Growth, inclusion and vision: The legacy of SLOM’s outgoing board of directors
During an interview conducted by Francesco Solari, CEO of Inspenet, the outgoing board of the Latin American Society of Marine Terminal Operators and Monobuoys (SLOM) shared its management balance during the twenty-first meeting of the organization, held in Panama City.
A stage marked by integration and regional expansion
The outgoing board of directors presented a detailed balance of its management, using the event as an opportunity to reflect on the progress made over the past three years, recognize institutional achievements and establish important guidelines for the organization's future.
Francisco Barreto, outgoing president, together with Gonzalo Truffini, Angélica Hernández and José Perdomo, shared their vision on the challenges overcome, the results obtained and the relevance of continuing to strengthen the technical and human community that makes up SLOM.
Sustained growth and tangible results
One of the highlights of the outgoing term of office was the remarkable institutional growth. According to Barreto, during this period the number of members increased by 36%, with an increase of more than 70% in the participation of suppliers of goods and services. The organization tripled its financial cash flow, achieving an economic health that allows for ambitious projections.
Workshops were held in different countries that brought together more than 3,000 people, evidencing a strengthening of the technical and educational component within the organization. "It was a successful work, based on integration, joint effort and commitment with A-members, who are now much more involved in our activities," said Barreto.
He also highlighted the consolidation of a more participatory governance, with regular meetings and constant advice from active members, which allowed decisions to be made with greater representativeness and strategic focus.
The human factor as a transversal axis
The slogan for this SLOM day, "The Human Factor," was not a casual choice; Gonzalo Truffini, outgoing vice-president, explained that the value of people is at the center of everything the organization stands for. "The role of terminals is to facilitate the flow of energy for societies to develop, but in the end, it is people who make that possible," he stressed.
For Truffini, the diversity of cultures, contexts and experiences within SLOM is a strength that has been well channeled through technical cooperation and mutual respect. This philosophy has allowed strategic decisions to always be based on the reality of those who operate directly in the maritime terminals and monobuoys in the region.
Testimonials reflecting commitment and vision
Angélica Hernández, the only woman on the board and representative of the Southern Cone, valued her experience as an opportunity for learning and transformation. She acknowledged with pride that she was the first woman to be part of the board, and said that her participation implied an additional responsibility, to open space for more women within SLOM.
"The organization is made for everyone. The incorporation of more female voices should not be seen as a difficulty, but as a necessary process to reflect the diversity of the sector," she said. She also emphasized the role of operators as the basis for the functioning of the society, noting that their commitment is fundamental to maintaining institutional achievements.
José Perdomo, recognized for his trajectory within SLOM, highlighted the importance of planning, methodology and long-term vision. He underscored SLOM's positioning as a technical reference in the Latin American oil field. "We want to continue crossing borders, sharing technological information and creating synergies that strengthen us as a community," he said.
Support for the new board and vision for the future
The closing of the interview was a collective call to continue strengthening SLOM as a technical and human platform. Francisco Barreto urged members to maintain their active participation, offering both support and constructive criticism that will allow it to continue to grow. "Complex is treated with simplicity. Listening, collaborating and working together will continue to be the key to success," he said.
Gonzalo Truffini complemented this message by stressing that progress is only possible with constant action and direct contact with all stakeholders in the sector. For her part, Angélica Hernández, left a simple and powerful message:
"This is not over, we are still growing. Come and join us. United in SLOM we are stronger."
SLOM, a technical community with a human face
This day was more than a closing of a cycle: it was a celebration of collective work, inclusion and technical vocation. The outgoing board leaves a legacy of expansion, cohesion and open dialogue that consolidates SLOM as a crucial organization for the development of marine terminals and monobuoys in Latin America.
The new stage begins with a higher bar, as Barreto pointed out, but also with a solid foundation built on the commitment of those who made this growth possible.
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Source: Inspenet.
