The vessel honors longtime Parker Towing executive
Chipper Rabbit, who has served as the company’s vice president of finance and
chief financial officer since joining the company in 1997. Rabbit also serves
as secretary of Parker Towing’s board of directors and has played a key role in
the company’s financial management and long-term growth. Built in 2026, the Chipper Rabbit measures
60 feet by 24 feet and is powered by twin Mitsubishi main engines producing a
combined 1,400 horsepower. The propulsion system includes dual 4.03:1 reduction
gears. The towboat will support Parker Towing’s operations along the Gulf Coast
and inland waterways. The christening ceremony included remarks
from Parker Towing President Tim Parker III, comments about the vessel from
Peter Serodino IV, an invocation by Jerry Hewitt and the ceremonial christening
led by Rabbit and his grandchildren. Before joining Parker Towing, Rabbit held
financial leadership positions at Shelby Die Casting and Pennaco Hosiery, a
division of Danskin Inc. He began his career in public accounting, spending 10
years with Ernst & Whinney and BDO Seidman. During nearly three decades with Parker
Towing, Rabbit has worked across the company’s operating divisions, helping
oversee its financial resources, risk management and long-term business
strategy. Parker Towing said naming
the vessel after Rabbit recognizes his longstanding contributions to the
company and the inland marine industry.