WILLIAM S. DAVIS III
Maritime Operations Executive
Executive Summary
Forward-thinking operations executive combining 30 years of maritime logistics expertise with active AI/LLM implementation experience. Proven track record driving 600% revenue growth while pioneering practical AI applications that improve process reliability, enhance employee satisfaction, and reduce operational costs. Currently leveraging large language models (LLMs), RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) systems, and AI-driven decision support to transform traditional maritime operations.
Unique Value Proposition:
- Operations + AI Expertise: Deep operational knowledge combined with hands-on AI implementation
- Practical AI Applications: Building RAG models and decision support systems for real-world operations
- Business Impact Focus: Using AI to improve quality, work-life balance, and reduce costs
- Change Leadership: Successfully introducing transformative technology in traditionally conservative industry
Core Competencies
AI & LLM Implementation
Executive P&L Leadership ($18M+)
Digital Transformation
Business Development
Supply Chain Strategy
Multi-Site Operations (15 locations)
Enterprise Systems (ERP/CRM)
Data Analytics & Geospatial Intelligence
AI & Digital Transformation Expertise
Active AI Implementation Experience
- Large Language Model Integration: Developing and deploying LLM-based solutions for maritime operations including document analysis, compliance verification, and customer communication automation
- RAG Systems: Building Retrieval-Augmented Generation models that combine company knowledge bases with LLM reasoning for accurate, context-aware decision support
- Process Automation: Implementing AI-driven workflows reducing manual processing time by 40-60% while improving accuracy
- Decision Support Systems: Creating AI-powered tools analyzing vessel scheduling, port conditions, and cost factors to recommend optimal operational decisions
- Employee Experience Enhancement: Deploying AI to eliminate repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on high-value customer interactions
- Cost Reduction: Automated workflows reducing operational costs by 15-25% in pilot programs
AI Technology Stack
- LLM Platforms: Anthropic Claude (advanced user), OpenAI GPT models, prompt engineering and optimization
- RAG & Knowledge Systems: Vector databases for semantic search, document processing, context optimization
- Development: Python for AI scripting and automation, JSON/API integration, prompt chaining workflows
- Data & Analytics: Geospatial analysis with AI enhancement, predictive modeling, NLP for unstructured data
Professional Experience
Vice President & Head of Agency | November 2018 – May 2025
- Led 15-location ship agency division with 110+ employees handling 4,200+ annual port calls across US Atlantic and Gulf Coasts
- Managed $18M+ annual revenue operation with full P&L accountability
- Pioneered AI adoption in conservative maritime industry, demonstrating measurable ROI and building organizational buy-in
- Served on executive committee driving corporate strategy and digital innovation initiatives
AI Implementation Achievements:
- Automated Documentation Processing: Developed LLM-based system reducing processing time from 45 minutes to 5 minutes per vessel
- AI Customer Communication: Implemented intelligent email triage handling 60% of routine inquiries automatically, improving response time from hours to minutes
- Compliance Verification: Created RAG-based compliance checker validating operational procedures against current regulations, preventing costly violations
- Operational Decision Support: Built AI assistant analyzing real-time data (weather, port congestion, vessel schedules) and recommending optimal resource allocation
- Knowledge Transfer: Developed AI-powered training system reducing training time by 50%
Traditional Operational Excellence:
- Established performance metrics and KPIs resulting in 23% improvement in operational efficiency
- Implemented enterprise-wide CRM system improving customer retention by 18%
- Led organizational restructuring reducing operating costs by 12% while improving service quality
- Achieved 99.7% on-time service delivery across geographically dispersed operations
- Championed digital transformation through Oracle NetSuite ERP/CRM implementation
Director of Business Development | October 2016 – November 2018
- Tradepoint Atlantic (Sparrows Point, MD): Led market analysis and supply chain modeling for steel, wind energy, and bulk commodity strategies supporting $1.3B+ redevelopment
- Avondale Marine LLC (New Orleans, LA): Developed investment thesis and attainable market models for multimodal cargo terminal conversion
- United Bulk Terminals Davant: Created market models supporting acquisition of coal and petcoke export facility
- Generated $4.2M in new business through terminal development consulting
- Established strategic partnerships with 15+ major commodity trading firms
Regional Manager – West Gulf & South Atlantic | May 2006 – October 2016
- Established 9 new port agency offices across South Atlantic and Gulf Coast
- Built regional team from 8 to 65+ employees through strategic hiring and development
- Successfully integrated 3 agency acquisitions with 87% customer retention
- Key contributor to 600% revenue growth in South Atlantic and Gulf Coast operations
- Expanded customer portfolio from 23 to 180+ active vessel operators
Operations Manager | December 1999 – May 2006
- Managed Mississippi River operations for leading global maritime services provider
- Coordinated vessel operations, cargo handling, and crew logistics for 400+ annual port calls
- Implemented process improvements reducing average port stay by 18 hours
Operations Associate | November 1995 – July 1999
- Foundation role managing vessel operations and export coal forwarding logistics
- Supported Baltimore and Norfolk port operations teams
AI Project Portfolio (Selected Examples)
Intelligent Document Processing System
- Challenge: Manual processing of vessel arrival documents consuming 3-4 hours daily per office across 15 locations
- Solution: Built LLM-based extraction and validation system with RAG components for regulatory compliance checking
- Results: 90% reduction in processing time, 95% accuracy, $200K+ annual cost savings, improved employee satisfaction
Operational Decision Support Platform
- Challenge: Sub-optimal resource allocation leading to overtime costs and service delays
- Solution: Created AI assistant analyzing real-time operational data and recommending resource deployment
- Results: 30% reduction in overtime hours, 15% improvement in on-time performance, quantifiable ROI within 6 months
AI-Powered Customer Service Enhancement
- Challenge: 24/7 customer inquiries requiring constant on-call availability, causing employee burnout
- Solution: Implemented intelligent triage system with automated responses for routine queries
- Results: 60% of inquiries handled automatically, response time improved from hours to minutes, 70% reduction in after-hours burden
Compliance & Risk Management RAG System
- Challenge: Staying current with evolving regulations across multiple jurisdictions
- Solution: Built RAG system combining regulatory databases with LLM analysis for real-time compliance verification
- Results: Zero compliance violations in pilot implementation, 80% reduction in compliance research time
Education & Professional Development
Diploma in Ship Agency
Association of Ship Brokers and Agents (ASBA) | February 2021
Maritime Law, Commercial Trade Transactions, Basic Principles of Chartering
Leadership Development Program
Center for Creative Leadership | September 2013
Executive leadership intensive including 360° assessment and coaching
Maritime Arbitration
Society of Maritime Arbitrators | March 2021
New York maritime arbitration procedures and practices
AI & Technology Self-Development (Ongoing)
- Advanced LLM implementation and prompt engineering
- RAG system architecture and optimization
- Python for AI automation and integration
- Machine learning for operations optimization
- AI ethics and governance frameworks
Professional Certifications
ASBA Diploma – Ship Agency (2021)
ASBA Certification – Maritime Law (2017)
ASBA Certification – Commercial Trade (2016)
ASBA Certification – Chartering (2014)
Agent Examination – ASBA USA (2007)
Professional Affiliations
Baltic Exchange | North American Export Grain Association | Propeller Club, Port of Norfolk | Virginia Maritime Association | Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals Association | Railway Industrial Clearance Association | National Association of Steel Pipe Distributors | Connecticut Maritime Association
Technical Skills & Competencies
AI & Advanced Technologies
- LLM Platforms: Anthropic Claude (expert), OpenAI GPT, custom implementations
- AI Applications: RAG systems, decision support, document processing, predictive analytics
- Development: Python, API integration, prompt engineering, workflow automation
- AI Ethics: Governance frameworks, bias detection, responsible AI implementation
Enterprise Systems
- Oracle NetSuite (ERP/CRM) – Implementation & Administration
- Microsoft Office 365 / Power BI / Power Automate
- Geospatial Systems & GIS Mapping
- Data Analytics & Business Intelligence Tools
Domain Expertise
- Port Operations & Stevedoring
- Vessel Husbandry & Agency Services
- Supply Chain Design & Optimization
- Commodity Markets (Grain, Coal, Metals, Chemicals)
- Import/Export Documentation & Compliance
Key Achievements & Metrics
AI & Innovation:
- Reduced document processing time by 90% through LLM automation
- Achieved 60% automation rate for customer inquiries
- Cut overtime costs 30% through AI-driven resource optimization
- Demonstrated $200K+ annual cost savings from AI implementations
Revenue Growth:
- Drove 600% revenue growth over 10-year period
- Generated $4.2M in terminal development consulting revenue
- Increased customer base from 23 to 180+ vessel operators
Operational Excellence:
- Managed 4,200+ annual port calls with 99.7% on-time performance
- Reduced operating costs by 12% through process optimization
- Improved operational efficiency by 23% through metrics and technology
References, detailed AI project case studies, and code samples available upon request