Marine Log - April 2008 - (Page 43)

BY SHIRLEY DEL VALLE INTERVIEW JO-KELL’S SUZAN KELLY o-Kell Inc., a woman-owned small business, is an electrical distribution, engineering and solutions provider servicing the military, commercial marine and industrial marketplaces. The powerhouse behind the success of Jo-Kell is CEO Suzan Kelly, who began her career with the company 30 years ago, when she volunteered to be a driver. An active member within her community and industry, Kelly makes sure that the world around her is not only productive but also cared for. Kelly, who describes herself as someone who is continually looking for ways to make a difference in the lives of those around her, starts her day with a 6-8 mile run, where she says she does her best thinking and J 90 years’ young, Ned Gregg is crowned “King for a Day” by Jo-Kell CEO, Suzy Kelly planning. Once in the office, which she describes as “professional but very light-hearted,” she touches base with all her employees. Her team consists of 64 welltrained, dedicated, trusted professionals, including employee Ned Gregg, 89, who will celebrate his 90th birthday in August but doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon. It’s dedication like Gregg’s that keeps Kelly focused on Jo-Kell’s path to success. But the Jo-Kell spirit of dedication doesn’t stay cooped up in the office, it extends far beyond it. Since the company is closely associated with the shipbuilding and ship repair industries, Kelly is heavily involved in public policies that impact Jo-Kell’s interests. For example, she is the MidAtlantic Regional vice-chair for the Aircraft Carrier Industrial Base Coalition. As vicechair, Kelly advocates for the funding of the CVN-21 aircraft carrier program to congressmen and senators in Washington. “Our efforts have a residual impact on the marine shipbuilding and repair industries,” Kelly says. “Keeping the Navy shipbuilding pipeline full and securing funding for the repair and maintenance of the Fleet is critical for our national security and economic welfare.” She is also very vocal regarding other current issues affecting the industry. “Short sea shipping will become a real opportunity for the marine industry,” believes Kelly. “Our interstate system and bridges are currently stressed, with no immediate hope for remediation. Using our marine highways to improve commerce will be essential. Congressional approval for the utilization of capital construction funds for construction of inland, coastal and great lakes vessels is a great step forward for America’s marine highways.” Kelly stays involved in her community by engaging in community events with her Jo-Kell team. Last year alone, Jo-Kell collected over two tons of food for its local food bank, contributed over $6,000 to a local charity for disabled children, supported other worthy causes including our troops serving overseas, its local police department, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, and Ronald McDonald House. Kelly’s efforts to better her industry and world are non-stop. “I am a person who sees the glass as being half-empty, not from a pessimistic standpoint, but rather that I am constantly trying to fill it up,” Kelly says. “My mind never stops thinking of the many opportunities that lie ahead, both professionally and personally.” Being a woman has not hindered Kelly’s road to success either. She believes her leadership role in a male dominated industry makes life even more interesting and encourages young women to enter male dominated fields. “I believe my peers don’t see gender,” Kelly states, “what they see is an accomplished person who understands her business and is a competitor to be reckoned with. I have always been treated as one of the guys and prefer for it to be this way. If a woman is fortunate to have a career in a field like mine, I encourage her to take on a leadership role in her profession and in her community. Go for it. Gender does not determine ability or capability for success.” And if you doubt Kelly’s advice, simply take a look at her record. ML www.marinelog.com APRIL 2008 MARINE LOG 43 http://www.marinelog.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Marine Log - April 2008

Marine Log - April 2008 Contents Editorial Second Thoughts Update Inside Washington Offshore Vessels Evolve to Meet Subsea Demands Picking the Right Floaters for Deepwater Tugs: The Good Times Roll, But for How Long? Interactive TV at Sea Jo-Kell's Suzan Kelly Tugs & Barges Exhibitors Preview Beyond Imagination Tech News Newsmakers Contracts Events Website Directory Infodirect ML Marketplace Last Page

Marine Log - April 2008

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