RYAN, HEAD OF LAKE CARRIERSÆ ASSOCIATION, RETIRES
George J, Ryan will retire as president of the Lake Carriers’ Association, effective Jan. 15.
Ryan, who will be replaced by James H.I. Weakley, was appointed to president of LCA in 1983. He was previously director of the Great Lakes region for the Maritime Administration in Cleveland.
Prior to joining MarAd in 1971, he served as a ship captain and assistant port captain, safety director, and manager of supporting services for maritime division of former Grace Lines.
Ryan is credited with giving the Great Lakes U.S.-flag fleet a boost in Washington and industry affairs.
“He safely navigated the industry through the economic tribulations of the mid-1980s when America’s steel industry, Great Lakes shipping’s largest customer, teetered on the brink of extinction,” said James R. Barker, chairman of the Interlake Steamship Co.
Ryan was also praised by LCA members for his work to protect the cabotage laws for coastwise waterborne trades.
Ryan continues in his role as a Great Lakes Commissioner from Ohio. He is also a member of the American Bureau of Shipping, U.S. Propeller Club, National Cargo Bureau, and National Waterways Conference.
He is also chairman of the visitors of Great Lakes Maritime Academy, and an officer of the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force and Maritime Cabotage Task Force.