Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc. (TOTE) announced the promotion of John D. Parrott to company president. Mr. Parrott replaces TOTE's former president, Bill Deaver, who had been with the company since March 2002.

'John's maritime expertise and broad experience with TOTE make him particularly well-suited for his new position,' said Tim Engle, CEO of American Shipping Group, TOTE's holding company. 'His extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in all aspects of our business, from ship's officer to senior management, will contribute significantly to the goals of the company and its ongoing commitment to serving the people of Alaska.'

John initially worked for TOTE beginning in1992 as First Officer of the S.S. Northern Lights. He was present throughout the shipyard conversion of that vessel, including the addition of a ninety-foot mid-body section, until it was brought into service in 1993. He then served as the General Manager for Sea Star Stevedoring, which manages the loading, discharge and terminal operations for TOTE. In 1996, John joined Sea-Land as a Marine Superintendent. Mr. Parrott joined TOTE's management team in June 2002 as the Alaska General Manager of TOTE's Alaska Division and was promoted in 2004 to the position of Vice President/General Manager. He has served as Vice President, Commercial since July 2006.

John noted, 'I have always considered being a TOTE employee a privilege, and I am truly honored to be able to lead the company forward into the next decade. This role represents the ultimate opportunity to serve the needs of our customers, TOTE employees, and our owners in an ever-challenging business climate. I am very confident in the capabilities of the people that make up TOTE to continue to grow the company and reach its full potential. He added, 'The opportunity to continue serving in Alaska, my former home, with the best in ocean logistics services is particularly rewarding to me and my family.'

John grew up in Seattle. He is a licensed master in the U.S. Merchant Marine, having sailed for ten years on numerous trade routes aboard a wide range of vessels. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marine transportation from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York in 1986, and a Master of Business Administration in finance from Seattle University in 2001. He holds a commission in the United States Naval Reserve. John currently lives in Tacoma with his wife, Lynne, and their three children.

Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc. (TOTE) is a privately owned shipping company operating roll-on/roll-off cargo vessels between the Ports of Tacoma Wash., and Anchorage, Alaska, since 1975.