National Rivers Hall of Fame honors WCI, Debra Calhoun

Debra Calhoun, Senior Vice President, Waterways Council, Inc.

Waterways Council, Inc. and its Senior Vice President, Debra (Colbert) Calhoun, were honored November 7, 2019, with National Rivers Hall of Fame (NRHOF) Achievement Awards, during the 16th Annual Waterways Symposium in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Waterways Council, Inc. (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 towards the modernization of our national system of ports and inland waterways.

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 President & CEO, Mike Toohey, Senior Vice President, Debra Calhoun, Vice President-Government Relations, Tracy Zea, Vice President-Midwest Area, Paul Rohde, and Senior Executive Assistant, Medina Moran.

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 has 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.

WCI and Calhoun’s impressive service to and advocacy of America’s river systems led to their nominations and induction to the NRHOF.

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 & Aquarium, and through its national outreach program, RiverWorks Discovery. The Hall of Fame is supported by members in 36 states.