Thomas Rayburn has joined Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA) in the newly created position of Director of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs.
Prior to joining LCA, Rayburn was Program Manager for EnSafe Inc. Before that, he spent seven years with the Great Lakes Commission, rising to Senior Project Manager, and a year as Assistant Branch Chief, Marine Safety Response for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Ninth District. He has over 25 years experience in government and industry consulting.
Rayburn received his Bachelor of Science degree in Geosciences from Purdue University. He has done post-graduate studies in Environmental Science and Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He and his wife, Laura, live in Shaker Heights, Ohio.
James H.I. Weakley, President of the Association, said, “The challenges facing the industry right now are significant, and how we resolve issues such as regulation of ballast water and restoring ports and waterways to their proper depth will decide the future of Great Lakes shipping. Tom brings not only deep knowledge of our industry to the table, but also that important ability to achieve a balance between economic and environmental considerations.”
“LCA is held in high regard by both legislators and regulatory agencies, and I intend to strengthen those relationships,” Rayburn said. “Great Lakes shipping is a tremendous economic asset, and the environmental benefits of waterborne commerce are equally impressive. Full utilization of the Great Lakes Navigation System is a win-win situation for both our region and the nation.”