A Keuka College graduate has taken the helm of one of upstate New York’s most strategically positioned ports — and at 33, he’s believed to be the youngest port CEO in the country.
Tom Drumm, a 2015 graduate of Keuka College, was recently named CEO of the Port of Oswego Authority, a major Great Lakes shipping hub that handles more than one million tons of cargo annually.
Drumm’s appointment places him in charge of a port with deep historical roots and growing economic significance, particularly as central New York prepares for major industrial expansion tied to the Micron semiconductor project in nearby Onondaga County.
A native of Oswego and fifth-generation resident, Drumm said the port is positioned to play a critical role in future supply chains tied to that development.
“We have the opportunity to be a major piece in that supply chain,” he said, adding that elevating the port’s visibility and partnerships will be a key focus moving forward.
Drumm studied political science and history at Keuka College, where he completed multiple internships through the school’s Field Period program, including placements with members of Congress. Shortly after graduating, he launched a successful run for the Oswego County Legislature at age 22.
His career since has included roles as a district organizer for Speak Out CNY and as regional director of intergovernmental affairs for the New York State Attorney General’s Office.
The Port of Oswego serves as the first U.S. port of call on the Great Lakes for vessels entering through the St. Lawrence Seaway, making it a key gateway for international trade in the region.
Drumm’s appointment comes at a time when regional leaders are increasingly focused on leveraging existing infrastructure to support economic growth across upstate New York, particularly as large-scale manufacturing projects reshape supply chain demands.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].