With a renewed vision, the Upper Mississippi Waterway Association (UMWA) is hanging its hat on a productive and impactful year and ready to embrace the possibilities that come with a new one.

“We are really grateful for the hard work and collaboration this organization has put in and are excited to welcome some new members into the mix,” Jeremy Putman, president of UMWA, said. “We believe this will continue our momentum as we forge a brighter future for UMWA.”

With unanimous approval, UMWA voted on its 2025 election team at its October Annual Meeting. Effective Jan. 1, Zac Morris of AMI Consulting Engineers will serve as president of UMWA. Putman, who currently serves as president, will shift to chair of the board.

“We have a lot of momentum moving forward right now and we have a lot in progress with redefining our vision statement, and we’re really getting back to the roots of what UMWA stands for with the Upper Mississippi Waterway Association,” Morris said, who has been an UMWA member for five years.

Other transitions on the board include Mark Caspers as secretary, Mark Wegner as treasurer and Randy Carmichael as vice president.

UMWA heads into 2025 with its eyes locked on its newly adopted vision to be a reliable resource of information for insights, opportunities and growth on the Upper Mississippi River. UMWA will also prioritize preservation of the working river through education, support and outreach. Through all those efforts, the organization is determined to continue fostering career and employment opportunities related to our working river.

The UMWA board is well equipped to make that vision a reality, with newly elected members Shari Chorney with Red Wing Port Authority, Chuck Dillerud with CalCed, Inc., and Mark Binsfeld with J.F. Brennan Company.

“I look forward to working closely with fellow members to highlight the importance of the Upper Mississippi River as a crucial transportation artery for America’s heartland,” Binsfeld said. “Together, we will strive to promote sustainable development, efficient navigation and the prosperity of the communities that depend on this vital waterway.”

With both new and existing members fueled with passion for the maritime industry, UMWA is determined to continue amplifying its voice.

“My entire career has been in commercial transportation,” Caspers said. “It’s been my lifeblood. I see the importance of having this transportation available for the country, the benefits of it, and I also see the struggles with it- the dredging issues. We need to continue to support it because it does provide a vital means of transportation through the heartland of this country.”