Meet Capt. Katie: From a Chicago Office to the Helm at Arnold Transit Company

Most great career stories have that moment—the one where everything changes.

For Capt. Katie, a Chicago native, that moment came while she was working an office job after graduating from DePaul University with a degree in Journalism and with the thought marketing might be the direction her career would take. But as she settled into office life, something didn’t feel right.

That’s where ‘that moment’ comes in — in Katie’s case it was while walking past one of Chicago’s famous architecture tour boats, it hit her.

“I’m going to work on that boat.”

She didn’t know exactly what that would look like yet. She just knew she belonged on the water.

Her first job was behind the bar on that very same tour boat, and was the beginning of her new maritime career path.

As it turns out, her journalism and marketing background prepared her better than she ever expected. Both disciplines teach you how to understand people, how to communicate, how to put yourself out there, and what makes people connect. Today, those same skills serve her just as well from the wheelhouse as they ever would have in a newsroom or marketing department.

By 2020, Katie had earned her captain’s license and was operating passenger vessels in both Chicago and Florida, building experience while doing what she loves most.

But she’s never been someone content to stop learning.

For the past four years, Katie has served with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, helping promote boating safety and supporting the maritime community. Then, in November 2024, she added another chapter to her story by becoming a FEMA Reservist, deploying to Georgia to assist with relief efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

This summer, she’s brought that same passion and professionalism to Arnold Transit Company.

Capt. Katie has quickly become a favorite among both passengers and crew. Her vibrant personality, infectious smile, and unforgettable onboard announcements have made an impression on countless guests. And as one of Arnold’s female captains, she’s become an inspiration to many of our youngest passengers, who light up when they see a woman confidently at the helm.

It’s clear that Capt. Katie is passionate about maritime safety, teamwork with her crew, exceptional passenger service, and being a steward of the industry. Whether she’s navigating the Straits, serving her community through the Coast Guard Auxiliary, or deploying to help those impacted by natural disasters, she brings the same energy, professionalism, and heart to everything she does.

We’re incredibly fortunate to have her aboard.

So the next time you’re traveling to Mackinac Island from Mackinaw City, keep an eye out for Capt. Katie. Chances are you’ll leave with more than just a great ferry ride—you’ll leave having met someone who truly loves what she does.