Great Lakes Group hires two

Patrick Owens (left) and Graham Gajewski

APRIL 28, 2015 — Great Lakes Towing Company and its Great Lakes Shipyard subsidiary have made two new hires. Graham Gajewski has been named Naval Architect, reporting to Jonathan Leivo, Director of Engineering, and Patrick Owens has been named Operations Coordinator, reporting to Lindsay Dew, Director of Operations & Compliance, both working in the Great Lakes Group’s  Cleveland, OH, offices.

Mr. Gajewski earned his Bachelor of Engineering – Naval Architecture at SUNY Maritime College and is a licensed USCG Unlimited Tonnage Third Mate. His prior experience includes two sea terms aboard the T/S Empire State, a summer internship aboard a Great Lakes trading cement carrier, and a summer Naval Architecture Internship.

Mr. Owens’ career includes 20 years of service in the United States Coast Guard, culminating in a Command position as the Officer in Charge of Coast Guard Station Cleveland Harbor, OH, from 2007 through 2012. In this position Mr. Owens highlighted his ability to work in a fast paced 24/7/365 operational environment and manage conflict both internally and externally, while honoring and respecting the chain of command and caring for the needs of his entire crew. His accolades include: six Coast Guard Good Conduct Medals, three  Coast Guard Letter of Commendation, two Coast Guard Achievement, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, and Proclamation Recipient – Office of Mayor Frank G. Jackson, City Of Cleveland.

Mr. Owens earned his Bachelor of Arts in Public Safety Management, Homeland Security from the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Studies at Cleveland State University and graduated Summa Cum Laude.