40 Under 40 Awards: Kroll, Marino, McCoy, Merriman 

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 40 Under 40 recipients. This week we recognize Shannon Kroll, Dustin Marino, Justin McCoy and Miles Merriman.

Shannon Kroll

Shannon Kroll, 40, is executive vice president of Midwest Tankermen in Lockport, Ill.

She previously served as director of finance and human resources, where she made several significant positive contributions to the company, tankerman Pedro Gonzalez said. Those included identifying and implementing new benefits and cost savings and personally supporting employees who were facing personal and professional challenges, he said.

Dockman Marvin Dunner said Kroll is the “ultimate example” of a person dedicated to her craft.

“She makes herself available 24/7, and she always goes above and beyond to help with whatever you may need,” he said. “She’s invaluable to Midwest Tankermen. She’s a leader amongst leaders. Under her vision the sky is the limit to the growth and accomplishments Midwest Tankermen can reach as a company.”

Logistics manager Erica Scott said Kroll “does everything with grace and kindness” and “has a heart of gold.” Amanda Cappellini, director of logistics, added that Kroll is dedicated and empathetic.

“She embodies the values of our company, which are family, trust and dedication,” Cappellini said. “She is an integral piece of the foundation of our company, Midwest Tankermen. It is not every day that you have the opportunity to work with someone like Shannon. She is always willing to answer a call, be a source of support and help in any way. She makes us all feel validated and valuable.”

Sean Gerrity, president of Midwest Terminal Services Inc. and retired chief operating officer of Midwest Tankermen, said he has known Kroll her entire life.

“As the daughter of the company owner, Shannon was in the office at a very young age, and her experience in the inland marine transportation industry started earlier than most. I have been fortunate to watch her grow into the talented young woman she is today. Shannon understands the 24/7 nature of the industry and has compassion for the hard-working men and women who make a living in this industry every day. She is smart, organized and professional, and I can think of no one who would be more deserving of an award that is given to someone who will shape the future of this industry for years to come.”

Gail Loughlin, founder of Midwest Tankermen, said Kroll has invested the time and energy it takes to make the employees successful not only in their work environment but also in their personal lives.

“Midwest Tankermen employees are in an ‘on call’ situation 365 days a year, which can be extremely challenging,” Loughlin said. “Shannon has instituted programs and policies to assist them with these challenges.  She is also available to assist them when issues arise. She goes above and beyond to take care of the workers.”

Dustin Marino

Dustin Marino, 35, is shipyard supervisor for Industry Terminal & Salvage Company in Industry, Penn.

Marino started his river career at Campbell Transportation’s Georgetown operation in 2008 before being hired by Industry Terminal & Salvage in 2014 as an operator and maintenance employee.

“Hiring Dustin proved to be a great investment,” said Don Checkan, Industry Terminal & Salvage Company’s vice president of operations. “Dustin’s operating skills for cranes, excavators, barge material unloaders, etc., are second to none. During his career unloading, loading, dredging, pile driving, etc., he has never had an accident of himself or any fellow employee. Dustin’s impeccable record at work, his personality and likeable demeanor make him an incredible shipyard leader. He truly leads by example for many young people.”

Jason McCoy

Jason McCoy, 39, is marine mechanic at Amherst Madison in Charleston, W.Va.

He joined Amherst Madison as a marine mechanic in March 2007 after completing the diesel technology program at the University of Northwestern Ohio.

“Throughout his career, he has accumulated extensive knowledge and hands-on experience,” said Brian Patterson, Amherst Madison’s general manager of construction.

 He has actively participated in repair and repower projects for towboats, cranes and tank barges at Amherst Madison’s Marine Repair Facility in Gallipolis, Ohio.

“His expertise spans EMD, Caterpillar, Detroit, Volvo Penta, Cummins and MTU engines, as well as various gearboxes and generator sets,” Patterson said.

Outside of work, McCoy is involved in coaching baseball, basketball and wrestling for local youth athletic program. He and his wife, Danielle, have three sons, Ryder, Rixon and Ridley.

Miles Merriman

Miles Merriman, 30, is vessel manager at ARTCo in Decatur, Ill.

In nominating him, Zach Oswalt, port manager for TMS International, said he had worked with Merriman for his entire career with ADM/ARTCo while Oswalt was operations supervisor at the Cairo, Ill., location.

“Miles oversees the linehaul vessels that run from St. Paul down to NOLA,” he said. “When I first got into the position, we would receive packages, deliveries and equipment for line vessels without any sort of heads up or notification from their managers. This was the way it was always done previously, despite numerous logistical headaches. A quick discussion with Miles and we had a new editable PDF sheet for vessels coming into the fleet to list off any needs the vessel may have (fuel, water, extra rigging, expected equipment deliveries). This may seem like a small courtesy, but it paid off in a huge way.”

Additionally, Oswalt said he had never called Merriman without him either answering or quickly sending back a text to say he would call right back.

“We’ve been on the same side in a couple of incidents and were able to effectively communicate and be on the same page from 300 miles away,” he said.

Merriman was a captain before becoming a vessel manager, first on blue water and then on the Lower Mississippi as a heavy tow pilot. Oswalt credits that experience, as well as his reputation for putting the welfare of his employees first, for earning him the respect and admiration of those working for him. 

“He is calm and rational when under pressure and can roll with changes,” Oswalt said. “He is able to be an effective leader and communicator without ever giving a sense of ‘do this because I tell you to,’ and this gets folks to buy in. I can think of no one in that company more deserving.”