Names in the News

James H. Weakley was selected in June as the next president of the Lake Carriers' Association, a group based in Cleveland, Ohio, that represents 11 corporations operating 56 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes. Mr. Weakley has extensive experience on the Great Lakes working for both the Coast Guard and for Interlake Steamship Co. He will succeed George J. Ryan, who will retire in January 2003 after 20 years of service.

Ronald L. Johnson was elected president by the Twin Ports Chapter of the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) at its annual meeting in May. Mr. Johnson, who has served as Port Authority trade development director since 1997, is responsible for maintaining and establishing programs to retain and generate Port commerce. GEAPS is a 2,900-member international professional society dedicated to sharing information, safety, innovation, networking, professionalism and quality in grain operations. It has 33 chapters in the U.S. and Canada.

Doris J. Bautch was elected director of the Maritime Administration's Great Lakes Region in July. Ms. Bautch, a Minnesota native formerly associated with the Pillsbury Co., most recently served as chief of MARAD's Division of Ports in Washington, D.C. In her new position she will report directly to MARAD Administrator Captain William G. Shubert in support of all agency programs, including supplementary training for personnel in the maritime industries. She will also participate in regional port intermodal transportation development activities.

Harold D. Tynes was named corporate controller in April of Great Lakes Transportation LLC (GLT) of Monroeville, Pa. Mr. Tyne formerly held various senior financial positions during 17 years with General Electric. He replaced Ken Weisenstein, who retired after 30 years with GLT. GLT is the parent company of Duluth Missabe and Iron Range Railway and Great Lakes Fleet, Duluth.

Charles M. Patterson has been named chief commercial officer for GLT's Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railway. He is based in Duluth and replaces Robert T. Bennett, who retired in May.

Barb Oswell, an 11-year employee of the Duluth Convention and Visitors Bureau, was named its director of public relations in May. Ms. Oswell formerly served as the director of packaged travel. She succeeds Michelle Ethun, who has taken a position with America's Byways Resource Center, Duluth.

Port Authority Business Development Director Andy McDonough (left, in photo) was elected to the board of directors of The North-span Group, Inc., at its annual meeting in May. Mr. McDonough, who was also recognized by Port Director Davis Helberg (right) in May for receiving his Professional Port Manager (PPM) certification from the American Association of Port Authorities, has been responsible for attraction and development of new businesses for Port Authority-owned properties since 1990. The Northspan Group is a private, non-profit development organization designed to offer business and community development services with measurable impact.