40 Under 40: D’Ambrosi, Easterling, Frankovitch and Fry

For the eighth 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 each recipient. This week, we recognize Kayla D’Ambrosi, Josh Easterling, John Frankovitch and Todd Fry. 

Kayla D’Ambrosi 

Kayla D’Ambrosi, 35, is the ERP implementation facilitator at Tidewater Barge Lines in Vancouver, Wash. 

D’Ambrosi started at Tidewater Barge Lines as a night dispatcher, then later transitioned to the roll of maintenance and engineering planner. From there she took the position as ERP implementation facilitator.  

“In each position, [D’Ambrosi] has taken on more responsibility, expanded the position and added value far exceeding the job description,” said Marc Schwartz, the maintenance and engineering manager at Tidewater Barge Lines.  

D’Ambrosi is currently working with three separate business units in two countries to develop and implement an enterprise program for the management of maintenance, projects, QHSS&E and regulatory compliance.  

“Kayla has proven herself to be collaborative, innovative, creative, and visionary,” Schwartz said. “Her contributions to Tidewater Barge Lines and our affiliates will contribute to our success and growth for many years to come and will prepare us for future challenges and expansion.” 

Josh Easterling

Josh Easterling, 38, is the safety and compliance manager at Terral RiverService Inc. in Lake Providence, La. 

“Josh is a vital part of our operations here at Terral,” the company said in nominating Easterling. “His role is in safety and compliance, and he has always done whatever it takes to keep our operation moving in the right direction. We are blessed to have him as part of our team, and we think he is definitely deserving of the 40 under 40 award.” 

John Frankovitch 

John Frankovitch, 29, is the president of Pier 48 Stevedoring LLC based in Wellsville, Ohio. He is also an owner of Pier 48, doing business as the Port of Ohio. 

Frankovich is a member of the Waterways Association of Pittsburgh and Inland River Ports and Terminals (IRPT). He is also on the board of directors of the Traffic Club of Pittsburgh. He has an MBA in supply chain and port management from New Jersey City University.  

“John has expanded and developed Pier 48 into a modern port that handles barite, cold rolled and hot rolled steel, soybeans and other products,” said Eric Frankovitch, co-owner of Pier 48. “He has dramatically increased handling of tonnage of the Port at Pier 48 and associated profits from the increased workload. He has expanded the work force to meet the increased demand of the port’s services.”

Todd Fry

Todd Fry, 40, is the logistics manager at Amherst Madison in Charleston, W. Va. 

Fry began his maritime career as a deckhand for Amherst Madison. He worked his way to the position of mate aboard the mv. Dr. Edwin H. Welch, and from there to traffic dispatch. He showed unique skills as a dispatcher and within just a few years moved up to marine traffic manager.  

“Todd is a critical member of Amherst Madison’s management team, not only running the traffic department, but assisting in towboat personnel issues as well as navigating Mariners in license renewals,” said Joshua Burge, general manager of Amherst Madison. “He has been a valuable member of our team and has helped me several times in making critical decisions.”