Paducah Propeller Club Recognizes National Maritime Day
The Paducah Propeller Club celebrated National Maritime Day with a ceremony May 16 that included award presentations and a wreath presentation ceremony.
Randy Chamness, vice president of northern vessel operations for American Commercial Barge Line, was presented with the club’s Maritime Person of the Year Award. Julie Harris, the retired executive director of Paducah’s River Discovery Center, received the Port Person of the Year Award.
The ceremony took place at the Seamen’s Church Center’s Center for Maritime Education in Paducah. National Maritime Day is federally observed each May 22. It recognizes the maritime industry while honoring the contributions of the Merchant Marine. The date was selected to commemorate the first successful transoceanic voyage under steam power, completed by the S.S. Savannah in 1819.
Paducah’s commemoration included a proclamation presented by Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Wilson declaring the day Maritime Day in Paducah and acknowledging the many contributions of people and companies involved in the industry. She also presented Chamness with one of the city’s highest honors, its Duke of Paducah Award.
“Paducah has a great maritime history, and it continues to grow,” said Ian McVicker, president of the Paducah Propeller Club. “We have the new cruise ship pier coming in at the new riverfront, and big, great things are coming to Paducah maritime-wise.”
In accepting his award, Chamness spoke about the importance of relationships to being successful within the industry, thanked the executive team at ACBL for their trust in him and thanked his family for their support as well.
“I couldn’t be more proud to not only be a local resident, but also to know that our industry has a big footprint in Paducah,” he said. “I’m thankful to be here to represent all of the mariners throughout our industry and our industry partners. That’s really what drives me to do what I do, and it’s an honor to be here.”
In addition to his role at ACBL, Chamness spent two terms as chairman of the Lower Mississippi River Commission, from 2020 to 2022 and 2024 to 2025. He began serving as ACBL’s representative on the River Industry Executive Taskforce in 2025.
Harris, who led the River Discovery Center for more than 22 years, spoke about her enjoyment over the years in helping to introduce young people to the industry, noting that the early educational programs and hands-on experiences have had real-world value.
“Programs that we had with kids when they were young and sort of planting that seed early on about the importance of our rivers, and then seeing them grow up to work in the industry, that is validation,” she said.
Under Harris’ leadership, the River Discovery Center launched initiatives including Adopt-a-Towboat, maritime career days and educational partnerships designed to connect students with careers on the inland waterways.
“I am truly humbled and honored that the Propeller Club has chosen me for this award,” Harris said. “The Propeller Club played such an important role in my growth as the director of the River Discovery Center, and I have treasured the many friendships and connections I’ve made through the years at their meetings and events.”
The ceremony also included the presentation of two scholarships to deserving high school seniors. The scholarships are paid for each year using proceeds from the club’s annual Bob Day Golf Outing. This year’s outing was held May 15 at the Drake Creek Golf Club in Ledbetter. The scholarships went to Ava Russell of Paducah Tilghman High School and Madilyn Shelby of McCracken County High School. Lori Wasbutsky served as chairperson for the scholarship committee.
The commemoration concluded with the playing of “Taps” and the placement of a floral wreath in honor of the mariners who have lost their lives in the past year. The Paducah Tilghman High School’s Navy Junior ROTC program posted and retired the colors and participated in the wreath ceremony.
Featured photo caption: Paducah Propeller Club President Ian McVicker speaks during the club’s annual Maritime Day ceremony May 16 at the Seamen’s Church Institute’s Center for Maritime Education in Paducah, Ky. The ceremony included award presentations for Maritime Person of the Year and Port Person of the Year along with a city proclamation for Maritime Day and a wreath-laying ceremony memorializing mariners who have lost their lives. (Photo by Lindsey Launius)
