40 Under 40 Awards: Osterberger, Patti, Pennington And Sanders

For the sixth 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 recipients. This week, we recognize Joseph Osterberger, Frank Patti III, Bridget Pennington and Jordan Sanders.

Joseph Osterberger

Joseph Osterberger, 39, is compliance manager for Borghese Lane LLC.

Osterberger started his work as a deckhand in 2010. His career path included work as a landing technician and as assistant manager of compliance before he was promoted to his current position in 2016.

“Since assuming his current compliance role, he has been essential to the exponential growth of Borghese Lane LLC from eight to 15 vessels while conducting audits and surveys and achieving and maintaining company compliance with Subchapter M,” said Eric Delsandro, general manager of Borghese Lane LLC.

Frank Patti III

Frank Patti III, 30, is chief operating officer of Patti Marine Enterprises. Known as “Frankie,” Patti is the third-generation shipyard owner and foreman, starting work at Patti Marine Enterprises at the age of 14.

He started from the bottom, testing air hoses and checking tools to the Patti Marine Shipyard employees in Pensacola, Fla.

Mandy Patti, chief financial officer for Patti Marine Enterprises, noted that Frankie Patti has been involved with building more than 30 inland marine vessels along with vessels for other sectors of the marine industry. She also praised his character, history and track record of success.

“Frankie has made his name in the tug and inland marine world,” Mandy Patti said. “Patti Marine is bidding some state-of-the-art future vessels that will impact this industry for years to come. Frankie is PATTIBUILT, a mantra his grandfather created when he started Patti Marine Enterprises in 1973. Frankie will lead this new day, and I’m proud to be part of his nomination.”

Bridget Pennington

Bridget Pennington, 34, is director of talent development and corporate recruiting at American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL).
Jonathan Dunn, director of corporate communications at ACBL, said Pennington has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a passion for advancing the company’s mission.

“Bridget has played an integral role in developing and implementing talent development programs that drive a culture of career growth, talent mobility, performance accountability and leadership transition,” Dunn said. “Bridget’s strategic approach to aligning organizational and individual capabilities with the business’s strategy and needs has maximized the team member experience and driven an organizational climate to attract, develop and retain the right talent to the organization.”

Pennington has a bachelor’s degree in business administration-human resources from Indiana University Southeast in New Albany, Ind. She joined ACBL in 2012 and previously served as senior corporate human resources manager, human resources manager and human resources supervisor before being promoted to her current position.

Jordan Sanders

Jordan Sanders, 37, is dispatcher manager for Waterfront Services Company (WFS).

Sanders began his career at Waterfront Services as a deckhand in 2007. He worked his way up to dispatch before earning his merchant mariner credentials in 2012. After receiving his pilot’s license, he operated a boat for seven years before making the jump full time to dispatch and then into his current position. Additionally, Sanders is accredited through TVIB as one of the company’s internal surveyors.

In his role as dispatch manager, Sanders is one of the primary contacts between operations and Waterfront Services’ customers, said Dayna Tappan, human resources director for Waterfront Services.

“Jordan Sanders is an integral part of the Waterfront Services Management Team,” Tappan said. “He has a strong operations focus paired with a forward-thinking vision to propel WFS to the next level. His realistic but visionary thought process for the river industry is exactly what embodies the 40 Under 40 award. He has contributed to the industry on every level. He has a strong drive to succeed and moved up the ranks at lightning speed.”