SCI Announces Silver Bell Honorees

The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) announces the recipients of awards it will confer at its 37th Annual Silver Bell Awards Dinner in New York City on Thursday, June 5, 2014. SCI presents the Silver Bell Award, in recognition of outstanding leadership in the maritime community, to Orrin H. Ingram, President and CEO of Ingram Industries and Chairman of Ingram Barge Company and honors Captain James (Jim) McNamara, former President of the National Cargo Bureau, with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Silver Bell Award recipient Orrin H. Ingram oversees the largest maritime transportation operation on the United States inland waterway system, Ingram Marine Group. Through tremendous growth under his leadership, Orrin extended the definition of “family” in his family-owned businesses to include his employees, making the care and safety of the maritime workforce a top priority.

The phrase “Zero Harm,” has become one of the key values championed by his company. Orrin has worked with senior leaders at Ingram to establish programs that promote and safeguard mariner health—both mental and physical—and the health of the environment. During his time as Chairman, his company has refined employee care practices, advanced professional training opportunities for mariners and ensured mariners work safely in a dangerous environment.

The recipient of SCI’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Captain Jim McNamara, has devoted his life to improving the maritime industry, starting as a volunteer with SCI in the 1950s—a dedication he has continued to this day as he serves on the Institute’s Board of Trustees. Jim served as President of National Cargo Bureau and worked with the International Maritime Organization, chairing the Cargo Committee for eight years. He also served as Chairman of the Marine Section of the National Safety Council, President of the Alumni Association at SUNY Maritime College and Chairman of its Maritime Industry Museum. He is a member of the Classification Committee of the American Bureau of Shipping and sits on the Board of Directors of International Shipholding Corporation.

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