Rivers Hall Of Fame To Honor Stephaich, Pyne
Peter Stephaich, chairman and CEO of Blue Danube Inc. and Campbell Transportation Company, and Joe Pyne, former CEO of Kirby Corporation, will each receive the National Rivers Hall of Fame Achievement Award during the Waterways Symposium November 2–4 in St. Louis.
The Hall of Fame Achievement Award is a distinction bestowed on individuals making significant contributions to America’s waterways.
Peter Stephaich
Stephaich is known as a national leader for the 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. On several occasions, Stephaich has allowed for press events to be held on Campbell barges or towboats. Representatives, senators and even the secretary of transportation have been welcomed aboard for tours to become better educated on the industry.
Campbell employs approximately 500 people, owns 50 boats and 1,200 barges and operates two shipyards.
Outside of his work with Campbell Transportation, Stephaich has filled many roles. He was 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 still involved with the Port of Pittsburgh Commission and the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy and was the 2014 River Bell Award recipient. Stephaich still serves in several advisory capacities, based around money management and real-estate development, in other family-related businesses.
“We are all fortunate to have Mr. Stephaich take such an active role on so many levels,” said Mary Ann Buccci, executive director of the Port of Pittsburgh Commission and Stephaich’s nominator. “He is genuine, humble and giving to all in this industry.”
Joe Pyne
Pyne was selected as the 2021 Achievement Award recipient for his dedication to America’s waterways throughout his life. He cofounded, 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.
After Pyne became Kirby’s CEO in 1984, the firm’s 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.
Pyne has been a key leader in the inland maritime industry in both public and behind the scenes roles. He 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 empowered his senior staff at Kirby to handle leadership roles in industry associations. He assembled a group strictly for CEOs which met periodically to discuss pressing issues. This group was responsible for founding the Waterways Work! Campaign, which is now known as the Waterways Council. He is also partially responsible for creation of the Texas Waterways Operators Association. He served on the Inland Waterways Users Board, the Boards of the American Waterways Operators, and many more over the years.
Pyne stepped away from Kirby Corporation in 2014, but remains chairman of the board.
The Waterways Symposium, presented by Waterways Council Inc. and The Waterways Journal, will be held at the Live! by Loews Hotel in St. Louis. For information, visit www.waterwayscouncil.org/get-involved/annual-waterways-symposium.
