40 Under 40 Awards: Serodino, Shoulta, Spicer And Stephens
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 ten weeks, The Waterways Journal is featuring recipients. This week we recognize David Serodino, Lucy Shoulta, Leslie Spicer and Capt. Adam Stephens.
David Serodino
David Serodino, 34, is the vice president of Southern Marine Construction Company.
As a third-generation mariner, Serodino grew up in the industry. He took on his first position in the river industry at just 13, sweeping barges for the Chattanooga fleeting operation at Serodino Inc., the business founded by his grandfather. At the age of 16, Serodino started working for Serodino Inc. Shipyard in Guild, Tenn., during school holiday breaks, and he began working with his father as project manager at Southern Marine Construction after graduating from college. After overseeing and directing construction projects for eight years, Serodino became vice president of Southern Marine Construction and Serodino Inc. after his father’s passing.
As vice president, Serodino is hands-on with ongoing projects, from bidding to close-out, as well as managing executive initiatives. The company is currently expanding its fleet of construction equipment, advancing in-house technological capabilities and continuing to deliver high-quality craftmanship under his leadership.
“(Serodino) has taken this position on with integrity and humility,” said Amber Wade, chief financial officer of Southern Marine Construction Company. “David began to immediately incorporate morale-boosting incentives as motivation to bring employees together and create a culture of appreciation for all of his employees.”
Lucy Shoulta
Lucy Shoulta, 38, is the controller for the river division of Marquette Transportation Company LLC.
Shoulta has been part of the Marquette team since 2016, when she joined as a staff accountant. She was promoted to assistant controller in 2021 and river division controller in 2025. Over the last 10 years, Shoulta has been involved in every financial aspect of the business, including billing, asset management, financial reporting and payroll.
Shoulta’s peers described her as a leader who exemplifies innovation and integrity, defining the next generation of maritime industry professionals. Her unwavering commitment to operational excellence and expertise has helped enhance transparency, improve efficiency and strengthen Marquette’s financial health, setting a new standard of accountability and collaboration across departments.
“Lucy’s integrity, insight and forward-thinking approach make her a model representative of the values the 40 Under 40 program seeks to honor,” said Jeff Hudson, chief human resources officer at Marquette Transportation Company. “Her influence extends far beyond her title. She embodies the kind of leadership that drives meaningful change and ensures a stronger, more resilient maritime industry for the future.”
Leslie Spicer
Leslie Spicer, 36, is the crewing coordinator for Southern Devall.
Spicer began her maritime career more than five years ago as a crewing coordinator supporting Southern Devall’s coastal division. Today, her role has expanded to support both the river division and coastal operations. After nearly five years, Spicer has adopted a deep passion and respect for the maritime industry and the mariners who embody it. Spicer thanked David Devall and port captains Anthony David, Brady Stelly and Rustin Menard and Executive Vice President Mikey Devall for investing their time and knowledge over the course of her career.
Spicer is known for her quick problem-solving skills, commitment to operational excellence and ability to connect with crew members. According to her colleagues, Spicer’s passion, work ethic and confidence make her a strong role model for those who are entering the industry.
“Leslie Spicer is driven and never hesitates to take on a challenge or seize an opportunity,” said David, senior port captain at Southern Devall. “Her passion for the maritime industry is evident in everything she does — and she is exceptionally good at what she does. As a crewing coordinator, Leslie has built a reputation for being fair but firm with mariners, earning their respect while ensuring vessels are staffed safely and efficiently.”
Capt. Adam Stephens
Capt. Adam Stephens, 37, is a captain at American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL).
Stephens is a first-generation mariner, having worked up from a deckhand position to the role of captain at the age of just 33. Stephens is one of the youngest in the industry to captain an 11,000 hp. class towboat, the mv. ACBL Mariner, a testament to his capability and the trust ACBL places in him. American Commercial Barge Line commended Stephens on his leadership, reliability and commitment to the industry.
“(Capt. Stephens) sets the standard for professionalism, operational excellence and leadership, earning the respect of peers both within ACBL and across the industry,” said Randy Chamness, vice president of northern vessel operations at ACBL. “Adam exemplifies the qualities we seek in the next generation of leaders.”
