Board of Directors

Nico De Golia is global lead for cloud logistics sustainability at Microsoft, where he works toward achieving the sustainability goals including net-negative carbon emissions, zero waste and water positivity in the Cloud Supply Chain. At Maritime Blue, he advises on maritime decarbonization.

Caitlin Hardy is the Founder & Managing Director of Ness Sea, a strategic consulting firm at the intersection of maritime and tech, supporting both the commercial and defense spaces from shipbuilding to novel new technology. In addition to a board member, she serves as an Executive-in-Residence, advising and mentoring startups in our Blue Ventures programs.

Stephanie Jones Stebbins is the Managing Director of the Maritime Division at the Port of Seattle. She is a seasoned leader with extensive experience developing innovative business approaches to create financial success and community & environmental sustainability. In her Board role, Stephanie provides important connects to the greater Seattle maritime industry. 

Pat Beard spent the last 11 years with the City of Tacoma overseeing the Community and Economic Development Department, including Economic Development Services, Small Business and Workforce Partnerships, Housing, Arts and Cultural Vitality, and the Tacoma Business Center for the Washington Minority Business Development Agency. As the Treasurer, Pat serves as Chair of the Finance Committee. She also advises on Maritime Blue activity in Tacoma and the south Sound.

Mike Complita is the Principal in Charge and the VP of Strategic Expansion for Elliott Bay Design group. Mechanical engineer by degree, he has 30 years of experience in maritime vessel and floating structure design and is an industry leader in alternative fuel applications for ship’s propulsion and electrical power generation. As the Secretary, Mike serves as the Chair of the Governance Committee. He also advises on alternative fuels and vessel related projects.

Joshua Berger is President & CEO of Washington Maritime Blue. He was previously Governor Jay Inslee’s Maritime Sector Lead for the State of Washington, working as the liaison between maritime industry stakeholders, the Governor’s office, legislature, and state agencies. He has developed a successful record of leadership in a number of positions including experience as a licensed and professional Merchant Mariner, working in the towing industry and aboard traditional sailing ships as platforms for education and training.

Simon Geerlofs is a Senior Advisor at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s (PNNL) Marine and Coastal Research Laboratory specializing in partnerships, policy, and community engagement in support of energy innovation in the Blue Economy. Simon leads partnership engagement for PNNL’s Coastal Sciences Division, building relationships with public and private stakeholders, university partners, and DOE program offices to advance innovation in the Blue Economy. Simon connects Maritime Blue to the research community.

Sam Cho was elected to the Port of Seattle Commission in 2019 and served as Commission President in 2023. Commissioner Cho is a leader in economic development with a focus on maritime economics, trade, and innovation. He brings a global perspective shaped by experience in government, tech, and sustainability. At the Port, his leadership has driven innovation and strengthened global trade routes. He also serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives for the City of Seattle. In the Mayor’s office, he aligns Seattle’s vision with actionable strategies that will activate downtown and empower communities. As an elected official, Commissioner Cho is a non-voting member of the Board.

Kristy Clement is the CEO of the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF), where she leads statewide efforts to strengthen Alaska’s seafood industry through sustainable seafood certifications, mariculture development, workforce support, and advancing innovation across Alaska’s blue economy. Grounded in her Alutiiq heritage and shaped by her upbringing in a rural Alaska fishing community, Kristy brings a strong commitment to ocean stewardship and the long-term vitality of Pacific Northwest coastal communities. She also serves as Board Chair of Afognak Native Corporation and sits on the boards of Uplift Northwest and the National Association of Corporate Directors Northwest Chapter. Kristy holds an Executive MBA from the University of Washington Foster School of Business and is a NACD Certified Director.

Julie Hampden is Group Director of Environmental Planning & Science, Urban Design & Landscape Architecture, and Strategic Communications for HNTB. She is an experienced Environmental Scientist and Project Manager with a demonstrated history of working in regulatory compliance in the construction industry, environmental consulting, environmental research, endangered species, permitting, underwater noise, environmental awareness, environmental education, and water resource management. Julie connects Maritime Blue to the consulting world.

Jason Jordan is Senior Director of Environmental, Planning, and Sustainability at the Northwest Seaport Alliance and the Port of Tacoma. He is an important partner connecting Maritime Blue to the container ports and serves on the Finance Committee.

Dr. Eleanor Kirtley is the Senior Program Manager of Green Marine International, the environmental certification programs in North America, Europe and, as of 2025, in Australia and the Caribbean. Her primary role is to support Green Marine’s west coast, U.S., and multinational participants through the annual certification process and to coordinate the West Coast Advisory Committee, Ship Owners Technical Committee, and other working groups, including on underwater noise and air emissions. She also serves on the Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners. Eleanor connects Maritime Blue to the NGO community and green shipbuilding.

Vesa Koivumaa is Head of Delivery, Port & SIM of Wärtsilä, a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. He is also the Technology, Infrastructure, and Fuels Workstream Lead for the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition, on the Advisory Panel for the Mini-MBA Program at University of Houston, Bauer College of Business, and President of the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce – Greater Houston. Vesa brings a voice of large multinational industry to discussions.

Senator Liz Lovelett represents the 40th Legislative District in northern Puget Sound, including San Juan and portions of Whatcom and Skagit Counties and was was elected by her colleagues to serve as Senate Majority Deputy Leader in 2024. She is known throughout the region as a champion for environmental justice with a focus on reducing pollution, developing clean fuels and energy, and protecting our Southern Resident Killer Whales. She also co-chairs the Ferry legislator Caucus on the Senate Transportation Committee. As an elected official, Senator Lovelett is a non-voting member of the Board.

Chris Mack, Jr. is Vice President of Marine Operations for Tidewater Transportation and Terminals. Over a span of more than 20 years at Foss Maritime, Mack held various shoreside positions, culminating in the role of chief operating officer. Mack also has extensive experience managing large, complex projects and holds a project management professional certification. Chris connects Maritime Blue to the legacy maritime industry of our region.

Brian Surratt is President & CEO of Greater Seattle Partners (GSP) and leads GSP’s global marketing, economic development and international trade and investment strategies to drive quality jobs, investment, and talent to the Greater Seattle region. Prior to leading GSP, he served as the executive director of the Puget Sound office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), one the country’s largest community development organizations. Brian connects Maritime Blue to the economic development community in our region.