UMWA Names Williams As Executive Director

The Upper Mississippi Waterway Association (UMWA) announced March 28 that it has hired Gary Williams as executive director. Williams joins the organization with 35 years of experience in transportation, business development and merchandising of commodities.

“We’re excited to have Gary on board as executive director,” UMWA President Jeremy Putman said. “He has a wealth of experience on the waterways and will help lead the strategic change of our association.”

Williams’ experience includes barge, vessel, rail, truck and containerized freight and trade and logistics in the eastern and western corn belts, the Pacific Northwest and Canada. He also served on the National Grain and Feed Association’s waterborne commerce committee. Williams has a degree in agriculture economics from Ohio State University.

“I look forward to getting to know the membership better and understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the industry,” Williams said.

Strategic Planning

In addition to hiring Williams, UMWA is requesting ideas for strategic planning from its membership. The board is looking for member input, including a request for member profiles.

“We want to really connect with our membership and understand the challenges each faces as they go about their work on the waterways,” Putman said. “This is an exciting time to shape this organization and serve our membership for years to come.”

UMWA is an association of waterway operators, shippers and other waterway interests working together to promote the economic and environmental benefits of water transportation in the Upper Midwest.