The Chicago Propeller Club is delighted to welcome Brooke Picillo Baldassari to its Board of Directors.
As a former US Navy Lieutenant and Merchant Marine seafarer, Brooke brings unique skills to the board and bolsters further our collective experience within the maritime and logistics sectors.
She will undertake two specific priorities with Chicago Propeller Club – promoting maritime careers and supporting veterans across our industry.
Brooke’s career has seen her work in commercial sailing, offshore drilling and construction, shoreside commercial shipping, chartering and trading operations, and also strategic stakeholder engagement. She currently works at BP America where she is widely respected for building strong relationships across industry, government and the wider maritime community.
Alongside her professional career, Brooke is an active volunteer within the veteran community in Illinois and coaches middle school basketball in Winnetka.
Her appointment comes alongside a refreshed Board for the 2026–2027 term.
Ben Pinnington has been appointed President, joined by Scott Sigman as Treasurer and Ian Hirt continuing as Secretary. Chris Carr becomes Immediate Past President, following his recognition as 2025 International Propellerist of the Year.
They are joined by continuing board members Erik Varela, Chad Cailteux, Jason Brown and Warren Marwedel, as the Chicago Propeller Club looks ahead to an exciting year of advocacy, engagement and industry events.
A refreshed Board and a forward-looking agenda
Brooke’s appointment follows the announcement of a refreshed Board for the 2026–2027 term, reflecting the Club’s continued focus on leadership, advocacy and member engagement.
The Board includes:
- Ben Pinnington, Founder of Polaris Media, as President
- Scott Sigman, Founder of Equinanimous Advisory Service, as Treasurer
- Ian Hirt, Founder of Benchmark Marine, continuing as Secretary
- Chris Carr, Managing Partner at Schouest, Bamdas, Soshea, BenMaier & Eastham PLLC, serving as Immediate Past President following his recognition as 2025 International Propellerist of the Year
They are joined by continuing board members Erik Varela, Chad Cailteux, Jason Brown and Warren Marwedel.
Priorities and events for 2026
Our priorities for the coming term include:
- Championing shipbuilding on the Great Lakes
- Supporting seafarer and veteran welfare
- Raising awareness of maritime careers
- Delivering four high-quality networking events in 2026
2026 flagship events will include:
- Social mixer at the Guinness Brewery (March 19)
- Maritime Day luncheon cruise from Navy Pier (May 22)
- VIP reception during the AGLPA Conference (July 29)
- Fall industry networking event (October 28)