Superior man sworn-in to run federal waterway agency
Mike McCoshen (left) and his wife Julie McCoshen (middle) as he was officially sworn in as 12th Administrator of the Great Lake St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation by USDOT Deputy Assistant Secretary Keith Washington (right)
(US Department of Transportation)
WASHINGTON & SUPERIOR, Wisc. – J.M. (Mike) McCoshen has been sworn in as the twelfth Administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS).
GLS is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the U.S. portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway between Montréal and Lake Erie.
It’s goal is to increase maritime trade and economic development throughout the Great Lakes region.
McCoshen, a native of Superior, has more than 45 years of experience in maritime transportation and waterfront operations.
He most recently served as President of McCoshen Logistics Solutions LLC, a consulting firm focused on bulk terminals and cargo logistics throughout the Great Lakes region.
Previously, he spent two decades as President and Chief Operating Officer of Hallett Dock Company in Duluth.
In a news release he said, “I want to thank President Donald J. Trump for appointing me to this key position at the U.S. Department of Transportation… I fully appreciate the importance of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System, not only to international commerce and to our national transportation system, but also to advancing America’s maritime leadership and economic vitality.”
He began his career in 1976 as a heavy equipment operator and shiploader at the Burlington Northern (now BNSF Railway) taconite transshipment facility in Superior.
“It’s definitely exciting for Duluth-Superior to have one of its own leading the U.S. Seaway,” said Kevin Beardsley, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. “Mike brings a wealth of experience and insight to the GLS, earned through a long, distinguished career on the working waterfront. He’s been at the forefront of cargo transportation, infrastructure and trade on the Great Lakes for decades. We’re looking forward to his continued partnership and advocacy on behalf of the entire Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System.”
The late Lewis G. Castle, a Duluthian, served as the first administrator in GLS history (1954-1960). He was appointed by President Dwight Eisenhower.
