40 Under 40 Awards: Nunally, Penrod, Rhoden, Rosenwald 

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 this year’s 40 Under 40 recipients. This week we recognize Adam Nunally, Justin Penrod, Wesley Rhoden and Kyle Rosenwald.

Adam Nunally

Adam Nunally, 39, is a port captain for American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) in Jeffersonville, Ind.

He has worked for the company for 18 years, following in the footsteps of his father, Bruce Nunally, who also works within the industry.

“From his beginnings as a probationary deckhand aboard the mv. Frank Rader, Adam’s ascent through the ranks was marked by relentless determination and an insatiable drive for excellence,” said Jonathan Dunn, director of corporate communications for ACBL.

Nunally then progressed to the role of first mate on the same vessel and then entered the steering program in 2013 before moving on to captain aboard the mv. Buckeye State. He transferred to shoreside operations as port captain in June 2019 and has spearheaded the development of the company’s rigging project.

“In recognition of his exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication and profound contributions to ACBL’s success, Adam Nunally stands as a true maritime leader, shaping the future of excellence in the industry,” Dunn said. “His remarkable journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Justin Penrod

Justin Penrod, 38, is a captain for Okie Moore Diving and Marine Salvage LLC in Memphis, Tenn.He joined Wepfer Marine as a barge cleaner in Calvert City, Ky., in the mid-2000s and worked his way up to crane operator. From there, he became a deckhand and then a pilot, working on boat fleet boats and linehaul boats.

“Throughout his career, Justin has learned many different trades from welding and cutting to being a mechanic,” said Walt Wepfer, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Wepfer Marine. “We were excited to bring him onboard with Okie Moore a few years ago. He not only fits well on the team with his vast knowledge and abilities, but also because of the man he is. Justin is a good, honest, family man who takes care of those around him and treats others with respect.”

Wepfer said Penrod quickly learned about salvage operations and has made important contributions to the company by leading some jobs on his own as well as “expertly navigating the salvage rig from job to job.”

“Justin Penrod has proven himself to be a leader in the company and has made immense impact to the company and those around him,” Wepfer said.

Wesley Rhoden

Wesley Rhoden, 34, is operations specialist-vessel compliance for Marathon Petroleum Corporation in Catlettsburg, Ky.

In nominating him, Mark Sawyer, Marathon Petroleum Corporation’s marine operations compliance and assurance supervisor, called him a model for leadership, work ethic, initiative, dedication and drive for excellence.

Rhoden spearheads the company’s marine vessel compliance program for a fleet of 30 vessels. His position entails coordinating and managing compliance inspections and audits, Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) development and implementation and providing recommendations on risk management.

“Through his efforts, MPLX Marine has received zero major non-conformities in over three years and averages less than one non-conformity on vessel SIREs and surveys across the fleet,” Sawyer said. 

Sawyer also credited Rhoden for leading to the institution of novel best practices that bolstered the effectiveness and efficiency of the program, including abbreviated compliance examination, QR code-embedded training for essential systems, Corrective Action Task Force meetings and building and integrating TowWorks inspection forms for efficiency and ease of tracking and assimilating compliance activities. 

“In rapid fashion, he has achieved unprecedented milestones ahead of peers,” Sawyer said. 

In just over 15 years in the industry, Rhoden worked his way from a new deckhand to mate, earned his tankerman credential, served as a port mate training new and existing deck crews, completed the steersman program, earned his credential as mate (pilot) and then earned his credential as master of towing vessels.

“He has served in his current shoreside support role for only three years, where he promptly has made lasting and tremendous positive impacts in supporting our operations,” Sawyer said. 

Rhoden is certified as a Sub M surveyor and auditor, a “qualified individual” and tap root investigator. He is also pursuing his bachelor’s degree. 

Additionally, he and his family have actively participated in the foster care program, providing temporary homes for children in foster care. He also volunteers at the local community kitchen and river sweep events and has given presentations to local high school students on the benefits of a career in the inland marine industry.

Kyle Rosenwald

Kyle Rosenwald, 36, is operations manager for Ingram Barge Company in Paducah, Ky.

He joined Ingram Barge Company in 2009 as an inexperienced deckhand after serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. In 2012, he was accepted into the company’s pilot trainee program and became a pilot working on all vessels from 1,000 to 6,000 hp. on the Illinois and Upper Mississippi rivers.

He was promoted to captain on a 6,000 hp. vessel in 2018. In 2021, he was promoted again, this time to operations manager, also known as port captain.

“Kyle now manages 12 vessels running the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois River systems,” said David Edgin, Ingram’s director of motor vessel operations. “His extensive, first-hand knowledge of both Ingram’s marine operations and our nation’s inland waterways make Capt. Kyle Rosenwald an outstanding leader and strong source of support for our company’s marine associates.”