M/S Mount Washington Company Profiles

Jim Morash, VP of Operations, Captain & Co-Owner
Known as "Captain Jim" by residents and visitors alike, Jim Morash has been a fixture in Lakes Region tourism for more than 25 years. Prior to his promotion to General Manager, he has served as Deckhand, Deck Officer, Purser, Skipper, Pilot, and Director of Marketing. Jim is an advocate of community involvement and civic duty. He is actively involved with a number of organizations including the Lakes Region Association, the Lakes Management Advisory Council, and the Meredith Rotary Club, from which he is a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. Of all of the projects Jim has participated in, he is most proud of organizing the M/S Mount Washington's 125th birthday and of his involvement with the team that cut the ship in half and lengthened it by 25 feet in 1982-3. The Mount Washington is a tradition for the Morash family, and Jim's brother, sister and cousin have all worked for the company. Jim is a bowler and a golfer, and admits that in the summer he's a slave to his lawn. On living and working in the Lakes Region: "I am the luckiest man in the world. I love my job and the area I live in."

Fred Nashawaty, Director of Marine Operations & Chief Engineer
Fred Nashawaty has been an integral part of the M/S Mount Washington's engineering staff for more than sixteen years. As a former Chief Engineer for a Merchant Marine vessel, Fred brings more than twenty-two years of experience to his position. He also is a former auto and diesel mechanic, as well as a hydraulic technician. Fred is especially proud to have been involved with numerous mission-critical projects, including the replacement of sections of the Mount Washington's hull and a complete rebuild of her engines. Always proud to show visitors his handiwork during a tour of the engine room, Fred's love for his job is ever apparent: "It's a love for the ship that makes the team here at Mount Washington Cruises continue to improve, and it's all of these things that we do that make a cruise a great experience for our guests."

Bruce Campbell, Captain
Bruce Campbell recently celebrated 35 years as an employee of Mount Washington Cruises. Since 1969, Bruce has served the company as Deckhand, Skipper, Payroll Supervisor, Accountant, Programmer, Purser, and most recently Captain. He is responsible for installing the first computers at Mount Washington Cruises in 1984, followed by the first computer network for the company in 1990. Bruce is an accomplished musician, and plays the guitar, trombone and keyboards. He is treasurer of the Weirs Methodist Church, a Merit Badge Counselor for the Boy Scouts of America, and is a member of Friends Assisting Music Education (FAME) at Interlakes High School.

Paul Smith, Captain
As self-appointed "Moral Officer" to the crew, Paul Smith's unique sense of humor and commitment to customer service has made him a passenger favorite on the M/S Mount Washington. Paul served his country as a former U.S. Army Sargent from 1970-72, and is a Veteran of the Vietnam War. An employee since 1986, Paul held the positions of Deckhand, Deck Officer, Skipper and Pilot prior to his appointment as Captain. He's quick to point out that caring for a ship like the Mount Washington is "a team effort," and each winter he does his part as ship's carpenter. In addition to boating, Paul is an avid fisherman and hunter.

Leo O'Connell, Captain & Safety Director
Prior to his promotion to Captain in 2004, Leo O'Connell's career with Mount Washington Cruises included exemplary service in a number of capacities, including Skipper, Deck Officer, Pilot, Justice of the Peace, and a member of the company's diving maintenance crew. As the company's Safety Director, he is especially proud of the company's commitment to the safety of its passengers and crew, and its excellent safety record. Formerly an officer with the State of New Hampshire Marine Division, Leo graduated third in his class at the Police Academy and was cited numerous times for service above and beyond the call of duty. He also owned and operated a family business for 21 years, and was a snowmaker and Gunstock Ski Area for 7 years. The M/S Mount Washington is a family affair for the O'Connell family; his wife and three sons have all worked for the company in various capacities. Leo is an avid skier, snowmobiler and sports fan.

Bob Reed, Captain & Engineer
Bob joined Winnipesaukee Flagship in 1994 as a summer employee, primarily as the Skipper of the US Mailboat Sophie C. He also saw duty as a Deckhand, Deck Officer, Purser, and Skipper of the Doris E. Bob signed on full-time in the autumn of 1999, following a 30-year career as a physics and chemistry teacher. He now serves as a Pilot, Engineer, Chief Electrician, and Divemaster, with an occasional run back aboard the Sophie C. Bob grew up on Long Island, NY, around boats all his life. He discovered the Lake as a young camper at the former Camp Idlewild on Cow Island and has spent summers here ever since. Prior to joining Winnipesaukee Flagship, Bob was a camp counselor and an Officer and Supervisor with the NH Marine Patrol. Bob's outside interests include SCUBA diving, amateur radio, Scottish music, and contra dancing. He is a freelance musician on guitar and banjo, an active hockey and lacrosse referee, and a retired member of the Tuftonboro Fire Department.

James Bennet, Chef
We are happy to introduce a new chef to our cruise family. James Bennet graduated at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY and guest taught at CIA. He grew up in Long Island and then worked exclusively in New York City including chefing at Fraunces Tavern, Coho at South St. Seaport, & La Petit Ferme. He preferred Upstate NY to the city, then raised his sons while working for 4 years on Martha’s Vineyard.
His background includes: Working Head Chef at Chez Bison at Zion Mountain Resort in Zion Park, UT - Working Head Chef at 74 Maine Bistro, Damariscotta, ME - Executive Working Chef at The Wilburton Inn, Manchester Vermont, VT - Executive Working Chef
at The Spruce Point Inn, Boothbay Harbor, ME and Executive Working Chef at Martha's Restaurant, Martha's Vineyard, MA.
James will create Catered Event Packages. With Weddings, for example, he will meet with the family-to-be and arrange for them to have a private tasting. For corporate functions, he works with the company directly to arrange what they’re looking for.

It is our gain that James Bennet has fallen in love with the Lakes Region of NH. We look forward to working with James and are confident he will make us proud.

Gail E. Lauziere, Gift Shop Manager
Mount Washington Cruises
P.O. Box 5367
211 Lakeside Ave.
Weirs Beach, NH 03247
Phone: (603) 366-5531 (ext. 313 summer, ext. 0 off season)