National Rivers Hall of Fame honors Stephaich, Pyne

Written by Marine Log Staff
National Rivers Hall of Fame honoree Peter Stephaich

National Rivers Hall of Fame honoree Peter Stephaich

Citing his accomplishments and dedication to the barge industry, the National Rivers Hall of Fame will honor Peter Stephaich during the Annual Waterways Symposium hosted by Waterways Council Inc. in St. Louis, Mo., November 2 – 4.

Stephaich has served the river industry for over 30 years. He is currently the chairman and CEO of Blue Danube Incorporated and Campbell Transportation Company Inc., which employs approximately 500 people, owns 50 boats and 1,200 barges, and operates two shipyards.

Stephaich is the recipient of the Hall of Fame Achievement Award, a distinction bestowed on individuals making significant contributions to America’s waterways. A national leader on issues facing the inland waterway systems, he has been involved with many of the major industry organizations on a national level and has lent resources when needed.

Outside of his work with Campbell Transportation, Stephaich has filled many roles. He has served as the chairman of Waterways Council Inc., chairman and treasurer of the American Waterways Operators, and chairman and trustee of the National Waterways Foundation.

Stephaich is involved with the Port of Pittsburgh Commission and the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy, and was the 2014 River Bell Award Recipient. He also serves in several advisory capacities, based around money management and real-estate development, in other family-related businesses.

Joe Pyne

Joe Pyne

Joseph Pyne, Kirby Corporation’s former CEO and a significant leader in the river industry, will also be honored by the National Rivers Hall of Fame during the Annual Waterways Symposium Pyne is the recipient of the Hall of Fame’s Achievement Award, a distinction bestowed on individuals making significant contributions to America’s waterways.

Pyne was selected as the 2021 Achievement Award recipient for his dedication to America’s waterways throughout his life. He co-founded, served on, or advised many of today’s waterway boards. He has received many recognitions for his service to the industry, including both the River Bell and Silver Bell awards, the 2013 Coast Guard Foundation Award, and the 2019 Admiral of the Ocean Seas Award.

Becoming Kirby Corporation’s CEO in 1984, revenues grew from $35 million to $3 billion during his tenure. Forbes recognized the business nine times beginning in 2001, including naming the company to the Platinum 400 list in 2008 and 2009. Only the “Best Big Companies” receive this honor.

Pyne has been a key leader in the inland maritime industry in both public and behind the scenes roles. Kirby grew to be a dominate player in the tank barge business, but also became a prominent company in promoting safety and advancing professionalism within the field. Pyne led the effort to bring the Seamen’s Church Institute training facility to Houston, and he was an early and strong proponent of the AWO Responsible Carrier Program. Kirby was the first recipient of the Coast Guard William M. Benkert Marine Environmental Protection Award.

Pyne stepped away from Kirby Corporation in 2014, but remains as Chairman of the Board and continues to influence the industry. He is recognized in the United States as a leader in the business community, especially the maritime industry.

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