Business Law - Law School - Lewis & Clark

Harley Franco ’77 is the chair, CEO, and president of Harley Marine Services, a company he founded in 1987, when he saw a need for a highly safe, environmentally responsible, efficient, and customer-oriented marine services business. The company, which now operates in multiple cities around the country, has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and community involvement.

Harley Franco is responsible for establishing the vision of Harley Marine Services striving to become the safest most environmentally responsible marine transportation company in the country. With a passion for the environment, he has instituted a series of “green” initiatives including markedly reducing vessel emissions, purchasing hybrid vehicles and providing shore power where possible to avoid unnecessary emissions.

Franco has developed a culture of safety and wellness creating a healthy work environment. From ergonomic work stations to recycle, reuse and repurpose, Franco’s vision has been to take care of his community and promote sustainability. One of Franco’s most proud accomplishments to date is a LEED gold 50,000 sq.ft. office building that he hopes will inspire other businesses to focus on the sustainable work place.

Harley Marine Services is a leader in corporate contributions to the community. Franco has sat on several charity boards both locally and nationally including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Prior to his foray in the Maritime industry, Franco practiced law and briefly ran businesses in the telecommunications industry.  He has a BA from the University of Washington and a JD from Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark University in Portland, Oregon. Franco currently sits on the board of the UK P&I club and is a former board member of the American Waterway Operators.

Past Distinguished Business Law Graduates