Lake Carriers’ Association Appoints New Board Chair and Promotes Staff
CLEVELAND, OHIO (January 28, 2021) –The Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA) Board met January 27, 2021 and voted unanimously to appoint William Kutka, with Great Lakes Fleet, CN – Supply Chain Solutions, as the Chair of the Board and promoted Thomas Rayburn to Vice President of the Lake Carriers Association.
Mr. Kutka assumed the role of Chair from Mark Pietrocarlo of American Steamship Company who held the position for three years. “Mark Pietrocarlo navigated LCA for the past three years, providing exceptional leadership and focus. Bill Kutka will mind the helm to keep the U.S. Great Lakes maritime industry sailing full steam ahead as our new Chair,” stated Jim Weakley, President of the Lake Carriers Association.
“I am honored to assume the watch as the new LCA Board Chairman. The Lake Carriers’ Association is a vital component of the U.S. Great Lakes Navigation System,” stated William Kutka.
Tom Rayburn has been with LCA since 2015 focusing on environmental, infrastructure, and regulatory issues for LCA’s members. His promotion to Lakes Carriers’ Association Vice President comes at an ideal time as the Great Lakes maritime industry continues to address significant challenges including adequate icebreaking, maritime infrastructure investments such as the navigational locks in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, and the need to balance regulations with sustainable commercial shipping.
“Tom has done an exceptional job over the past six-years as our Director of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs. His extensive knowledge of the Great Lakes maritime industry and partnerships he has and continues to build make him ideal for this position. Tom is not only an expert in his field, he is also a dynamic leader and mentor for the entire LCA staff,” Weakley stated.
About Lake Carriers’ Association
Since 1880, Lake Carriers’ has represented the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet, which today can move more than 90 million tons of cargos annually that are the foundation of American industry, infrastructure, and energy: iron ore, stone, coal, cement, and other dry bulk materials such as grain, salt, and sand.
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