At Associated Terminals, we have a tradition of naming our cranes after valued team members who have been instrumental to the success of our organization and exemplify our motto “the ability and attitude to accomplish anything.” In commemoration of this time-honored tradition, we have chosen to name three of our in-service Gottwald cranes after Senior Vice President of Accounting Ann Thibodeaux, Logistics Manager Yvonne Stein, and Vice President of Operations Jerry Ryan.  

Following the design of our other Attitude-class crane barges, these new custom-built barges are specifically designed to be the safest and most efficient platforms from which we conduct shipside operations on inland waterways. Measuring 72’ x 250’ x 12’ and having a fifty-year lifespan, the barges feature ample storage to support our operations, crew quarters, six tanks for fuel, oil and water, access stairwells on all four sides and winch systems to move up and down the ship. 

We have chosen to name these cranes after Senior Vice President of Accounting Ann Thibodeaux and Logistics Manager Yvonne Stein. The cranes are now named the Ann T. and the Yvonne S. In addition, Associated Terminals acquired the Burnside 1, a Gottwald Series 8 crane with an Attitude-class crane barge in 2020. The new name of the Burnside 1 is J. Ryan after Vice President of Operations Jerry Ryan.  

The dedication of these cranes took place on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 7th in the beautiful GlobalPlex Intermodal Terminal at the Port of South Louisiana. The reception hosted not just some of our valued team members, but also the close friends and family members of our three honorees. This joyous occasion was celebrated with a lunch spread, the infamous breaking of the bottles, and music.   

The dedication started off with an Invocation, followed by opening remarks given by our Chairman Gary Poirrer. After a lovely welcome to the Port of Louisiana, attendees watched the presentation of the U.S. flag colors by Deputy Commander Captain Kelly Dennings, and the presentation of the company colors by our Vice President Zeljko Franks. 

The Blessing of the floating cranes was performed by Father Vincent Dufresne of the Catholic Church in East Saint James Parish, prior to the dedication of the cranes done by Todd Fuller, the President of Associated Terminals. 
 

The honorees were then introduced to the crowd, with the trio also announcing their own thanks and reflections. Below, we have summarized biographies and statements from our honorable and admirable team members: Ann Thibodeaux, Yvonne Stein, and Jerry Ryan.  
 

Ann Thibodeaux, hailing from Napoleonville, Louisiana, ventured into the business world through early involvement in her father’s insurance company’s bookkeeping. Inspired by this experience, she pursued accounting, obtaining her CPA after attending LSU. In 2003, she discovered an opportunity as a Controller at Associated Terminals, where she was captivated by the possibilities offered by the Mississippi River and stevedoring. Over the years, she climbed the ranks, becoming Senior Vice President of Accounting where her responsibilities entailed overseeing daily financial functions, where she contributed greatly to our company’s success. Ann has assisted our executive team with countless projects contributing to our company’s success. “I am humbled to receive the recognition of having a crane named in my honor. This recognition is a significant milestone in my life, and I am forever grateful to my Associated Terminals Family,” stated Ann.  

Yvonne Stein‘s journey in the river industry began after high school when her late father, Nelson P. Hymel, introduced her to it. She started her career at LaJet Refinery and later transitioned to the stevedoring industry at Burnside Terminal, where she spent fifteen years handling barges, trucks, and rail traffic while also serving as the logistics manager. In 2006, she joined Associated Terminals as the dry bulk logistics manager. Yvonne and her team oversee the seamless transfer of cargo to and from vessels and barges on the river, handling tasks like scheduling vessels, allocating crane power, and keeping constant communication with various stakeholders. Annually, she coordinates 25 million tons of cargo and around 700 vessels.  

“I was ecstatic when I found out the company selected me to have a crane bearing my name. I am grateful that my Associated family chose me for such an honor. It is a memory that will last my lifetime. Thank you!” stated Yvonne.  

Jerry Ryan‘s maritime career was shaped by his upbringing along the Mississippi River in St. Rose, Louisiana, with his father working as an operations manager. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Jerry gained experience at a major bulk storage facility in New York, learning vessel operations. He returned to the Marine Corps briefly during Desert Storm, then continued his career, eventually reaching the Mississippi River. In 2002, he joined St. James Stevedoring, where he witnessed the evolution of Gottwald cranes and their potential for efficiency through data. By 2010, he was Director of Operations, and in 2015, after Associated’s acquisition of St. James Stevedoring, he became VP of Operations, overseeing safe and efficient stevedoring with a focus on technology and lean management principles as he leads the AME North team.  

“I hope the dedication of J. Ryan prompts a sense of pride that extends to those that helped me succeed. This honor is very dear to me and to my family, since so many members of my family have worked in the industries located along the Mississippi River. I am forever grateful and deeply humbled by this honor,” stated Jerry Ryan.  

 
Following the introduction of our honorees, the Ann T., J. Ryan, and Yvonne S. cranes were all christened. Closing remarks including immense gratitude to our team were given by Todd. Further thanks are issued to the following companies for their role in constructing  

The ceremony was a heartwarming celebration of these outstanding individuals and their invaluable contributions to our company. After the dedication ceremony, we continued the festivities with a lively second line parade, leading all the way to the Port of South Louisiana Guesthouse. The highlight of the event was the incredible live music provided by the Peyton Falgoust band, which added an extra layer of excitement and joy to the celebration. It was a fitting tribute to Ann, Yvonne, and Jerry, and we’re grateful to have had the opportunity to honor them in such a memorable way. 

We are so proud to honor our team members in this significant manner, and we cannot thank Ann, Yvonne, and Jerry for all the hard work they have dedicated to our company!  

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