40 Under 40 Awards: Greaves, Henkemeyer, Killen, Kuphall

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. 

Over the course of 10 weeks, The Waterways Journal is featuring 40 Under 40 recipients. This week we recognize Gregg Greaves, Joshua Henkemeyer, Bryant Killen and Josette Kuphall.

Gregg Greaves

Gregg Greaves, 35, is senior director of boat and barge planning for American Commercial Barge Line in Jeffersonville, Ind.

Greaves began his career in the river industry as a third-shift production supervisor for Jeffboat Shipyard. He swiftly ascended through the ranks, showing his prowess in operational management and his commitment to quality, said Jonathan Dunn, director of corporate communications and public relations.

Greaves served as quality department manager and then moved into logistics.

“Today, as co-leader of ACBL’s logistics organization, Gregg spearheads a dynamic team focused on supporting mainline boat and barge dispatch operations,” Dunn said. “His leadership, marked by innovation and inspiration, has propelled the organization to unprecedented heights.”

Dunn praised Greaves’ resilience, versatility and “unwavering dedication” and said he embodies the values of integrity, diligence and innovation.

Joshua Henkemeyer

Joshua Henkemeyer, 38, is a port captain for River Salvage Company, Inc. in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Henkemeyer began his tenure with River Salvage in 2007, and over the past 17 years has continually taken on more responsibility.

“Josh currently wears many hats and has an array of duties,” said Jesse Zubik, River Salvage’s treasurer. “He is a master pilot, NCCCO certified operator and has certificates for completing Marine Subchapter M auditor and surveyor courses.”

Zubik said Henkemeyer “always goes above and beyond” to ensure safety and efficiency and that he is often the first call for customers who need help.

“Josh deserves to be recognized for his success and for what he will continue to do for this industry into the future,” Zubik said.

Bryant Killen

Bryant Killen, 39, is deputy director of  Lake Providence Port Commission in Lake Providence, La.

Killen oversaw the creation of the Northeast Louisiana Multimodal District, which covers four parishes, by meeting with each individual parish police jury and garnering support, Port Director William Gilfoil said.

Besides his role with the Lake Providence Port, Killen also assists with the management of the Tensas Port in St. Joseph, La., and the Vidalia Port in Vidalia, La. He is also the primary external affairs manager for four operations, all without a secretary.

Gilfoil said Killen is a “self-starter” who is enthusiastic and extremely hard working.

Randy Walters, East Carroll Parish police juror for district 1, said Killen has secured millions of dollars in fundings to support upgrades and additions to port infrastructure.

“His consolidation of management of three ports and a multimodal district has collectively united the region in focusing specific goals related to inland marine transportation along the Mississippi River in northeast Louisiana,” Walters said. “He has continued to convert abandoned infrastructure into tenant-occupied, tax-generating revenue for the town of Lake Providence and parish of East Carroll.”
Johnny Crigler, assistant district attorney for Louisiana’s Sixth Judicial District Court, said Killen exemplifies leadership in uniting the region.

“This enables group-based focus pertaining to infrastructure investment in a historically disadvantaged region of the Louisiana delta that has challenges with regards to funding,” Crigler said.

Josette Kuphall

Josette Kuphall, 38, is director of logistics and customer service for Ingram Barge Company in Nashville, Tenn.

As part of her role, she manages a team responsible for executing customer orders through the company’s network of towboats, barges and vendors.

“She plays a key role in resource planning as well as development of fellow associates,” said Russ Lampkins, Ingram’s senior vice president of operations, logistics and customer service. “Josette’s drive and strong communication skills set her apart.”

Additionally, Kuphall recently completed her Master of Business Administration degree at Belmont University and is currently participating in Young Leaders Council.