NAMMA 2026 Distinguished Service Award Recipients Announced
| The NAMMA Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exemplary service to seafarers’ welfare over many years through local ministry and broader regional, national, or international leadership. Recipients come from current or former NAMMA members, affiliated agencies, or significant partners in NAMMA’s mission. A list of those who have received the award is here. NAMMA President Dcn. Paul Rosenblum announces that the Board of Directors has selected the 2026 Distinguished Service Award recipients below in recognition of their outstanding dedication to maritime ministry. The awards will be presented in person during the NAMMA Conference in Philadelphia, August 4-6, 2026. Doreen M. Badeaux Doreen M. Badeaux has devoted more than three decades to the welfare of seafarers. After beginning as a volunteer with the Port Arthur International Seafarers’ Center in 1995, she helped transform the ministry, serving for 20 years as Board President. Since 2003, she has served as Secretary General of the Apostleship of the Sea-USA, administering the Cruise Ship Priest Program and coordinating Catholic chaplaincy on thousands of cruise voyages worldwide. She remains an active leader in numerous maritime organizations and a tireless advocate for seafarers, fishers, and maritime workers. Rev. Stephen Cushing Rev. Stephen Cushing has served as Executive Director and Senior Chaplain of the New England Seafarers Mission for nearly 28 years and as NAMMA Treasurer and Board member since 2017. Through major challenges, including the September 11 attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic, he has provided steady leadership while ensuring uninterrupted care for seafarers and maintaining the mission’s financial and organizational strength. His longstanding relationships with the Port of Boston and the maritime industry have strengthened the mission’s effectiveness. Stephen is widely respected for his compassionate pastoral care, continually adapting services to meet the changing needs of seafarers in a rapidly evolving maritime world. NAMMA extends its sincere congratulations and gratitude to Doreen Badeaux and Rev. Stephen Cushing for their remarkable service and lasting contributions to seafarers’ welfare! |