2025 C. Alvin Bertel Award Recipient
The World Trade Center New Orleans is proud to announce, Gregory Rusovich, CEO of Transoceanic Development, as the recipient of the 2025 C. Alvin Bertel Award.
Upon graduating from Tulane University, Rusovich joined Transoceanic Shipping Company in 1981. He quickly established himself as a visionary leader, crafting strategies such as implementing the company’s strategy to “go global” launching 25 international offices with a primary focus on the energy and emerging markets. Rusovich later founded Transoceanic Development, a firm specializing in global transportation and humanitarian logistics.
Throughout his career, Greg has consistently championed Louisiana’s port interests. Under Greg’s leadership as Chairman for the Port of New Orleans in 2014, the port initiated efforts to launch a strategy to attract petrochemical byproducts, diverting cargo from Houston and into New Orleans.
Currently serving as Chair of the Louisiana Board of International Commerce, Greg has been instrumental in launching the Louisiana International Terminal and crafting a strategy to attract cargo, distribution, and warehousing. In 2024, Rusovich was a member of the delegation that visited Hyundai Steel in South Korea, resulting in the successful attraction of $5.8 billion steel plant, creating more than 1,300 direct jobs.
Rusovich also spearheaded efforts that resulted in the successful partnership between the World Trade Center New Orleans and Greater New Orleans, Inc., ensuring the World Trade Center remained a strong voice for the Louisiana maritime community.
Rusovich’s contributions have been recognized both locally and nationally. He was honored by the Times Picayune during New Orleans’ Tricentennial celebration as one of ‘300 for 300’—individuals who shaped the city’s history. Other accolades include the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award, the Propeller Club Maritime Man of the Year (2010), CityBusiness Driving Forces (2010), Junior Achievement Hall of Fame (2011), and a Lifetime Membership Award from the World Trade Club (2004). Rusovich serves as the Honorary Consul to Serbia and in 2024 was received the Eugene J. Schreiber Award, recognizing his work for promoting diplomacy and international trade.
Gregory follows in the footsteps of his father, Basil J. Rusovich, Jr., who was recognized as the 1990 Bertel Award recipient, marking a distinguished family legacy of service to Louisiana’s maritime industry.
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