Member Voices

“In my professional experience, there really is no better platform to develop and strengthen relationships than the Propeller Club. It offers a forum for stakeholders from all industries, regardless of trade or sector, to come together for valuable dialogue through a wide range of activities, which create opportunities for learning and advancing education as well as for real business connections, creating awareness for and promoting the value of seabased commerce on a global level. It is truly a worldwide maritime network, and I am very proud to be a part of it.”
Dorothea Ioannou, President
The American P&I Club; Propeller Club Ports of New York and Piraeus, Greece

“A mentor once said to me: ‘A business that doesn’t grow dies.’ In an increasingly volatile world, transatlantic trade offers greater certainty and opportunity. I think about that a lot, and I am aware Polaris has to keep evolving to stay competitive. We are able to offer clients more value – more contacts, knowledge, and reach. The Propeller Club is a brilliant organization for us as a growing business. The club is bringing together many maritime organisations from across the Great Lakes and Inland Waterways industry, like the St. Lawrence Seaway and the US Coast Guard. Everyone who attends the club stands to benefit from learning and making contacts. We now have like-minded new friends and contacts at ports across the US and in Europe, we can pick up the phone to. That network makes us as a business stronger.”
Ben Pinnington, Regional Vice President
Great Lakes Region and member, Propeller Club of Chicago, Illinois

“For her, being part of the International Propeller Club has many interests: “I like the idea of cooperation and professional networking to promote the maritime sector, which is too little known. I have placed my mandate towards our members under the sign of curiosity and learning. After the monthly dinner conferences that we organize, we each leave with new knowledge that allows us to progress in our professional lives, but we also cultivate our knowledge of each other to work together in our region. I am also very proud to participate in the relationship between the student port and the professionals.”
Lénaïck Le Faou, President
Propeller Club of Nantes-St. Nazaire, France

“I have lent my experience and knowledge to causes directly supporting a growing and diversified maritime field. Now more than ever, it is crucial to bring awareness to the numerous opportunities available in the business to all levels of education, starting with primary and secondary schools. I feel accomplished and proud in sharing my successes with others and spreading awareness of what is one of the most essential industries.”
Amanda Ahlemeyer Robinson
Propeller Club of Norfolk, Virginia

“The Propeller Club has always played a huge role in my career. My Propeller Club journey actually started when I was a cadet, where I had the privilege to serve as the President of the Student Port at the California Maritime Academy. I was able to leverage my position to network with the local maritime community and Cal Maritime alumni and provide opportunities for myself and others to learn about career opportunities in the maritime industry. I have always found community through the Propeller Club, which was extremely helpful when I made the move to Seattle. Being a part of this organization has not only helped me grow my network and elevate my career but continues to allow me to play a more active role in an industry I am really passionate about.”
Tosca Pinder, Vice President
Property & Casualty, Marine, USI Insurance Services and Past President, Propeller Club of Seattle, Washington

“My first experience with the Propeller Club was as a student at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. After graduating in 1986, I shipped out deep sea for eleven years before starting a career as a ship pilot. I joined the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral after being encouraged to do so by some of the other members of the Canaveral Pilots Association. Several of the pilots had been founding members of the club. I soon joined the Board and served a term as President.
My membership in the Propeller Club is rewarding, especially through the opportunities to give back to the community by helping to educate the next generation of industry leaders. The building of the maritime industry community through club events and volunteer efforts is invaluable in helping our port run smoothly and efficiently with excellent communication and professionalism.”
Richard Grimison, Harbor Pilot at Port Canaveral
Florida, and Past President of the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral, Florida

“In 2004, I was invited to join the Propeller Club of New Orleans. In 2006, I joined the Board of Directors and was elected President of the PCNO in 2021. My 2-year term in office ends in June 2023, and it has been a wonderful experience. My sincere thanks to everyone who has provided guidance and assistance with the many professional and social events we have offered to our membership and the public. My first meeting was at the Plimsol Club World Trade Center and can honestly say I did not know what to expect when joining the organization. Today, I consider myself very fortunate to have done so. The Propeller Club has been very important to the success of my career. It has provided the opportunity to meet many colleagues in so many disciplines of the maritime community. The contacts made, the knowledgeable people that we share time with, and the enjoyable social times together are to be cherished. The opportunity of being able to share my personal maritime experiences with other PCNO members, especially the younger members of the organization, is gratifying. Enlightening our youths about all the diverse opportunities in the Maritime Industry is in need today. We must inspire, encourage, and welcome the next generations into our industry. The International Propeller Club and its local clubs around the globe are a pathway for influencing tomorrow’s Maritime Leaders.”
Leo Falgout, Special Projects Manager
Kirby Marine Transportation, New Orleans, Past President, Propeller Club of New Orleans and current member of the Board of Directors of the International Propeller Club

“The Propeller Club is truly an international organization of maritime professionals. Spanning 31 countries and over 80 port locations, this provides a tremendous venue for networking both locally and in other ports. You will find gatherings of diverse international business executives dedicated to the promotion of the maritime industry, inland marine commerce, and global trade.”
Niels Aalund, Director
Government Affairs and Public Relations for Bay-Houston Towing, Houston, Texas and Past International President

“I have been fortunate enough to attend many local, regional and even a few international Propeller Club events during my time at Mass Maritime. These conferences have made a profound impact on my career and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. As a past President of the Mass Maritime Propeller Club, I can’t thank all the chapters enough for what they have provided to cadets throughout the world.”
Enriquo Picozza, Massachusetts Maritime Academy

“As a student at one of the nation’s state maritime academies, I was looking for an outlet to meet experienced working professionals and grow my industry knowledge. That outlet came with the opportunity to join the international Propeller Club’ student port at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. It was in this club that I was able to attend industry events in the New England area and ultimately the International Propeller Club convention in Norfolk, Virginia. The experiences and connections I gained by attending the international convention proved to be invaluable, as many of the professionals I met and meetings I attended lead to potential job opportunities as well as knowledge I use in my current role two years later. There is no secret as to why I chose to attend the following international convention in New Orleans, Louisiana even after I had graduated from MMA. Having such an impact on my job search and knowledge of the industry, I felt that the best way to give back would be to stay involved, continue my learning, and ultimately give the future students who would attend the international conference the same experience I had. As young professionals entering an industry predominantly run by older generations, it is our responsibility to learn from the successes and mistakes they have made in order to push our industry forward.”
Connor Helm, Massachusetts Maritime Academy

“The time I spent at the Propeller Club Convention opened my eyes to the endless possibilities Propeller Club offers. I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with a group of students from other maritime universities. I learned about their involvement with Propeller Club and new ways to continue our relationships with different universities. During the convention, maritime professionals taught us about the current trends happening within the shipping industry. I enjoyed having such an engaging opportunity to learn about a topic and then, ask the presenter specific questions I was interested in. The entire convention was well-organized and such a pleasure to experience. I am so grateful I was able to attend and look forward to future events.”
Grace Tower, Massachusetts Maritime Academy