Cathy Hammond To Receive 2025 Mike Rushing Award
The Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award, awarded annually by the Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau (TVIB), honors an individual whose career reflects a commitment to community service, professional excellence and mentorship. TVIB announced April 7 that this year’s Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award recipient will be Cathy Hammond, CEO of Hebron, Ky.-based Inland Marine Service.
“Cathy’s life and legacy mirror the very values that Mike Rushing embodied—faith-driven service, fearless leadership and unwavering support for those around her,” the announcement from TVIB stated.
Hammond’s impact on the maritime industry goes back to 1988, when she and her husband started Inland Marine Service. Hammond got involved with the American Waterways Operators (AWO) in 1994 and served on the AWO board and executive committee as an advocate for small operators. She served as the first chair of the Accreditation Board, now known as the Standards Board. She also became the longest serving member of the Towing Safety Advisory Council (TSAC) and was appointed to that board through three different presidential administrations.
Hammond’s passion for service has led her off-river as well. She has traveled twice to South Sudan, where she helped build a school for girls in a community known for frequent violence against women. At one point, she was trapped in the country during an outbreak of civil war and was rescued by the humanitarian aid organization Samaritan’s Purse.
In announcing the award, TVIB commended the bravery and resilience Hammond has shown through her humanitarian efforts and her involvement in the maritime industry.
“Cathy is also a loyal friend and mentor to many in our industry,” TVIB said in the announcement. “Like Mike, her leadership has always been hands-on. Throughout her career, Cathy has been a trailblazer for women in the marine industry. She broke barriers, shattered ceilings and lowered ladders for those who followed. Her character, intelligence and persistence opened doors for countless women and mariners, proving that, with engagement and commitment, every voice can be heard.”
Hammond will officially receive the 2025 Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award at this year’s Inland Marine Expo in Nashville, Tenn., during the tradeshow’s May 30 awards luncheon.
For many years, The Waterways Journal presented the IMX Achievement Award to recognize longtime industry leaders. That award was given postumously in 2023 to Mike Rushing, founder of Rushing Marine Service and a co-founder of TVIB. Last year, TVIB announced the Mike Rushing Award and presented the inaugural award to George Foster of JB Marine Service.
