Leadership can come in many forms. For 35 years Baron Bigler has stood out among his peers as a leader with heart.
Baron oversees the full spectrum of The Trust Company of the Marshall Islands, Inc. (TCMI) activities from his office in Majuro. TCMI provides support for the Marshall Island’s maritime, corporate, and financial sectors, including management and oversight of RMI- registered business entities and vessels. In his role, Baron serves as a bridge to international organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Traveling extensively on behalf of TCMI, Baron works to facilitate relationships and strengthen information sharing between the RMI Registry, the RMI Government, foreign governments, and international organizations to improve and enhance compliance.
Baron joined the Marshall Islands Maritime Authority in 1988 at the encouragement of the late United States Ambassador Fred Monroe Zeder, who was then responsible to conclude the Compact of Free Association (CoFA) with the Marshall Islands. Supporting the Marshall Islands Maritime Authority from its modest office in Honolulu, Baron initially oversaw a registry of 13 vessels.
“We were in our infancy when I started,” remembered Baron. “We saw the potential in the international market, and the opportunity afforded to us through the CoFA.”
TCMI was established in 1990, and International Registries, Inc. (IRI) was brought into the picture to provide administrative and technical support to the RMI Registry. TCMI located the office in Majuro and tasked Baron to hire local talent.
“It was an honor and privilege to establish the office in Majuro. I see the Registry as a national resource for our Republic and its people,” said Baron. “TCMI encouraged me to pursue higher education, bring that knowledge back to our community, and inspire others to do the same. Today TCMI employs 28 people across a variety of roles and responsibilities, and we’re able to showcase our talent to the world.”
Although his responsibilities with TCMI have grown and expanded over the last 35 years as the Registry has flourished, Baron remains humble about his day-to-day responsibilities. “My most important role is to encourage, resource, and build up our people. I problem-solve as a career. I facilitate government requests for information, find practical solutions, and help departments connect the dots between regulatory requirements and client needs.”
Leadership and service to the community run in Baron’s family. His mother was the first congresswoman in the Congress of Micronesia during the United Nations Trust Territory era, paving the way for a legacy of service and representation that steers Baron’s life. That family legacy, combined with his vibrant personality and ability to motivate others, has earned Baron a reputation as a positive role-model and a natural leader.
“I really, really enjoy working with the people in this organization — both in government and in all the IRI global offices,” said Baron when asked about his longevity at TCMI. “If it weren’t for the people, I wouldn’t remain. They’re genuinely talented, good people. It’s a pleasure to work, learn, and grow with them.”
“The true measure of leadership lies not with growth charts or ships registered, but in the people inspired along the way,” said IRI President Bill Gallagher. “Baron leads by example, he doesn’t hesitate to step in and help others find a solution, or to support a team member.”
From a ‘tiny shop in Honolulu’ to a leader on the international stage, Baron’s career reflects the power of adaptability and service coupled with heart.
