Industry veteran with international expertise to also lead Jack Gray Transport, Inc.

GARY — Gary-based Lakes & Rivers Logistics, Inc. has named James Dillman chief operating officer, representatives announced Thursday.

Dillman will also serve as COO for Lakes & Rivers Logistics, Inc.’s affiliate, Jack Gray Transport, Inc., also located in Gary.

“Jim’s expertise and achievements in the industry are unparalleled,” said Danette Garza, owner of Lakes & Rivers Logistics, Inc. and Jack Gray Transport, Inc. “His leadership will not only move our companies forward but will advance the stevedoring and port industries in Northwest Indiana. We couldn’t be happier to have him directing our operations.”

Lakes & Rivers Logistics, Inc. is a stevedore cargo handling business located at Buffington Harbor in Gary, Indiana. The union-based company’s management and its affiliates have experience in handling in excess of 1 million tons of bulk and break bulk products annually and provide dry bulk services including outside storage, bulk material packaging, project cargo management, custom material screening and custom material crushing.

James Dillman
James Dillman
Dillman began his career in the stevedoring industry in 1986 as a stevedore superintendent in Chicago for Ceres Terminals. He has since held executive positions including CEO, president and vice president, managing stevedoring, port and vessel operations in North America, Australia, India, Indonesia, Asia, South America and New Zealand. Dillman most recently served as chief executive officer of Diversified Port Holdings (DPH) in Jacksonville, Florida, which operates nine ports with nearly 600 employees. Prior to his position with DPH, Dillman served as president of Metro Ports -- headquartered in Long Beach, California -- for four years

“Lakes & Rivers Logistics, Inc. and Jack Gray Transport, Inc. are incredible companies providing critical services for the industry,” Dillman said. “I’m honored to have been selected to serve as COO for these fine companies and am looking forward to working side by side with their leadership team.”

Dillman is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy and is a retired commander in the U.S. Naval Reserves who was activated in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Desert Storm. He has also served on a number of nonprofit boards including the Brooks YMCA Advisory Board, University of North Florida Dean’s Advisory Council, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Houston Seafarer’s Center Board and Los Angeles/Long Beach Seafarers Center.

He and his wife, Rhonda, have been married for 26 years.