Maritime Association celebrates industry visionaries at the 31st International Maritime Hall of Fame awards

The Maritime Association of the Port of New York and New Jersey (MAPONY/NJ) hosted the 31st annual International Maritime Hall of Fame (IMHOF) Awards Dinner on May 21st at The Lighthouse at Pier 61, Chelsea Piers in New York City. This highly anticipated event honored five extraordinary leaders whose contributions have shaped and elevated the global maritime industry.

The IMHOF Lookout Award, one of the industry’s most prestigious honors, was presented to a distinguished group of trailblazers whose leadership, innovation, and commitment continue to influence the future of maritime commerce:

• Jennifer Boykin, Former President, Newport News Shipbuilding, a Division of HII

• Ken Kellaway, Co-Founder, Chairman, President & CEO, RoadOne IntermodaLogistics

• James R. Lawrence, Chairman, Marine Money and Co-Founder, MTI Network, Inc.

• Jeffrey F. Lawrence, Former Chairman, Transportation & Trade Group, Cozen O’Connor

• Val T. Noel, Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer, TRAC Intermodal

“Each of this year’s honorees has made a profound and enduring impact on the maritime industry,” said Stephen Lyman, Executive Director of MAPONY/NJ. “Their leadership and vision have not only advanced their own organizations but also strengthened the broader maritime community. We were proud to recognize their achievements and the legacies they’ve built through a lifetime of service and innovation.”

The evening was a celebration of decades of leadership and visionary achievements:

• Jennifer Boykin was honored for her groundbreaking role as the first woman to lead Newport News Shipbuilding, guiding 26,000 shipbuilders and overseeing the construction and maintenance of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered vessels.

• Ken Kellaway was recognized for revolutionizing the intermodal logistics landscape through his leadership at RoadOne IntermodaLogistics and his commitment to innovation across multiple successful ventures in port and drayage operations.

• James R. Lawrence received acclaim for his enduring influence in maritime finance and communications as Chairman of Marine Money and Co-Founder of MTI Network, the premier maritime crisis PR firm.

• Jeffrey F. Lawrence was celebrated for his legal and strategic expertise, having shaped key developments in global shipping alliances and intermodal transport throughout his 40-year career.

• Val T. Noel was commended for his operational leadership and mentorship across the intermodal sector, having influenced countless careers and modernized logistics operations through roles at TRAC Intermodal, Pacer International, and CSX.

The 31st IMHOF Awards Dinner was attended by industry leaders, executives, and stakeholders from across the maritime spectrum. The event not only honored individual excellence but also reinforced the importance of innovation, resilience, and collaboration in navigating the evolving maritime landscape.