William A. O'Neil

William A. O'Neil received the APEO Engineering Medal in 1972 in recognition for his exemplary engineering accomplishments in the field of marine engineering primarily as the person in charge for the overall construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway. He was named President of the Seaway Authority in 1980. He received International recognition through his four-time election as Chairman of the wodd shipping body, the International Maritime Organization (IMO). He was named first Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard in 1975 and was appointed Honourary Commodore in 1981. He received further international recognition through being awarded the U.S. Coast Guard's Distinguished Public Service Award. In 1990 O'Neil was appointed General Secretary of the International Maritime Organization, a United Nations Agency whose goal is safer oceans and cleaner seas. He was the first Canadian in four decades to head this major UN Agency. O'Neil served on the governing board of the World Maritime University for seven years and is currently its Chancellor. O'Neil has served his local community through leadership positions for his local church and rotary club.