40 Under 40: Smith, Smith, Suhon And Thornton

For eight years, 40 of the industry’s future leaders have been 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 recipients. This week we recognize Evan Smith, Neil Smith, Andrew Suhon and Charles Thornton.

Evan Smith

Evan Smith, 39, is a vessel technologist for Marquette Transportation Company, Paducah, Ky.

Smith joined Marquette in 2010. His technical skills, combined with his ability to align IT solutions with the needs of Marquette’s fleet, have been instrumental in streamlining operations, the company said. Smith has been at the forefront of implementing critical systems that have enhanced real-time data analysis, fleet efficiency and safety for Marquette.

“Evan is a dedicated and innovative IT professional whose expertise and forward-thinking approach have played an integral role in advancing Marquette’s technological capabilities and enhancing the overall efficiency of its operations,” said Jeff Hudson, chief HR officer of Marquette Transportation Company.

Smith has also helped modernize Marquette’s technology infrastructure, from introducing cloud-based solutions to enhancing cybersecurity measures. According to Hudson, his ability to identify opportunities for technological advancement and seamlessly integrate new tools into the company’s existing systems has been impressive.

“Evan is a natural collaborator who excels in working with both shore and vessel teams,” Hudson said. “He takes pride in helping others understand and leverage technology to improve their problem-solving capabilities. His mentorship and dedication to fostering a culture of learning have earned him the respect of his colleagues and have made him a key figure in Marquette’s IT department.”

Neil Smith

Neil Smith, 37, is the safety manager at Florida Marine Transporters.

Smith began his career with Florida Marine in 2012 as a deckhand and eventually worked his way up to the position of pilot after receiving his tankerman license in 2013, his Able Seaman (AB) certification and his Apprentice Mate license in 2016. In 2020, he moved shoreside and worked three years as a personnel manager. His outstanding performance as a personnel manager caught the eye of the company’s leadership, and Smith was promoted to the position of safety manager in 2023. Since then, Smith has championed a safety culture that has seen a significant reduction in incidents.

“He has excelled at each position he has held and, in my opinion, his performance and leadership ability have him in position to continue to move up in the organization and the industry,” said Chad Hidalgo, director of HSE compliance at Florida Marine.

As safety manager, Smith ensures the company is in compliance with all regulatory requirements with regard to safety. He manages all towing safety management system (TSMS) safety programs and is the lead investigator on all personal injury events. He manages near miss reporting, investigation and analysis.

“In the three years he has been in this department, hazard recognition by the fleet has increased and has resulted in a steady decrease in recordable injuries,” Hidalgo said. “He continues to excel at all his tasks, and he looks to be a future leader in this organization. In my mind, he was a perfect nomination for this award.”

Andrew Suhon

Andrew Suhon, 38, is the senior manager of information technology at Campbell Transportation Company.

Suhon joined Campbell Transportation Company in 2012 after serving in the United States Marine Corps. His experience and diligence in IT eventually led him to a management position in Campbell’s IT department in 2017, and a senior management position in 2022.

“[Suhon] has significantly contributed to the growth and success of Campbell by effectively managing Campbell’s IT environment both onshore and across Campbell’s growing fleet of boats by ensuring our boats are outfitted with all equipment they need to operate safely and efficiently,” said Valerie Richards, vice president of human resources at Campbell.

With over a decade of experience, Suhon has developed a deep knowledge of operating systems, information security and network engineering.

“He has effectively multi-tasked responsibilities, and he has successfully collaborated across departments and with our critical IT vendors to develop and enhance our marine management solutions,” Richards said. “Andrew has also developed relationships and collaborated with other IT professionals and IT service providers within the industry to share ideas and drive best practices and efficiencies.”

Charles Thornton

Charles Thornton, 36, is a port captain with Magnolia Marine Transport.

Thornton began at Magnolia Marine Transport (MMT), Vicksburg Miss., in 2009 after serving four years in the United States Marine Corps. As port captain, Thornton is responsible for overseeing vessel operations, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, coordinating traffic and logistics and mentoring crews across the fleet. He also serves as a critical link between shoreside management and vessel personnel, helping interpret policies, manage performance and resolve operational challenges.

“Charles is a key player in the continued success of MMT,” said Michael Carpenter, director of vessel operations for Magnolia Marine Transport. “His invaluable experience, shaped by his time in the U.S. Marine Corps and years served aboard company vessels, has instilled in him exceptional leadership qualities. His discipline, strategic thinking and ability to motivate and guide crews make him an integral part of the team.”

Carpenter also commended Thornton’s abilities in coaching captains and crew members, as well as maintaining high safety standards and driving operational efficiency.

“Charles leads by example, fostering a culture of safety, accountability and operational excellence that has directly contributed to the company’s success,” Carpenter said. “His decades of experience, from green deckhand to port captain, give him unique insight into both frontline operations and big-picture decision making.”