Joshua will provide some context for the day’s conversation by giving an overview of Washington State’s Strategy for the Blue Economy and the role for WA Maritime Blue – a strategic alliance for maritime innovation and sustainability.

Craig McLean is now serving as the Acting Chief Scientist and will act as is the senior scientist for the agency providing direction for science and technology priorities. He also serves as the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research.

In his role at Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, he is responsible for overseeing, directing and implementing NOAA’s research enterprise including a network of research laboratories and the execution of NOAA programs including the Climate Program, National Sea Grant, Ocean Exploration, to name a few. Among a number of formal international engagements in science and technology, Mr. McLean serves as the U.S. Representative to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), and as the Co-chair of the U.S. European Union Marine Working Group.

Mr. McLean has previously served in NOAA as Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator of the National Ocean Service, was the founding Director of OAR’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research and served in uniform for nearly 25 years in NOAA’s Commissioned Corps, attaining the rank of Captain. Mr. McLean served aboard hydrographic, oceanographic, and fisheries research ships and was the first commanding officer of the NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter. Craig led NOAA’s innovation and planning for the Smithsonian Institution’s Sant Ocean Hall, and achieved a National Ocean Action Plan goal of securing a permanent, dedicated ship for the National Ocean Exploration Program, the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

Craig is also an attorney and has practiced marine resource law for NOAA. He has been awarded the Department of Commerce Silver and Bronze Medals, the NOAA Corps Commendation Medal, and Special Achievement Medal. Mr. McLean is a Fellow of the Explorers Club, and of the Marine Technology Society, and a past-president and chairman of the Sea-Space Symposium. 

 Speakers Include:

Alejandro Moreno – Director, US Department of Energy (DOE) – Water Power Technology Office

Pete Devlin – Program Manager, US Department of Energy (DOE) – Fuel Cell Technology Office  

Dan Yuska – Environmental Protection Specialist, US Maritime Administration (MARAD)

John Hatley PE, (MBA, MSE )  Americas VP Marine Solutions and Director Market Shaping for Wartsila North America, has over 30 years of combined marine experience spanning business development, sales, project management of domestic and overseas vessel construction, owner’s representation, advisor pension fund shipping investment, ship operations, and vessel design.  His expertise resides in market development shaping activities for gas initiatives (LNG, LEG, LPG, Methane) plus hybrids with focus on financial business case metrics for decision making and environmental currency.  Prior to joining Wartsila he held positions with General Electric, Marine Industries NW, Pension Fund Investment First American Bulk Carriers, US Lines, Trinidad Tankers, and John J. McMullen Naval Architects.  He is a licensed Chief Engineer for Steam, Diesel, and Gas Turbines.  He is a graduate of 3 schools; BS United States Merchant Marine Academy Kings Point, MSE University of Michigan, and MBA University of Washington each with distinct honors.  

Speakers Include:

Gordon Fry – Engineering Manager, Spear Power Systems

Dr. Lennie Klebenoff – Principle Member, Sandia National Laboratories

Cam LeHouillier – Energy R&D Manager, Tacoma Power

Cyril Tatar – Vice President of Newbuilding, Holland America Group

Speakers Include:

Dennis McLerran – Cascadia Law Group, Fmr. EPA Region 10 Administrator

Elizabeth Scallon – Head of Labs, Pacific Northwest and Silicon Valley, WeWork Labs

Dan Smith – Clean Cargo Working Group and Sustainability Director, Crowley Maritime

Linda Styrk – Executive Director, Puget Sound Pilots