Rucker will succeed retiring President Michael Schwank, who led the company for 19 years
SEATTLE – July 11, 2017 – Tideworks Technology® Inc., a full-service provider of comprehensive terminal management and planning software solutions, today announced Thomas J. (T.J.) Rucker will assume the role of president effective Sept. 1, 2017. Rucker will relocate to Seattle in August to ensure a smooth transition into the role when Tideworks’ long-term leader, President Michael Schwank retires.
Rucker is currently vice president of operations at Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT), one of the largest container terminals in Latin America, where he is responsible for managing liner customer relationships, strategic planning and ensuring terminal productivity and KPI performance.
“We are excited to have someone as talented and experienced as T.J. take on responsibility for this key leadership role,” said Knud Stubkjaer, CEO of Carrix, Inc., the parent company of SSA Marine, Tideworks Technology and Rail Management Services. “Michael’s steadfast guidance over the years has been instrumental in shaping Tideworks to be the force for intelligent technology and operations efficiency. He departs Tideworks with a great legacy for us to cultivate and continue to develop as the company continues to grow.”
Schwank will retire from Tideworks Technology after leading the organization as its president since 1998, and after a total of 35 years of service with Carrix, Inc. One of the original management leaders of Tideworks, Schwank advocated for the resourcing that eventually led to the creation of the Tideworks brand as a legal entity within the Carrix family of products and service solutions. During his decades-long tenure, he supported many leading-edge initiatives at the company that were instrumental in supporting marine and rail operations growth and development.
“I am confident that T.J. will maintain Tideworks’ long-held values, while taking the organization to new heights in a future where the measurement of success may constantly change while our integrity and level of service remain steadfast,” shared Schwank. “It has been my great honor to serve an organization that is deeply committed to providing the highest quality service and product excellence, while being unafraid to take bold positions to continually move us, our partners and our industry forward.”
Rucker joined SSA Marine in 1999 as a project manager within the Y2K project team, from there he moved into a variety of technology roles. He then relocated to Panama, where he oversaw IT operations at MIT, and eventually came to lead IT operations for all of SSA Marine’s Central and South American activities. In 2006, Rucker returned to Seattle to head up Tideworks’ Products and Professional Services Groups, a position he held until his return in 2012 to MIT as the vice president of operations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Gonzaga University.
“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead our innovative company with such a vast network of talented personnel,” said Rucker. “I am grateful to Michael, who over the years has led the team to establish and solidify Tideworks’ reputation as a trusted technology partner in the terminal operations industry.”
About Tideworks Technology
Tideworks is a full-service provider of cost-effective, reliable software solutions for growing terminal operations and shipping lines worldwide. The company helps more than 300,000 users at more than 100 facilities run their operations more efficiently and profitably. From optimized equipment utilization to faster turn times, Tideworks works at every step of terminal operations to maximize productivity and customer service. For more information about Tideworks Technology, a Carrix solution, visit www.tideworks.com.