Maritime Administrator Captain William G. Schubert has announced the appointment of Thomas W. Harrelson to the Senior Executive Service (SES) post of Director, Office of Cargo Preference, effective July 27, 2003.

Under his current appointment to SES-status, Harrelson joins a team of senior executives whose purpose is to ensure that the executive management of the Federal Government is responsive to the needs, policies, and goals of the nation and otherwise of the highest quality.

"Tom is no stranger to the maritime industry. His extensive knowledge, expertise, and sound leadership make him an excellent choice for the position. I am pleased to have Tom on my senior team of advisors," Schubert said.

Harrelson joined the Maritime Administration in November 1992 as Director, Office of Marketing, following a 27-year career in the commercial maritime industry. He later moved to the Office of Cargo Preference where he manages the Agency’s day-to-day operation of the cargo preference program. Under the cargo preference program, Harrelson oversees the movement of Government-impelled cargo for civilian agencies, military cargoes, and agricultural cargoes.

Prior to joining MARAD, Harrelson worked at Delta Steamship Lines in New Orleans, rising to hold several senior executive positions as Vice President of Marketing, of Traffic, and of Administration. He concurrently served as Chairman of the National Maritime Council’s Central Region. Following a two-year term as Director of Marketing for the Hydril Corporation, he joined Contship Container Lines as Owner’s Representative and Vice President of the Gulf and South Atlantic. He later became Senior Vice President of Smith & Kelly stevedores and President and Owner of American Freight Forwarders and the EMBA Group, a vessel agency.

Harrelson is a 1966 honors graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY, and holds an M.B.A. from the University of Houston. He is an active member of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association. He also serves on the national board of directors.

He and his wife Mari Cote reside in Alexandria, Virginia. They have two children and four grandchildren.

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