New York, NY
March 19, 2026
Marine Society of the City of New York proudly announces that the Founder and Chairman of Foremost Group, Dr. James S. C. Chao, and his eldest daughter, The Honorable Elaine L. Chao, the first Asian American woman to be appointed to the President’s cabinet, will receive the Special Recognition for Distinguished Service to the Maritime Industry Award at its dinner gala on March 19, 2026, at the New York Marriott Downtown.
The award recognizes individuals whose leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on the maritime industry. Dr. Chao and Secretary Chao are being honored for their decades of service, advocacy, and commitment to strengthening the U.S. and global maritime sectors.
Dr. James S. C. Chao founded Foremost Group over 62 years ago and has led the company to become a globally respected dry bulk shipping company known for its commitment to operational excellence and safety, and environmental stewardship. Foremost ships are known for their incorporation of the latest environmental technology as Dr. Chao has been a proponent of Foremost being a steward of the environment long before it was popular. Over the course of his career, Dr. Chao has been a strong supporter of maritime education and professional development to continuously increase the standards of seamanship throughout the world. Through both personal philanthropy and Foremost Group initiatives, he and Foremost have supported many scholarship programs and provided thousands of scholarships and internship opportunities to help prepare the next generation of maritime professionals.
A distinguished public servant, Secretary Elaine L. Chao has been a longstanding champion of the maritime industry throughout her illustrious career. Her leadership has supported policies and initiatives that strengthen U.S. maritime capabilities, maritime education, and the broader transportation sector. In particular, her pivotal, bold and visionary leadership in building the series of five sister ships under the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) program has helped transform and modernize training vessels for U.S. maritime academies, benefiting maritime students and the future workforce of the industry.
Capt. Tim Ferrie, President of the Society, said: “Dr. James S. C. Chao’s distinguished career truly reflects the enduring mission of the Marine Society of the City of New York. For more than sixty years, Dr. Chao has led Foremost Group with the values of honor, integrity, and performance. Like the Marine Society itself, Dr. Chao has long championed the safety, welfare, and education of seafarers. It is our great honor to welcome Dr. James S. C. Chao as an honorary member of the Marine Society of the City of New York.”
Admiral Michael Alfultis, board member and immediate past President of SUNY Maritime College, said in his introduction: “Foremost Group is one of few remaining international shipping companies in New York City, a global leader in dry bulk shipping which has earned a worldwide reputation for its commitment to exceptional service and performance while always holding itself to the highest ethical standards. We are grateful that Dr. Chao is a generous supporter of maritime education. Through Foremost Group, Dr Chao helps provide SUNY Maritime College students with internships and Foremost is also a SUNY Maritime College partner employer, helping graduates enter the maritime industry. Finally, I would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Chao, for his example as a principled leader. It was readily apparent from our first meeting years ago, how strongly he valued honor, integrity, and being a person of his word, and how these core values were the very basis of his leadership and management of the Foremost Group. The strong sense of personal values that Dr. Chao uses every day to lead the Foremost Group is an inspiration. We want to thank Dr. Chao for serving as an example of principled leadership to the industry.”
“We are honored by this recognition from the Marine Society of New York,” said Dr. Chao. “The maritime industry has been central to my life’s work, and I am grateful to my colleagues at Foremost Group who embody the Company’s motto: Honor. Integrity. Performance. every day. Their dedication help to keep this vital industry moving forward.”
About Foremost Group
Founded in 1964 and headquartered in New York City, Foremost Group is an international shipping company specializing in the transportation of dry bulk commodities. The company is recognized worldwide for its commitment to safety, innovation, operational excellence and environmental stewardship while maintaining the highest ethical standards.
About Marine Society of the City of New York
Founded in 1770, the Marine Society of New York is one of the oldest maritime organizations in the United States. President George Washington was an honorary member. The Society is dedicated to supporting mariners and advancing maritime education, including scholarships for students pursuing careers in the maritime profession. Tonight’s proceeds will go to provide scholarships to outstanding students at SUNY Maritime and United States Merchant Marine Academy.
The Annual Marine Society Gala brings together leaders from across the maritime community to celebrate service, leadership, and the enduring importance of the maritime industry to enhancing understanding and communications among peoples to build a more secure and peaceful world.