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Jody Peacock of Ports of Indiana Recognized with CARGO Award

On September 3, 2026, Jody Peacock, the CEO of Ports of Indiana, achieved a significant milestone in his career by being named one of the first recipients of the CARGO Award. This prestigious accolade was presented by Inland Rivers, Ports, and Terminals (IRPT) during their annual conference, recognizing Peacock's extensive contributions to the inland waterways sector.

The CARGO Award, which stands for Commitment to Advancing River Growth and Operations, was established to honor individuals who have gone beyond professional achievements to foster the inland waterways industry’s advancement. Aimee Andres, the executive director of IRPT, praised Peacock, stating, "We sought individuals who have facilitated progress within the industry, and Jody Peacock has dedicated over two decades to this mission.” Her acknowledgment highlights Peacock’s efforts in enhancing port growth, fostering business opportunities, and improving the links between maritime transport and economic development.

Having devoted more than 25 years to the maritime field, Peacock joined Ports of Indiana in 2001. He has served as CEO since 2023, leading transformations across Indiana's three-port system. His leadership is marked by significant initiatives including the establishment of Indiana’s northern and southern port districts, which are now recognized as the top inland port and the second-largest port in the Great Lakes region.

In just three years under his guidance, Ports of Indiana saw unprecedented growth and successfully secured the two biggest federal grants in the organization’s history. Additionally, he oversaw the construction of the first new dock in two decades and the creation of the largest general cargo operation on the Ohio River. Furthermore, he initiated the state's first ocean container terminal and opened an office in Europe to expand international relationships.

Peacock expressed his gratitude for the honor, stating, "Being recognized by the Inland Rivers, Ports, and Terminals is a tremendous honor, and to be an inaugural recipient of the CARGO Award means a great deal to me. I've always believed that ports do more than just facilitate cargo transactions; they're engines of economic development and gateways to the world." His deep commitment to advancing the industry and the importance of the waterways routes aligns perfectly with IRPT's mission of fostering healthy growth within the inland river port sector.

Beyond his responsibilities at Ports of Indiana, Peacock actively participates in various maritime and economic development boards, reinforcing the viability and importance of the nation’s waterways. He is also a past winner of the Distinguished Hoosier Award and the Sagamore of the Wabash, the state of Indiana’s highest civilian honor.

Under his leadership, Ports of Indiana has not only contributed significantly to the state's economy—amounting to $8.7 billion annually—but also supports approximately 50,000 jobs in the region. His vision and strategies have transformed the organization from merely a government-funded body into a thriving, self-sustained entity focused on economic impact and operational excellence.

Earlier this year, Jody was appointed to IRPT's Board of Directors, representing the Great Lakes Basin, aiming to strengthen the representation of Great Lakes members and improve connections between the Great Lakes and inland rivers.

The Inland Rivers, Ports, and Terminals organization constitutes a national trade association that advocates for the inland waterway transportation system, established in 1974. This award not only recognizes Jody Peacock's impactful career but also underscores the crucial role that inland waterways play in driving the U.S. economy.

For those interested in learning more about the advocacy and initiatives supported by IRPT, more information can be found at IRPT’s website. For details about the operations of Ports of Indiana, visit Ports of Indiana’s site.