40 Under 40: Lott, McMillan, Miller And Morehouse

For the ninth 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 recipients. This week we recognize Victor Lott, Sean McMillan, Ross Miller and Brent Morehouse.

Victor Lott

Victor Lott, 32, is the gulf operations logistics coordinator for Parker Towing Company.

Lott began his career in the maritime industry as a deckhand. After several years, he followed in the footsteps of his father and joined the Parker Towing team as a crew dispatcher in 2022. Through hard work and dedication to the Parker Towing crews and operations, Lott was promoted to port captain in Mobile, Ala. He was promoted to his current role in 2026.

Lott’s colleagues described him as a hands-on leader who leads by example, earning the respect of both crews and partners. Throughout his career at Parker Towing, Lott has worked directly alongside crews, coordinated with shipyards, collaborated with the U.S. Coast Guard during vessel surveys and audits and ensured that vessels and crews have the necessary resources to operate safely and efficiently. His ability to communicate and connect with people, as well as understand the needs of the fleet and maintain industry partnerships, has made him an invaluable member of the Parker Towing leadership team.

“Victor Lott represents the kind of leadership and dedication that will shape the future of the maritime industry,” said Tim Parker III, president and CEO of Parker Towing Company. “Victor is a rising leader whose future with Parker Towing and within the maritime community is exceptionally bright, and I strongly believe he is deserving of recognition as a 40 Under 40 honoree.”

Sean McMillan

Sean McMillan, 39, is the corporate controller for Hines Furlong Line Inc.

McMillan graduated from the University of Richmond with his bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics and earned his certified public accountant (CPA)license after beginning his career. After several years of public accounting positions in a variety of industries, McMillan was introduced to the maritime world through his position as assistant controller for Campbell Transportation Company in 2019. The next six years with Campbell gave McMillan an appreciation for the industry, and he was promoted to corporate controller when Hines Furlong Line Inc. acquired Campbell in January 2026.

“I am excited for what this next chapter brings with Hines Furlong as well as the opportunity to continue to contribute to the maritime industry for years to come,” McMillan said.

“Sean has significantly contributed to the success of Hines Furlong Line and Campbell Transportation’s River Division,” said Dan Kulbieda, chief financial officer of Hines Furlong Line Inc. “Over his career, Sean has effectively project managed, driven efficiencies and process improvements throughout the company, and he has successfully collaborated across departments with critical vendors. He has also played a pivotal role on integration projects after several acquisitions from a culture, personnel and systems perspective. Sean is very well liked and respected by his peers, (and) has been a consistent leader and effective manager over his years in the maritime industry.”

Ross Miller

Ross Miller, 39, is the vice president of sales and business development at Stevens Towing Company.

Miller received his bachelor’s degree in finance at Wofford College and his master’s degree in business at Charleston Southern University. He earned his Coast Guard master’s captain license early in his career and joined the crew of Stevens Towing in 2011.

Miller has held a variety of positions over his nearly 16-year career at Stevens Towing. He has overseen both internal and vessel safety audits, as well as towboat operations. He is credited with playing a critical role in turning the company from a small, regional tug and barge operator to a large marine transportation and shipyard organization.

Miller led the development of the company’s Safety Management System, where he oversaw towboats moving from uninspected to inspected status, and oversaw compliance programs for U.S.-flagged Jones Act vessels operating in international environments. He also authored and implemented a comprehensive Vessel Security Plan for the company, which was formally approved by the Coast Guard. Furthermore, he served as facility security officer for the company and served as project manager for Stevens Towing’s support role in the salvage of the mv. Golden Ray.

Miller is described as a leader who brings focus and integrity to his role, employing a rare blend of operational discipline and strategic foresight to Stevens Towing’s most complex projects.

“Over his 16-year career with Stevens Towing, Ross has distinguished himself as a disciplined operator, strategic thinker and emerging leader shaping the future of maritime transportation,” said Johnson Stevens, president of Stevens Towing Company.

Brent Morehouse

Brent Morehouse, 39, is a port engineer at Buffalo Marine Service Inc.

Morehouse started in the maritime industry as a deckhand in 2015 at E Squared Marine Services, where he was mentored by Capt. Bob Sexton. He put himself through tankerman school and received his merchant mariner’s license within the year. In 2018, Morehouse was promoted to port engineer, and in 2023 he joined the crew at Buffalo Marine Service Inc.

As port engineer, Morehouse oversees maintenance, manages shipyard projects, coordinates with vendors, navigates regulatory requirements and responds to unexpected mechanical issues at all hours of the day every day. No matter the repair request, Morehouse never forgets the crewmembers involved, making sure to deliver safe and functioning equipment and building trust between shoreside staff and company vessels.

His colleagues described Morehouse as steady, funny and deeply dependable. He communicates clearly with crewmembers and partners, follows through consistently and treats every deck crew member with respect. Courtney Brandon, human resources manager at Buffalo Marine Service Inc., recalled how Morehouse handles high-pressure situations, such as the sinking of the mv. Patrick J Studdert, with calmness and composure, making sure to focus on finding the right solutions and supporting the crew.

“In a fast-paced industry where urgency is constant and recognition often goes to the most visible roles, Brent Morehouse represents the quiet strength that truly keeps operations running,” Brandon said. “His integrity, consistency and unwavering support of our crews and vessels make him exceptionally deserving of this honor.”

Featured photo caption: This week’s 40 Under 40 honorees are Victor Lott of Parker Towing Company, Sean McMillan of Hines Furlong Line Inc., Ross Miller of Stevens Towing Company and Brent Morehouse of Buffalo Marine Service Inc.