Announcing Nominations for the 2025 Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award
In 2023, the maritime community came together to honor the legacy of a true industry icon, Mike Rushing, with the establishment of the Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award. This distinguished accolade is a tribute to Mike’s lifelong commitment to serving others, his dedication to the maritime industry, and his passion for mentorship and leadership. This year we have expanded on our partnership with the Waterways Journal and The Seamen’s Church Institute to broaden our reach and continue to elevate this award within the maritime community. As we prepare for the 2nd Annual Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award, we are excited to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 recipient.
Honoring a Legacy of Service
Mike Rushing was a cornerstone of the maritime industry and a founding member of TVIB in 2009. He served on the TVIB Board of Directors for 10 years, leading as its first Chairman in 2012 and continuing as the Audit Committee chairman until his passing in 2023. Beyond his professional achievements, Mike was known for his selfless service to his community, dedicating time to his church, the Boy Scouts, Soap Box Derby, and the Breaking Bonds Addiction Recovery Ministry. As his son Todd Rushing aptly said, “Everything he did, he did for someone else.”
The Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award was created to honor individuals who embody the core values that defined Mike—dedication, perseverance, and a selfless commitment to serving others. The award celebrates those who, like Mike, have made an enduring impact on the maritime industry and their communities through mentorship, professional excellence, and service.
Nomination Details
The 2025 Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award is open to individuals across the towboat, tugboat, and barge industry, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard. Nominations are being accepted now through March 1, 2025, for candidates who demonstrate the award’s three core principles:
- Community Service: A demonstrated commitment to uplifting their community through impactful service.
- Professional Excellence: Outstanding contributions to the maritime industry.
- Active and Engaged Mentorship: A passion for guiding and inspiring others in their professional and personal growth.
To nominate a deserving individual, please complete the online nomination form. Click here for instructions and a list of items need when completing the online nomination form.
For complete details visit the award program webpage.
Recognizing Excellence
The recipient of the 2025 award will be announced and celebrated at the Inland Marine Expo (IMX) hosted by the Waterways Journal. As part of the recognition, a financial contribution will be made in the honoree’s name to The Seaman’s Church Institute’s Ministry on the River program, an organization that supports mariners and their families. We encourage you to make a contribution in honor of Mike Rushing and this year’s recipient using SCIs online portal.
Reflecting on the Inaugural Award
Last year, George Foster was honored as the inaugural recipient of the Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award. Like Mike, George exemplifies the values of selfless leadership, mentorship, and community service, working quietly behind the scenes to create a lasting impact. The recognition of George Foster at the 2024 IMX was a moment of pride and inspiration for all who were present.
Submit Your Nominations Today
The Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award is more than an honor; it is a celebration of the countless moments of leadership, mentorship, and service that shape the maritime industry and our communities. We invite you to help us continue this tradition by nominating individuals who embody these values. (online nomination form and instructions)
Let’s come together to celebrate those who inspire, serve, and lead with dedication and compassion. Submit your nomination by March 1, 2025, and join us in honoring the enduring legacy of Mike Rushing.
Nicole came to TVIB after 8 years with a multi-million dollar construction company, where she worked in customer service, accounting, and management as the Office Manager wearing multiple hats. She has experience in organizing corporate events and keeping the office running smoothly. This background and experience make her a great fit for the Member Services Administrator position.
Nicole will be receiving an Associate degree in Business at San Jacinto College this December, then transferring to the University of Southern Mississippi to obtain a Bachelor’s degree. She loves to spend time with her family, her husband of 17 years, 16-yr old daughter, and 17-year-old son. They have an 8-yr old chihuahua/shih tzu dog named Bartholomew Henry Allen, The Flash for short. Nicole and her daughter love to travel and attend concerts; she says “Music is our life!”
Jordyn Mitchem recently joined TVIB as the Operations Coordinator for the Lower Fleet. Jordyn has proven to be a quick study and is working hard to learn the language of our industry. She began training with Lindsey Brown and Ken Lamph as Lindsey transitions to her new role of Operations Specialist.
Jordyn was born in California and moved to Houston early on. She moved to Seattle when she was 12 and lived there until she graduated from high school. Then she headed back to Houston where she lives currently. Jordyn recently earned her Associate of Science in Computer Programming from Houston Community College where she maintained a 3.8 GPA. Jordyn comes to TVIB with 5 years of administrative experience and technical support.
We are excited to announce that Lindsey Brown has been promoted to the newly created role of Operations Specialist after over 10 years of dedicated service to TVIB, most recently working as our lower fleet Operations Coordinator. Lindsey’s consistent hard work and growth have been the driving force behind this well-deserved promotion.
On a personal note, we are also excited to share that Lindsey and her husband, Jay, are expecting their first child in the new year. Please join us in congratulating Lindsey on this exciting new chapter, both professionally and personally!