WEDA Executive Director Looks Ahead To 2026 Summit

The Western Dredging Association (WEDA) entered a new chapter earlier this year with the appointment of Stan Ekren as executive director. Ekren assumed the role February 1 following a 43-year career in the dredging industry that included leadership positions with major contractors, small-business ownership and projects throughout the United States, South America and the Caribbean.

Ahead of WEDA’s annual Summit & Expo, scheduled for July 23–26 in Montreal, Quebec, The Waterways Journal spoke with Ekren about the state of the dredging industry, workforce development, project delivery and the importance of maintaining a strong partnership between the private sector and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Waterways Journal: You stepped into the executive director role after more than four decades in the dredging industry. What attracted you to the position, and what perspective do you hope to bring to WEDA?

Ekren: I retired last August after 43 years in the industry, but I wasn’t ready to slow down completely. Dredging has been a tremendous career for me, and this was an opportunity to stay involved and give something back to an industry that has provided so much.

I’ve been fortunate to see the industry from several different perspectives. I spent the first part of my career with Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, worked internationally in South America and the Caribbean and, later, was involved in ownership and management of a small dredging company. I’ve worked in more than 25 Corps districts and have been involved in everything from deep-draft navigation projects to river, reservoir and portable dredging work.

That experience gives me an appreciation for the challenges and opportunities facing all segments of the industry and for the importance of maintaining strong relationships between contractors, owners, regulators and public agencies.

WJ: The dredging industry has benefited from several years of strong federal investment. How would you characterize the market today?

Ekren: Overall, the industry is in very good shape. One of the most encouraging developments has been the level of investment contractors have made in their fleets. Across the industry, companies have invested heavily in new dredges, modernization projects and equipment upgrades.

If you look at the major contractors and many of the regional operators, they operate more efficient equipment and are positioned to perform the work that’s being funded. That’s a positive sign for the long-term health of the industry.

The challenge today isn’t necessarily a lack of capacity. In many cases, it’s project delivery. The funding environment remains strong, but getting authorized and funded work delivered efficiently remains an important focus.

WJ: Beneficial use, resilience initiatives and environmental stewardship continue to receive greater attention. How is the industry adapting to those priorities while maintaining efficiency?

Ekren: The industry has always adapted to changing requirements, and that continues today. Beneficial use of dredged material creates opportunities to deliver value beyond navigation alone, whether that’s habitat creation, shoreline protection or other environmental benefits.

The Corps of Engineers remains a tremendous partner and client, and one of its strengths has always been its commitment to sound processes and collaboration. As new priorities emerge, industry and the Corps continue to work together to find practical solutions.

At the same time, project requirements have become more complex. Environmental considerations, stakeholder engagement and evolving regulatory requirements all add layers to project development and delivery. The challenge for everyone involved is finding ways to maintain efficiency while continuing to meet those important objectives.

WJ: Workforce development remains a concern throughout the maritime industry. What are you seeing within the dredging sector?

Ekren: People have been talking about workforce challenges for as long as I can remember. I can remember those discussions going back to the 1980s.

What gives me confidence is the culture that exists throughout the dredging industry, particularly regarding safety. The people working on dredges today bring an extraordinary level of professionalism to the job. Safety isn’t just a program anymore. It’s a culture.

The industry’s safety performance today is dramatically different from what it was decades ago because people throughout the organization have embraced continuous improvement. Companies share lessons learned, best practices and innovations. Even in a competitive industry, there’s a willingness to share information that can help everyone operate more safely.

That culture helps attract and retain good people. The industry still faces workforce pressures, like many sectors do, but the commitment to training, safety and professional development remains very strong.

WJ: What role does WEDA play in supporting the relationship between industry and the Corps of Engineers?

Ekren: One of the most important things WEDA does is help maintain strong relationships across the dredging community, particularly between the private sector and the Corps of Engineers.

Historically, that partnership has been one of the great strengths of the American dredging industry. The Corps has a tremendous mission, and WEDA wants to be part of helping that mission succeed through education, technical knowledge and collaboration.

As projects become more complex and delivery expectations continue to evolve, it’s important that industry and government continue communicating openly. Some of the processes that govern project development and contracting today were established decades ago under a very different operating environment. The industry has been actively improving its workforce, finding solutions to environmental challenges and can take on more sophisticated project demands.

WEDA is not a lobbying organization. Our role is to provide a forum where owners, contractors, consultants, academics and government agencies can exchange information, share lessons learned and work toward practical solutions. Continued collaboration between the Corps and private industry will be critical to meeting future dredging needs efficiently and effectively.

WJ: Looking ahead to Montreal, what can attendees expect from this year’s Summit & Expo?

Ekren: Montreal will be a unique venue and a great opportunity for the industry to come together. We expect an outstanding technical program and strong participation from both the U.S. and international dredging communities.

We’re excited about our keynote lineup, which is expected to include senior leadership from the Corps of Engineers as well as industry and port leaders. The program will feature WEDA’s traditional technical sessions along with short courses covering topics such as Dredging 101, beneficial use of dredged material and emerging dredging technologies. We also anticipate a panel discussion featuring representatives from major ports and transportation stakeholders.

Another positive development for WEDA this year is the addition of Business Manager Vicky Mant. Mant has extensive international experience in the dredging sector, and her energy and organizational abilities are a major asset for the association as it continues to expand its programming and member services.