Jennifer Carpenter promoted to AWO President & CEO
Written by Nick Blenkey
AWO President & CEO Jennifer Carpenter: “CARB’s proposal risks sidelining not only the most environmentally sustainable mode of freight transportation, but also an industry that has safely and reliably kept cargo moving during the pandemic and supply chain crisis of the past two years.”
The American Waterways Operators reports that Jennifer Carpenter, its Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, has been promoted to the position of President & Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2020, succeeding Tom Allegretti.
“I could not be more pleased and gratified that she has been selected as my successor,” said Allegretti. “It has been my privilege to work alongside her throughout my AWO career.”
Scott Merritt Chairman of the AWO Board said: “AWO has been blessed with some excellent executive leadership over its 75-year history, none more exceptional and effective than Tom Allegretti. As our President & CEO for the last 26 years, Tom has set the highest standard for leadership and advocacy on behalf of the membership. He has led us through some challenging times and has piloted us through some significant sea changes in our industry. Of all his many accomplishments, the recruitment, development, mentoring and ultimately, his promotion of Jennifer as his successor, is at the top. His vision and actions have assured the success of the organization well into the future. I’m grateful and appreciative that he has agreed to stay on to help with the transition of the organization and continue to promote member interests.”
Merritt added that Carpenter’s promotion was unanimously approved by AWO’s Executive Committee earlier this week.
“Jennifer enjoys broad and deep confidence by AWO members as the right person to ensure AWO’s future sustained success,” said Merritt. “AWO is today an effective advocacy organization and a recognized safety leader due in no small part to Jennifer’s leadership and contributions. The public policy challenges facing our industry and the need for safety leadership have never been greater and we are confident that Jennifer will lead us in confronting these challenges effectively.”
The American Waterways Operators is the national trade association representing the tugboat, towboat and barge industry, which operates on the rivers, the Great Lakes, and along the coasts and in the harbors of the United States.
