40 Under 40 Awards: Davey, David, Deibert, Frost

For the seventh year, 40 of the industry’s future leaders were honored at the Inland Marine Expo with the “40 Under 40” award, which recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to the inland marine transportation industry in a variety of fields. All 40 honorees were nominated by executives and peers for their hard work and dedication to the industry.

Over the course of 10 weeks, The Waterways Journal is featuring each of the recipients. This week we recognize Donald Davey, Anthony David, Jeremy Deibert and Randall Frost.

Donald Davey

Donald Davey, 39, is manager of vessel maintenance for Campbell Transportation Company in Canonsburg, Pa.

He has worked for Campbell Transportation Company since 2015, initially serving as purchasing manager. His role later expanded to include project management responsibilities for internal shipyard projects and grant management for CMAQ projects. He then transitioned to maintenance planner, earning “best in class” during external company audits. He also developed a mobile application for maintenance personnel to access vessel and department information.

 “Donny’s proficiency and dedication were evident as he transitioned into a special projects role, with a primary focus on the Fort Martin Transload project,” said Valerie Richards, vice president of human resources and administration at Campbell Transportation Company. “His contributions did not go unnoticed, leading to his promotion to manager of vessel maintenance for river operations in June 2023. In this capacity, Donny assumed overall responsibility for the maintenance of all vessels and barges, further solidifying his reputation as a competent and reliable leader in the maritime industry.”

Richards praised Davey’s work ethic, attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

“His multifaceted skills, coupled with his proactive approach to problem-solving, make him an invaluable asset to the Campbell Transportation Company organization,” she said.

Anthony David

Anthony David, 38, is a port captain for Enterprise Marine Services in Houma, La.

Chris Ulfers, partner at Jones Walker LLP, said that despite being one of the younger port captains at Enterprise Marine and in the industry, David is “a tremendous asset” both to the company and the industry as a whole.

“His attention to detail, work ethic, willingness to assist his fellow mariners and shoreside support team and dedication to his craft are truly remarkable,” Ulfers said. “Captain Anthony exemplifies the very best qualities of leadership and humility, often going above and beyond with an organization-first mentality to advance Enterprise Marine’s goals and commitment to providing safe, efficient and reliable marine transportation services. A testament to his humble nature, Captain Anthony never seeks out personal recognition or praise, even when it may be deserved, and instead focuses on the well-being of the organization, the industry and the mariners who report to him.  He wants nothing more than for his mariners to succeed professionally and to come home safe to their families, goals that drive him on a daily basis.”

James Loughlin, CEO of Midwest Tankermen Inc., called David a selfless leader.

“As a vendor of Anthony’s, I always appreciate the respect and appreciation he brings to our relationship,” he said. “He shows a strong commitment toward safety and supporting others. Anytime I call with a request or need, he supports in whatever way he can and actually follows through on his commitment.”

Loughlin also noted David’s compassion and commitment to taking time to listen and understand the perspective of others.

“When interacting with subordinates, I have seen how well he is able to allow them to feel supported and appreciated in their role,” Loughlin said. “When interacting with his supervisors, I have seen how he is able to listen, support and also respectfully challenge and question the direction his supervisors recommend, when needed.”

Loughlin said he especially appreciates the kindness and understanding David brings to all of his interactions.

“He’s a pleasure to work with, and I know he will have a tremendous impact on our industry,” he said.

Jeremy Deibert

Jeremy Deibert, 36, is senior manager, supply chain, for Campbell Transportation Company in Canonsburg, Pa.

“Jeremy significantly contributes to the growth and success of Campbell and consistently delivers quality work on his responsibilities,” said Valerie Richards, vice president of human resources and administration at Campbell Transportation Company. “He has proven his ability to multi-task projects/responsibilities and collaborate professionally across departments effectively across all levels of management.”

Richards added that Deibert has developed strong external relationships with many of the company’s charter partners, vendors, marine insurance brokers and underwriters, marine attorneys and several financial institutions that focus on marine equipment financing.

Randall Frost

John “Randall” Frost, 40, is director of systems and analysis for Canal Barge Company Inc. in New Orleans, La.

An Alabama native, Frost received a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering from Auburn University and a Master of Business Administration from the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University. After his time at Auburn, he worked as a manufacturing and industrial engineer. Leading up to his graduation from Tulane, he worked as a product management intern. Once he completed his studies, he joined Canal Barge Company as an analyst with the finance team.

“Now Randall confidently leads our information systems development team as we work to implement a new logistics management system to allow us to meet our current and future needs,” said Jacob Kissee, manager of corporate communications for Canal Barge Company.

Doug Downing, the company’s chief financial officer, said Frost “employs his very strong intellect with innate curiosity to build as good an understanding of our business as almost anyone at the company.” 

Downing added, “His tireless efforts have been instrumental in applying modern business intelligence and, perhaps more importantly, deep insight to allow us to better understand and improve our outcomes in our various business lines.”

Merritt Lane, president and CEO of Canal Barge Company, recognized Randall’s “positive impact and stellar performance” over his more than 10-year career with the company.

Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard, on behalf of the Department of Defense’s Office of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), presented Frost and Lane with the Patriotic Employer Award in 2019.