40 Under 40 Awards: Cox, Davis, Dvorachek And Gettys

For the ninth 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 recipients. This week we recognize Darren Cox, Wayne Davis, Brett Dvorachek and Adam Gettys.

Darren Cox

Darren Cox, 39, is the assistant facility manager at Wepfer Marine.

Cox is described as an integral part of the Wepfer Marine team. He was nominated for going well above and beyond his duties as an assistant manager, bringing integrity and unwavering dedication to the role. He is commended for nurturing and fostering a good working relationship with his employees, ensuring his teammates feel valued.

“Darren is the prime example of what a manager should be,” said Jason Carper, human resource manager at Wepfer Marine. “He cares for his employees and tries to help them in any way that he can. Mr. Cox is an example to all who have ever met him and is always willing to lend a hand and help someone out. If anyone deserves this award, it’s Darren Cox.”

Wayne Davis

Wayne Davis, 37, is the marine Gulf Coast tankering services supervisor for Marathon Petroleum Company.

Davis is known for being an expert on barge transfers and industry regulations. According to his supervisors, it is his ethic, initiative, dedication and drive for excellence that has been responsible for growing Marathon’s operations and reliability in the Gulf Coast region. Under his leadership, Davis has cultivated an inclusive work environment with a crew that feels engaged, accountable and valued.

“Wayne’s calm, solutions-driven approach combined with his commitment to mentoring and cross-departmental support make him a trusted leader and a driving force for positive change across our organization and community,” said Christopher Snouffer, marine tankering services manager at Marathon Petroleum.

Davis’s maritime career has spanned 19 years, and he has served in his role at Marathon Petroleum Company for two. He began in the industry as a plant operator for a barge line company in 2006, later shifting to the barge make-ready department and earning his Merchant Mariner Credential. After nine years of hard work and hands-on experience, Davis took a position in the company’s shore tanking department. He joined Marathon Petroleum in 2022.

“From day one, I found a culture that aligned with my values – one centered on safety, accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement,” Davis said. “Today, I am proud to be part of a high-performing organization where collaboration and shared commitment drive success. Marathon’s culture of teamwork and excellence has allowed me to grow professionally while contributing to the company’s goals, and I am honored to be part of a team that truly operates as one.”

Marathon has seen a measurable reduction of incidents, including zero OSHA recordable injuries, under Davis’s leadership. His motto, “iron sharpens iron,” has helped foster a workplace community that is passionate about safety and staying sharp on the job. Outside of his role at Marathon Petroleum, Davis presents at industry meetings and job fairs to educate and inspire both industry professionals and future mariners.

“Wayne Davis has earned my highest possible recommendation for receiving this prestigious award,” Snouffer said. “It will deservingly honor his accomplishments while also recognizing his bright future with our company and within this industry.”

Brett Dvorachek

Brett Dvorachek, 31, is the project manager for J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.

Dvorachek began his career in marine construction in a hands-on asset management role that taught him the foundations of understanding equipment, field operations and maritime logistics. Now 12 years into his maritime career, Dvoracheck is praised for his deep technical understanding and unwavering commitment to excellence in the industry. As project manager, Dvoracheck ensures projects are delivered responsibly, efficiently and with a clear understanding of financial impacts, showing leadership with both operational insight and strategic foresight.

“Through his experience, leadership and commitment to continuous improvement, Brett exemplifies the qualities of a professional whose impact extends well beyond the projects he manages,” said John Burchill, director of construction at J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. “His contributions, industry knowledge and forward-thinking approach make him a standout member of our team and a highly worthy candidate for this recognition.”

Dvoracheck is known for his professionalism and reputation for partnership in the industry, having cultivated strong relationships throughout the marine construction community.

Adam Gettys

Adam Gettys, 36, is a port captain for Turn Services.

Gettys joined Turn Services as a crewboat captain in March 2013. His hard work, discipline and commitment to his team earned him the role of assistant crewboat port captain in 2020. In this role, Gettys oversaw approximately 14 crewboats as well as the mariners who operate them. He was promoted to the role of port captain in 2026.

Turn Services commended Gettys on his dedication to his crew. He ensures that the high standards he sets are met by providing support, tools and training. He is an accessible resource for his teammates and guarantees that jobs are done safely and efficiently. According to Turn Services, Gettys leads from the front with the experience needed to make decisions that prioritize safety, efficiency and accountability.

“Adam represents what the maritime industry needs in its future: experienced, people-focused, safety-driven leadership grounded in integrity,” said Todd Fuller, president of Turn Services, and Dawn Lopez, vice president of marketing and public relations at Turn Services. “For his operational excellence, his dedication to his crews, and his character both on and off the river, Adam Gettys is a deserving nominee for the IMX 40 Under 40 Award.”

Featured photo caption: Featured photo caption: Congratulations to this week’s 40 Under 40 honorees include Darren Cox of Wepfer Marine, Wayne Davis of Marathon Petroleum Company, Brett Dvorachek of J.F. Brennan Company Inc. and Adam Gettys of Turn Services.