IRI’s growth over the last several decades can be attributed to the incredible maritime professionals we have around the world. At the end of 2022, we recognize and celebrate four outstanding team members who have spent more than two decades with IRI. Jarrett Laskey (Corporate) and Jackie Lyle (Accounting), IRI Reston, celebrated a 20-year milestone anniversary in the third quarter of 2022. Sofia Kounia (Vessel Registration), IRI Piraeus, celebrated 25 years with IRI, and Kim Palmerino (Corporate), IRI Reston, celebrated a 30-year milestone. Their professionalism and loyalty to the organization inspire others in their departments and beyond!
Kim Palmerino joined IRI in 1992 as a file clerk. Behind the scenes, she handles the organization and filing needs of the Corporate Registry at Global Headquarters in Reston, Virginia. Kim works closely with IRI’s Corporate Department.
“Kim’s 30-year tenure with IRI confirms her dedication and value to our team; she has kept the Corporate Department organized by staying calm and collected even through the most hectic of times. She is a friend to all, and we are appreciative of her commitment and expertise,” said Denise Francis, Senior Vice President, Corporate.
Sofia Kounia joined IRI’s Piraeus office in November 1997 as an Office Administrator. Sofia transferred to the Seafarers Documentation department and then to the Vessel Registration department as Vessel Registration Administrator in 2000. In 2010 she was promoted to Vessel Registration Manager overseeing a team of five in the Piraeus office. In April 2021 Sofia was promoted to Vice President, Vessel Registration and Documentation where she shares responsibility for worldwide vessel registration and documentation transactions.
“For 25 years Sofia has supported the advancement of the Registry through her hard work and dedication. Sofia is a true leader in our office. She supports and listens to her colleagues, always taking the approach to consider and explore new ideas or new ways of doing something. That’s why she’s been such a pillar of our growth,” said Theo Xenakoudis, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Piraeus.
Jarrett Laskey, Corporate Collections Coordinator, joined IRI in August 2002 as an Accounts Receivable Clerk. Jarrett progressed in his career at IRI, advancing thanks to his hard work and professional demeanor. In 2017 Jarrett moved from Accounting to IRI’s Corporate Department where he’s helped support the accounting needs of the growing Corporate Registry.
“In the last 20 years, Jarrett’s diligence, knowledge, and professionalism laid the foundation for Corporate Accounting’s efficient and excellent customer service. He continues to embrace new responsibilities and is essential to the achievement of the Corporate Department’s goals,” said Denise Francis, Senior Vice President, Corporate.
Jackie Lyle joined IRI’s accounting team in August 2002 as a Staff Accountant. Working largely behind the scenes with internal accounting, Jackie ensures efficient handling of IRI’s global accounts. In 2016, Jackie was promoted to Senior Staff Accountant.
“Jackie is the type of team member that handles her job with excellence. She’s grown with us over the last 20 years and is one of our most dependable and hardworking team members. She is a pleasure to work with and is respected throughout the company. Jackie is particularly valuable with understanding the annual audit and assisting the department with pulling the information together to provide a complete product,” said Karen Pearson, Accounting Supervisor.
Many other team members celebrated milestone anniversaries in the second half of 2022, please join us in celebrating their anniversaries!