at Lafayette (MBA), Tulane University (BS), Go-to Restaurant: Crabby Jack’s Heroes: Arnold Baker, Michael Olivier, Tara Hernandez Advice: “Appreciate the value in others.” Nonprofit Cause: United Way of Southeast Louisiana

MARITIME

BEN MORVANT

Operations Manager

Crescent Towing

In 2015, Morvant joined Crescent Towing, which lays claim to the title of being the largest ship-assist tugboat provider on the Mississippi River. He rose through the ranks to the title of operations manager, in which he manages day-to-day operations and compliance programs. The Waterways Journal named him one of the maritime industry’s top “40 under 40.”

Education: Millsaps College (MBA, BS) Nonprofit Cause: Algiers Economic Development Foundation Go-to Restaurant: Cafe Degas or Doris Metropolitan Advice: “Keep your head down and keep working hard. Good things will happen to you.” Hidden Gem: Homedale Inn

MARITIME

GREG RUSOVICH

CEO

Transoceanic Development

This native New Orleanian leads a firm dedicated to global logistics and transportation with a special focus on assisting humanitarian efforts. In his hometown, Rusovich has received many awards and honors for his civic endeavors, including his post-Katrina reform and recovery work. He has given his time to GNO, Inc., and many other civic and business organizations.

Education: Tulane University (BS) Hero: Ronald Reagan Advice: “Work hard, be tenacious, be prepared, care for your community and grow your personal faith.” On the Horizon: “Building a new real estate portfolio” Go-to Restaurant: Galatoire’s

MARITIME

MAYNARD SANDERS

Executive Director

Plaquemines Port Harbor & Terminal District

This native of Mobile, Alabama, and military veteran leads operations at a port located about 20 miles south of New Orleans near Belle Chasse. The Plaquemines Port provides water access to 33 states via barge, rail and interstate highway. Before taking on this role, Sanders served as the deputy port director for the Port of Corpus Christi Authority in Texas.

Education: United States Military Academy West Point, United States Army War College History: The Plaquemines Port, Harbor & Terminal District is a state agency created by the Louisiana Legislature in 1954. Big Ideas: Sanders hopes Plaquemines can “siphon off” some West Coast port business and move cargo west via new rail lines.