Delbert R. Wilkins, also known as ‘Del’, comes with a unique understanding of what is happening in other parts of the world from an internal maritime perspective. Del has spent more than 18 years on international assignments as well as living and working abroad for 15 years of his career, primarily in Latin America, with exploratories to China, Africa, and inland rivers of Europe.
Del was appointed Vice President of Northern Operations and Business Development for Canal Barge Company, Inc., a U.S. flag marine transportation and management services company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, in June of 2007. He was later appointed to the additional post of President of Illinois Marine Towing, Inc. (IMT) in 2012. He is based at the company’s Northern headquarters office located in downtown Joliet, Illinois. Del is a former First-Class Master Pilot on the U.S. inland waterway system. He is also actively involved in industry affairs while serving as a board member of the Wintrust Financial – Beverly Bank & Trust, N.A., Chicago, IL, and the American Waterways Operators Association, Washington D.C.
Del Wilkins sits as the current Chairman of the Board for American Waterways Operators (AWO) which focuses on being an advocate for national U.S. tugboat, towboat and barge industry, supporting over 12,000 jobs in Illinois. “Jobs onboard towing vessels are family-wage jobs that also provide upward mobility,” Del says. “A recent high school graduate can start as a deckhand and work his/her way up the ladder to captain in only six or seven years. Every year, 77 million tons of cargo moves on Illinois waterways – that cargo includes vital commodities like agricultural products, sand, gravel, clay and salt. The tugboat, towboat and barge industry in Illinois annually contributes over $1.5 billion to U.S. GDP.”
Since Del’s swearing in as Chairman of AWO in May 2021, staying ahead of responsibilities is a main goal throughout his term of Chairman. His first objective as Chair is focusing on the advancement of the marine towing industry. “By doing this, it would advance the broader American supply chain that is the heart of the nation’s competitiveness and vitality, said Del. “Each producer, and each transporter, is critical to that supply chain foundation that makes the United States a global leader – it takes all of us. Our supply chains are the envy of the world, and other nations have long been trying to replicate what we have.”
Secondly, he wants to maximize engagement with American Waterways Operators within their own industry. “I want to lead the effort to help AWO member companies understand that AWO is their voice, and that voice is that much stronger when we have everyone at the table, representing the diverse perspectives that make this vibrant industry what it is, and enabling AWO to achieve the best possible outcomes for the entire industry,” Del said.
Lastly, AWO is wanting to keep the focus on the well-being of their commercial mariner. “The men and women who ply the waterways moving the nation’s cargo are the heart and soul of our essential industry,” Del says. “Preserving their safety and wellbeing is paramount, not only because it is the right thing to do but because without them, the nation’s supply chain is at risk. American Waterways Operators want to make sure they are continuing to prioritize both physical health and safety on and off the job as well as their mental health.”
Del is active in the industry and his community, proudly citing the following accomplishments:
- Former Illinois Chamber of Commerce Infrastructure Council Steering Committee
- 2018 Patriotic Employer awarded by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an Office of the Secretary of Defense, for support of the National Guard and Reserves forces
- 2019 recipient of the Illinois River Association Lifetime Achievement Award (recognition of outstanding contributions and achievements in the Chicago area marine industry)
- 2019 recipient of the Seaman’s Church Institute 20th Annual River Bell Award (served as one of the inland maritime industry’s most passionate and effective advocates, leading with integrity and sincerity, creating a positive and lasting impact on the industry)
- Active in his parish of St. Barnabas, Beverly Hills of Chicago, Illinois
We at the Illinois Chamber look forward to working alongside Del Wilkins as he becomes a new member representing the Infrastructure Council on the Illinois Chamber Board. To learn more about Del Wilkins or the American Waterways Operators, click here.