40 Under 40 Awards: Stewart, Stokes, Thompson And Todich

For the ninth year, 40 of the industry’s future leaders were honored at the Inland Marine Expo with the “40 Under 40” award, recognizing 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, leadership and dedication to the industry.

Over the course of 10 weeks, The Waterways Journal is featuring recipients. This week we recognize Brock Stewart, Todd Stokes, Thaddeus Thompson and Eli Todich.

Brock Stewart

Brock Stewart, 39, is owner and operator of Alpha Marine Services LLC.

In 2006, Stewart started working in the maritime sector as a commercial diver for River Services Company. He eventually became operations manager in 2011 after gaining a great deal of field experience and a solid grasp of marine operations over the course of the following few years. He stayed with the business until 2018, when he founded Alpha Marine Services with Charles “Chadd” Parker.

Drawing on Stewart’s background in commercial diving and operations management and Parker’s expertise in marine surveying, the pair founded the company with the goal of providing a one-stop emergency response service for the inland maritime transportation industry. Since opening its doors, Alpha Marine Services has experienced steady growth, expanding its operations from Memphis, Tenn., north to Cairo, Ill., and south to New Orleans, La. Stewart credits that success not only to the support of customers throughout the industry but also to the dedicated team that responds whenever the call comes.

“Brock started from scratch and has learned the industry in a quick time,” said Joseph Womack, supervisor at Wepfer Marine. “Anytime he’s called, he shows up to help any way he can.”

Todd Stokes

Todd Stokes, 38, is river operations manager for Team Services.

Stokes began his maritime career in 2007 with Kirby Inland Marine at just 18 years old. During six years with the company, he gained firsthand experience in vessel operations while building a strong foundation in accountability, teamwork and the responsibilities that come with working in a high-risk maritime environment.

Stokes began working for Team Services in 2013 as a shore tankerman. While working in this position, he gained additional experience in operations. Due to his dedication to leadership, safety and development, he was promoted to the position of manager of operations in 2021. Currently, Stokes supervises the operations, mentors employees and creates an atmosphere of effective communication and planning. Since he realizes that safety is not a process but a collaborative effort, Stokes encourages employees to spot potential risks, communicate and make the right decisions.

“With nearly two decades of experience in the maritime industry, Todd has built a career centered around safety, leadership and a commitment to the people who make the industry successful,” said Scott Spearman, director of operational excellence for Team Services.

Thaddeus Thompson

Thaddeus Thompson, 37, is yard superintendent for Amherst Madison.

Thompson joined Amherst Madison in March 2009 as a laborer at the company’s marine repair shipyard after recently turning 20 years old. Starting with little welding experience, he took on a variety of responsibilities, including facility maintenance, fire watch, cleaning fuel tanks and bilges and other essential shipyard duties. Through a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn, Thompson steadily expanded his skills by learning welding and fabrication, earning his 6G welding certification, operating dry docks and obtaining multiple crane certifications. Along the way, he also became a CPR and first aid instructor, served as a site safety officer and advanced to leadman.

Before being elevated to yard superintendent in October 2024, Thompson took on more leadership duties after Amherst Madison acquired the former OKAN Marine Repair facility in Gallipolis, Ohio. He continues to expand on the skills and knowledge he has acquired over his career while supervising daily operations and scheduling at the Gallipolis shipyard. Thompson credits his growth to always being willing to learn something new and embracing every opportunity that came his way.

“Thaddeus has built his career through hard work, adaptability and a willingness to take on every challenge presented to him,” said Brian Patterson, operations manager at Amherst Madison.

Eli Todich

Eli Todich, 38, is operations manager and vessel servicer for T&T Salvage LLC.

Todich’s maritime career spans more than 15 years. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Todich joined T&T Salvage in 2011 as part of the company’s Subsea Division. Todich has since held positions such as diver, dive supervisor and dive operations manager at the company. His natural sense for leadership and expertise in both U.S. and international diving and salvage operations awarded him a promotion to operations manager of vessel services in 2023. In this role, Todich supports and manages compliance requirements of USCG Salvage and Marine Firefighting (SMFF) regulations under OPA 90.

Todich is recognized in the industry for his calm leadership, resilience and ability to perform effectively during emergency response situations.

“Eli consistently demonstrates dedication, resilience and a proactive approach to problem-solving,” said DeAnne Ebanks, director of vessel services at T&T Salvage. “His multi-faceted experience in high-pressure environments — spanning military service, commercial diving, and his current role with T&T’s OPA 90 Vessel Services Team — underscores his ability to perform and lead when it matters most. Eli has repeatedly proven himself to be a reliable and decisive leader during our clients’ times of crisis.”