40 Under 40: Khouri, Kish, Lanoux and Lewandowski

For the eighth 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 this year’s 40 Under 40 recipients. This week we’re recognizing Aaron Khouri, Thomas Kish, Chris Lanoux and Rick Lewandowski.

Aaron Khouri

Khouri, 37, is the CEO of Transport 360 LLC, located in St. Joseph, Mo.

Khouri joined Transport 360 in 2023 as the vice president of business development and was promoted to chief executive officer in 2024. Khouri has 13 years of experience in the barge industry, including 11 years at Ingram Barge Company. He earned his master’s degree in maritime administration and logistics at The University of Texas A&M Galveston. In April 2024, Khouri was elected to the Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals board of directors, representing the Missouri River Basin. Khouri also serves on the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee, acting as a stakeholder representing the waterway industry.

“The expansion of commerce along the Missouri River, which Aaron will help lead, will create long-term economic expansion and continued relevance to our region’s agriculture and industrial sectors,” said Kurt David, CEO of Eagle Communications Inc. in Lenexa, Kan.

Thomas Kish

Thomas Kish, 36, is the director of liquid cargo services and strategic initiatives at Canal Barge Company (CBC) in New Orleans.

Kish received his Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Philosophy from Hendrix College, Conway, Ark. He began a career path in law and in 2012 placed a pause on his studies and joined Canal Barge as a barge readiness technician. Kish quickly rose through the ranks within the company, holding positions encompassing the breadth and depth of CBC operations and transportation services as shore tankerman, afterhours logistics coordinator, a barge allocator and manager for many of CBC’s largest partners by cargo volume, a manager of fleet optimization and customer service, and currently as director of CBC’s unit tow business and strategic initiatives.

“His technical and operational knowledge, operational skills and outstanding communication capabilities have made him one of our most valuable employees,” said Canal Barge Company President and CEO Merritt Lane. “Thomas’s operational background, thoughtful nature, openness to input, different ways of thinking and his constant willingness to help and ask for help along the way make a huge difference.”

In 2023, Kish successfully led the planning and execution for that year’s 120-day Illinois River Closure, for which he was recognized as winner of CBC’s President’s Award.

“Thomas’s impactful presence on any team, project or initiative has proven many times over why he is deserving of this recognition,” said CBC Executive Vice President David Lane.

Chris Lanoux

Chris Lanoux, 33, is the maritime compliance manager at Parker Towing Company Inc.

At the age of 23, Kish started out as an entry level deckhand working on multiple towing vessels and establishing critical understanding of life aboard an inland towing vessel. With talents better suited for administrative duties, a recommendation by the captains he served under and new regulatory requirements promulgated by the U.S. Coast Guard, Kish transitioned in 2016 to the newly created role of maritime compliance coordinator. After a few years, his title was upgraded to maritime compliance manager with the expanded responsibilities of managing and training other safety and compliance personnel. His role involves vessel safety inspections, incident investigations, security exercises and U.S. Coast Guard and industry outreach.

“Chris Lanoux provides a stellar example of how to build a decade spanning career in maritime transportation,” said Tim Parker III, president and CEO of Parker Towing Company. “With dogged persistence, an eye for detail and collaborative spirit toward common goals, he has proven to others more experienced his guidance is to be trusted.”

Rick Lewandowski

Rick Lewandowski, 38, is a port captain at Riverview Tug Service, Bellevue, Iowa.

Lewandowski began his career on the river at 18 years old in 2005. By 2007, he was running as a mate, demonstrating his strong work ethic and ability to take on responsibility. In 2011, he entered the steersman program, further honing his piloting skills, and by 2014 he had earned his pilot’s license. His leadership capabilities and operational expertise led to his first captain’s position in 2020. In 2023, Lewandowski brought his wealth of experience to Riverview Tug Service as port captain, where he continues to make a significant impact.

“With nearly two decades of experience in the inland maritime industry, Rick exemplifies leadership, innovation and a deep commitment to advancing the role of smaller tug operations in river logistics,” said Jordan Steines, operations manager at Riverview Tug Service.

In his role as port captain, Lewandowski highlights the crucial role towing vessels play across all river systems and advocates for a more cost-effective approach to barge transportation, emphasizing the efficiency of using 1,200 hp. towboats for barge movements over long distances instead of deploying 6,000 hp. vessels, which can be economically inefficient for smaller tows.

“Rick Lewandowski is a dedicated leader and forward-thinking mariner whose contributions are driving meaningful improvements in the inland marine industry,” Steines said. “His leadership, vision and commitment to efficiency and inclusivity make him an outstanding candidate for the Inland Marine Expo’s 40 Under 40 award.”