SCI’s Maritime Bell Awards Luncheon Recognizes Teichman, Ashford
By Evan Brown, Seamen’s Church Institute
More than 300 maritime professionals gathered April 23 at the Hilton Americas Houston for the Seamen’s Church Institute’s annual Maritime Bell Awards Luncheon.
Kelly M. Teichman, executive chairman of T&T Group of Companies, received the Maritime Bell Award, and Sandra Ashford, director of training, HSSE, at Ingram Marine Group, received the Outstanding Trainer Award.
“We always look forward to visiting Houston each spring to connect with the maritime community, and the Maritime Bell Awards Luncheon gives us an opportunity to recognize the exceptional contributions of industry leaders,” said the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt, president and executive director of the Seamen’s Church Institute. “This year’s honorees, Kelly and Sandra, are truly deserving of this recognition.”
In her remarks, Ashford said, “Every question, conversation and moment of guidance has the power to shape confidence, competence and careers. Training isn’t about overwhelming people with information. It’s about placing the right knowledge, at the right time, in the right way so it truly sticks and makes a difference. … I have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside leaders, mentors and colleagues who have believed in me, challenged me and trusted me with the responsibility of helping others. This award reflects that support, just as much as it reflects my own efforts.”
Teichman said she was fortunate to grow up in a maritime family, learning firsthand about the men and women who work hard everyday on board vessels and shoreside to power the American economy and help safeguard the nation.
“These are careers that matter: to our economy, to our supply chain, for our national security, for our environment and for our quality of life,” she said. “And, as we know, mariners who perform these vital services — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — work through all sorts of challenging conditions to make all this happen: rain, heat, ice, high water, low water, pandemics, not to mention dispatch. And many of them do it while supporting families of their own, which means they separate from their loved ones while on the water. They are part of our nation’s essential workforce, and it is essential for our industry to look out for them.”
The luncheon raised nearly $300,000 for SCI programs, including Ministry on the River, the Center for Maritime Education (Paducah and Houston), and the Center for Mariner Advocacy.
Nestlehutt said he was especially grateful to everyone who attended and to the event sponsors.
“We also extend our sincere thanks to event co-chairs David Lane of Canal Barge, LLC, and Lance Sannino of Enterprise Marine Services, LLC, as well as the entire Maritime Bell Luncheon committee for their dedication and hard work in making this event a success,” he said.
