VDMC Attends VMA’s 105th Annual Maritime Banquet
October 27, 2025
VDMC’s Jessica Galassie, MBA and Dr. Krzysztof Rechowicz attended the Virginia Maritime Association 105th Annual Maritime Banquet during the VMA25 International Trade Symposium. Jessica and Krzysztof joined Old Dominion University‘s Elspeth McMahon, Ph.D., Dr. Barbara Blake, Dr. Rafael Diaz, Milton Soto-Ferrari and Jerry Cronin at the ODU-hosted table.
At this banquet, VMA honored leaders shaping the Commonwealth’s maritime future. The event recognized recipients of the Distinguished Service – George H. Brown, Port Champions – W. Sheppard “Shep” Miller III, Virginia Secretary of Transportation, and CAPT. Peggy Britton, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Virginia, and Clifton Styles, Jr. Beacon Awards – Clifton Styles, Jr., Port Engineer, McAllister Towing. VMA also announced a partnership with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore to support shutdown relief efforts.
It was a pleasure to be part of this annual event that celebrates the maritime industry’s continued growth and innovation in the Commonwealth. Events like these highlight the importance of partnerships between academia, industry, and government in driving Virginia’s maritime economy.
