On The Move: Valerie Anderson
Women In Maritime Operations (WIMOs) has appointed Valerie Anderson as executive treasurer of its national board of directors. Anderson succeeds Laura Lewis, who is stepping down after seven years in the role.
Anderson brings more than 15 years of experience in the marine industry, along with a background in business development, financial oversight and
volunteer leadership.
She currently serves as business development manager at Allredi, where she works with customers across the Gulf Coast to support fleets, shipyards and marine and industrial operations. Anderson was also recognized as one of the Inland Marine Expo’s 40 Under 40, which honors emerging leaders making an impact in the maritime industry.
In addition to her professional experience, Anderson has held several volunteer leadership positions, including as treasurer for her homeowners association and the PTA and president of the soccer booster club. Those roles provided experience in budgeting, financial oversight and organizational governance.
Anderson has been involved with WIMOs for the past three years through chapter activities and volunteer leadership. As executive treasurer, she will provide financial oversight and strategic guidance as the organization continues to expand its programs and chapters.
“It is an incredible honor to be entrusted with the role of executive treasurer,” Anderson said. “This organization means so much to me, and being able to give back in this capacity is a true honor. I am incredibly grateful for the trust placed in me and am excited about the opportunity to serve. I look forward to working together to protect what makes this organization special while helping it continue to evolve and grow alongside the other board members.”
Lewis leaves the executive treasurer position after seven years of service with WIMOs. During her time on the executive board, she helped strengthen the organization’s financial operations and supported the organization’s growth.
Lewis also helped establish the WIMOs Bayou Chapter, grow the annual WIMOs Clay Shoot into one of the organization’s premier fundraising events and implement a standardized budgeting template that improved financial consistency and accountability across WIMOs chapters.
“Serving on both the SOLA board and the WIMOs executive board was truly formative for me,” Lewis said. “Those experiences not only accelerated my career and gave me the confidence to navigate a traditionally male-dominated industry, but they also deepened my understanding of the maritime world in ways I never could have anticipated. As my professional responsibilities continue to grow, stepping away from the Executive Board is bittersweet, but I will always be grateful for the leaders, mentors and friendships that shaped me over the last seven years.”
Lewis is stepping away from the executive board to pursue new professional opportunities.
“We are incredibly grateful for Laura’s dedication, leadership and unwavering commitment to WIMOs over the past seven years,” said Kasey Eckstein, WIMOs founder and executive director. “Her work has had a lasting impact on our organization, and we wish her nothing but continued success as she embarks on this exciting new chapter. We are equally excited to welcome Valerie Anderson to the executive board and look forward to the experience, leadership and passion she brings to this role.”
WIMOs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to recruiting, retaining, advancing and promoting women working in maritime operations. Through professional development, networking, mentorship, scholarships and industry partnerships, the organization supports women working across the maritime industry.
