40 Under 40 Awards: Brown, Brown, Cannon and Chilcutt

For the eighth year, 40 of the industry’s future leaders were honored at the Inland Marine Expo (IMX) 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 next 10 weeks, The Waterways Journal is featuring recipients of this year’s 40 Under 40 award. This week we recognize Lindsey Brown, Whitney Brown, Brad Cannon and Gary Chilcutt.

Lindsey Brown

Lindsey Brown, 36, is the operations specialist for the Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau (TVIB), Channelview, Texas.

Brown joined TVIB in 2014. Since then, she played a pivotal role in the implementation of Subchapter M for over 226 maritime clients, overseeing more than 1,650 vessels under both the Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) and Coast Guard (CG) options, including those participating in the American Waterways Operators’ Responsible Carrier Program.

“Lindsey’s skills and industry knowledge are extraordinary, often reflecting the depth of someone with double her experience,” said Kenneth Lamph, operations manager for TVIB. “[Brown] has consistently received positive feedback from towing vessel company representatives, auditors, surveyors and Coast Guard personnel for her proactive communication, quick and accurate problem-solving and thoughtful, well-informed guidance. She has earned the respect of her peers and clients alike for her exceptional work ethic and leadership.”

Brown is the longest-serving member of the TVIB Operations Division. She has trained more than 15 employees, from operations managers to member services and training staff.

“Lindsey’s dedication, leadership and professionalism have set a high standard for the industry, and I am confident that she will continue to make a lasting and positive impact for years to come,” Lamph said. “I wholeheartedly recommend Lindsey for this honor, knowing she embodies the qualities this award seeks to celebrate: exceptional skill, leadership, and commitment to the industry.”

Whitney Brown

Whitney Brown, 38, is the assistant controller at Canal Barge Company in New Orleans.

Brown, a New Orleans native, received his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Xavier University and his Master of Arts degree in accounting from Tulane University. He began his career with Canal Barge Company in 2012 as a financial accountant. Brown was promoted in 2018 to senior financial accountant and was promoted to his current position in 2021. As assistant controller, Brown leads all accounting systems and functions for both Illinois Marine Towing and Canal Terminal Company.

“Whitney is a dedicated and humble leader, who in his career has built trusting relationships throughout our company that enable him to provide both terrific support and sufficient control as he works with our business units to properly account for their results,” said Doug Downing, chief financial officer for Canal Barge Company.

“Whitney has made a profound impact in his role, expertly managing the accounting for Canal Terminal Company while seamlessly balancing additional responsibilities,” said Donna Guerra, the director of Terminal Services of Canal Terminal Company, Channahon, Ill.

Canal Barge Company accounting controller Ada Boutchard described Brown as a humble individual who is committed to his community. Brown currently resides in Kenner, La., with his wife and two sons.

Brad Cannon

Brad Cannon, 35, is the harbor operations manager for Brennan Marine Inc. of La Crosse, Wis.

Cannon began his maritime career in 2009 as a deckhand in Paducah, Ky., working various positions in fleets and on line boats traveling the Tennessee, Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Cannon joined Brennan Marine at its Smithland, Ky., location in 2019 as a deckhand and quickly advanced through the steersman program. By 2023, he earned his operator’s license and was promoted to manager of the Smithland location.

In 2024, Cannon obtained a certified crane operator (CCO) credential while also assuming management responsibilities for the company’s Dyersburg, Tenn., location.

“Brad leads by example, demonstrating determination and a positive influence on those he works with,” said Ada Binsfeld, president of Brennan Marine Inc. “His dedication and professionalism make him a valued member of the Brennan team and a true marine professional.”

Gary Chilcutt

Gary Chilcutt, 31, is the Gulf operations manager for Tuscaloosa, Ala.-based Parker Towing Company.

Chilcutt began his career with Parker Towing Company in 2019 as an entry-level deckhand. From there he transitioned to a dispatcher role at Parker Towing’s Tuscaloosa office where he played a key role in implementing BargeOps across the fleet. Chilcutt’s leadership and expertise earned him a promotion to Gulf operations manager in 2021, where he relocated to Mobile, Ala. Chilcutt has overseen vessel operations at McDuffie Coal Terminal, ASD Slab Terminal, Parker Fleet Mobile and Parker vessels navigating the intracoastal waterways.

“Under [Chilcutt’s] leadership, the company’s towing and fleeting operations in Mobile and the intracoastal region have grown significantly, further strengthening Parker Towing’s presence in the Gulf,” said Tim Parker III, president and CEO of Parker Towing Company. “Parker Towing Company is fortunate to have Gary and we continue to rely on him for our growth in the Mobile Harbor and Gulf region as a whole.”