Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is composed of not more than twenty-seven (27) Directors, divided into three (3) classes (as nearly equal as possible) to serve for a term of three (3) years or until their successors shall have been elected and qualified, together with the Chairperson and each Vice Chair, the Secretary and the Treasurer of the Corporation.
The Executive Director is a voting, ex officio member of the Board.
Officers
Simon Colley, Chair – Hingham, MA
Simon Colley
Simon Colley joined the board in 2016 and has been part of the international Tall Ship community for over 30 years.
Over the course of his tall ship career, Simon served as the Director of Operations and Senior Captain for Spirit of Bermuda, Captain of the tall ships Tole Mour, Roseway and Lettie G Howard, and held various roles with Sea Education Association and Ocean Classroom, amongst others. His experience also includes over a decade with Outward Bound as a curriculum developer, staff trainer, and lead instructor. Simon previously taught high school biology and chemistry in Australia and was instrumental in the development of the expedition-based Shackleton School.
Simon’s recent work includes leading the carbon team for a climate-tech startup and launching a train-the-trainer for the Saudi Ministry of Labor, supporting a nationwide initiative to empower women to enter the workforce. He is the founding partner of Trust Labs, a consultancy that provides experiential leadership programs for global firms. Simon lives in Hingham, MA, with his wife Caitlin and their two boys, all of whom are avid sailors, paddlers, and snowboarders.
Simon received an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management, a BEd in Learning and Teaching from the University of Western Sydney, and a BS in Marine Biology from James Cook University. He maintains a USCG Captains license, for vessels up 1600 GRT, upon oceans.
Nate Hauser, Vice Chair – Newark, DE
Nathan Hauser
Nathan joined the Board in 2017. He is the Vice President and General Manager of Moran Philadelphia and Moran Baltimore. Moran Towing is a marine services provider with a reputation for providing industry leading quality, safety and performance. Moran operates over 100 vessels from 16 locations in North America, engaged in harbor tug assist and escort operations as well as bulk marine transportation. At Moran since 2002, Nathan has been deeply involved in efforts to achieve industry leading quality and safety certifications. He is also a member of Moran’s Corporate Design Team and Quality Steering Committee. Prior to joining Moran, Nathan was employed as a Merchant Mariner aboard United States Flagged oceangoing ships engaged in international trade. Nathan also served for 14 years as a Reserve Naval Officer. Nathan is a Dual License graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. He maintains current USCG Licensing in both the Deck and Engineering departments, including unlimited and ocean endorsements. Nathan is active in the local Philadelphia port community, currently serving as a Board Member for the Maritime Academy Charter High School, the Ports of Philadelphia Maritime Society. He is also an active member of the Mariner’s Advisory Committee. Nathan is an avid aviator and also enjoys sailing with his family.
Mike Meighan, Treasurer – Sarasota, FL
Mike Meighan
Mike Meighan is Executive Director of Global Expeditions Group – ActionQuest, GoBeyond & Sea|mester. Born in the UK, Mike knew he loved marine life, sailboats, and teaching, but his ‘Aha moment’ happened in 1995 while training teenagers aboard yachts in the Caribbean for ActionQuest Teen Summer Adventures. A realization that learning while living in dynamic, uncontrived and often unfamiliar environments offers exceptional opportunities for social, emotional and academic growth. Mike has committed his professional career to this end, founding Sea|mester in 1998 and GoBeyond Student Travel in 2001 and eventually Global Expeditions Group as the parent organization in 2005.
In 2019 Global Expeditions Group operated over 21,000 student days collectively. Students represented 44 states and 26 countries, sailed over 21,000 nautical miles, earned more than 1,300 scuba certifications, 1,400 academic credits and dedicated more than 15,000 hours to the service of others.
Mike remains hands-on with program development, staff training and operations, sailing for three months in the Caribbean each summer with groups of 200 or more. Throughout the rest of the year, he remains active within the industry, serving as a board member for the American Sail Training Association / Tall Ships America. Mike lives in Sarasota, FL with his family.
Chris Nolan – Secretary – Falmouth, MA
Chris Nolan
Captain Christopher D. Nolan is a Coast Guard veteran and former commanding officer of two cutters, with over 8 years of military sea service in Alaska, California, Maine, and Connecticut. He first interacted with Tall Ships America in 2008 as Operations Officer (Navigator) of USCG Barque Eagle. After getting the tall ships bug and transitioning to the civilian world, he worked as a captain/faculty member and Interim Dean of Academics at Sea Education Association in Woods Hole, Ma. His time at SEA has included voyages as captain aboard CORWITH CRAMER and ROBERT C. SEAMANS in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Chris is also the owner and founder of Practical Navigator Training, a Coast Guard approved maritime training provider and a leader in online maritime license training. Chris graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (Marine/Environmental Science), and Oregon State University (Fisheries/Wildlife Management). He holds STCW (3000GT) and domestic (1600GRT) maritime master licenses and is the co-author of the latest edition of “Eagle Seamanship: A Manual for Square Rigger Sailing,” as well as several navigation training reference manuals. Chris is based in Washington D.C., married to CDR Kellee Nolan (USCG), and his hobbies include celestial navigation, hiking, and cycling.
Members
Alex Howland – San Diego, CA
Alex Howland, PhD
Alex Howland, PhD is an entrepreneur, organizational psychologist, and lifelong mariner with a deep commitment to experiential education and youth development on the water. He previously served as Program Manager at the Community Boating Center in New Bedford and Youth Program Director at Duxbury Bay Maritime School, where he helped lead programs centered on seamanship, confidence-building, and leadership through hands-on learning. Alex previously served as a U.S. Sailing Level 1 instructor trainer. His family’s maritime roots run deep in New Bedford, MA, with generations connected to the region’s whaling and seafaring history, long before his grandfather, Waldo Howland, carried that legacy forward through his leadership at the Concordia Company and his role in preserving classic New England sailing traditions. In addition to his maritime background, Alex is the founder and CEO of Virbela, where he focuses on leadership development and experiential learning through immersive simulation and collaboration environments.
Aaron Singh – New York, NY
Aaron Singh
Bruce Heyman – Los Angeles, CA
Bruce Heyman
Bruce’s passion for the sea was ignited when his Dad and he built a 17’ Windmill sailboat in their garage in Orange, Texas while he was in the first and second grade. Today he is Executive Director of the Los Angeles Maritime Institute and is passionate about using his experiences and the sea to help today’s youth understand the importance of STEM knowledge and encouraging them to have happy and productive lives. He spent twenty-seven years with Motorola before joining the non-profit world. As a Vice President at Motorola he worked in Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales and Marketing, Strategic Planning, and Business Development and was based in both the US and Europe. With Bachelors and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and an MBA he is well versed in both the technical and business challenges of running an organization. After retiring from Motorola in 2006 he joined the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, California where he learned many of the ropes of the tall ship world, first as volunteer coordinator and then as First Mate of Pilgrim and shipwright for both Spirit of Dana Point and Pilgrim. Before joining LAMI on 12/1/2013 he spent two years at the San Diego Maritime Museum as Project Manager in charge of building the tall ship San Salvador, a replica of a 1542 Spanish Galleon. Bruce is a licensed 200-ton captain, he and his wife own a Catalina 320 sailboat, and is a Coxswain in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He serves on the Economic Development and Policy board and is a Board Member of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce. He also is an International Trade Academy Advisory Board Member for International Trade Education Programs.
Gary Jobson – Annapolis, MD
Gary Jobson
From a stellar college sailing career followed by an America’s Cup win in 1977, Gary Jobson has gone on to become the voice of sailing in the United States, President of US Sailing, World Sailing board member and the pre-eminent global ambassador for the sport.
He started in his father’s cat boat on Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, and later sailed Penguins, E-Scows and Lasers. Jobson had a knack, and he applied himself, keeping notebooks from the outset on race conditions and tactics that worked. At age 16, he was voted Barnegat Bay’s Outstanding Junior Sailor. At New York Maritime College, during a slump, Jobson took the words of his coach, Graham Hall, to heart: “You’re forgetting to have fun out there.” He went on to be a three-time All-American and two-time College Sailor of the Year.
The fun factor served Jobson well in 1977, when Ted Turner signed him on Courageous as tactician. Jobson’s calming influence in the cockpit was as important as his good calls in the course of winning America’s Cup XXIII. In 1978, he started Jobson Sailing, to promote the sport of sailing at all levels.
Jobson’s stint at ESPN in 1987 as the on-air analyst for Dennis Conner’s comeback, America’s Cup win in Perth, won him a Cable Ace Award and launched his career in broadcasting earning two Emmys and four Telly Awards. Jobson has written 21 books on sailing and produced 1200 television programs and films. In the last 50 years, the ubiquitous Jobson has given over 2800 lectures on the sport.
Jobson was National Chairman of the Leukemia Cup Regattas (1994-2017), events that he conceived. During his tenure, the regattas raised $62 million. He continues to race, cruise and daysail whenever he can find the time.
Harry Graves – Richmond, OH
Harry Graves
Harry Hammond Graves (H2) is an International Environmental Technology Entrepreneur pioneering Fuel Cell GT technology and the Quadfactory Fleet. Fuel Cell GT technology will enable the maritime industry to travel at record speeds with net zero emissions. The Quadfactory Fleet together with Max Wind and Max Solar will enable “Net Zero” and “Paris 1.5” to be delivered early.
Mr. Graves has served in various leadership positions at Global Energy and Procter & Gamble. He is also an international competitor in rowing and sailing. A gold medalist and course record holder at the Henley Royal Regatta and Helmsman for the British America’s Cup 12 Metre Lionheart K18 in the America’s Cup Jubilee in Cowes, England. He has served as a US National Team Coach and Director/Trustee of the National Rowing Foundation.
James Kerr – New York, NY
James Kerr
Jim Kerr is an ASTA/Tall Ships America former Board member whose term expired in 2020. Jim is now fully retired from New York law firm Davis Polk Wardwell. He is a member of the New York, Essex and Castine Yacht Clubs and a member of The Army and Navy Club of Washington and The Century Association. He is President Emeritus of the Morris-Jumel Mansion museum and is an active member and supporter of several historical societies and museums. Jim represented ASTA on a pro bono basis in a successful trademark defense in advance of the tall ship events scheduled for the Millennium. Jim offers a long-standing perspective of sailing, maritime history, Tall Ships America and a legal expertise to support the Board and organizational development efforts.
John Nadeau – New Orleans, LA
John Nadeau
John Nadeau, Rear Admiral US Coast Guard (ret), currently serves as a senior advisor and maritime consultant to owners and operators of commercial vessels, waterfront facilities, ports, and other maritime stakeholders. His areas of expertise include:
- Sustainable shipping, alternative fuels, other novel & contemporary regulatory issues
- Regulatory approval for offshore oil/gas/LNG/wind energy exploration, development & production
- Corporate safety culture & safety management system assessment & improvement
- Compliance strategies for U.S. & international regulations and key stakeholder engagement
- Maritime accident & casualty investigations
An accomplished senior leader and U.S. Coast Guard veteran, John successfully led diverse organizations conducting all aspects of marine safety, maritime security, and environmental stewardship. He was the Coast Guard’s Senior Executive for all international and national policy, standards, and programs to promote marine safety, maritime security and environmental stewardship. He has accumulated deep technical experience in commercial vessel design, compliance inspections, safety management systems, port state control, casualty investigations, navigation safety, port & facility security, and crisis response. He spearheaded development and implementation of national regulations and policy and, as the Head of the United States’ delegation to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), he advanced the US position on updates to SOLAS & MARPOL instruments and major challenges impacting the global maritime community, including the “IMO 2020” fuel oil sulphur cap, cyber risk management, ballast water treatment, autonomous ships, and the Polar Code and the International Code of Safety for Ship Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code).
Marcus Asante – Baltimore, MD
Marcus Asante
Marcus Asante is a Cultural Historian specializing in African American maritime history, and is a member of the Maritime Committee of the Maryland Center for History and Culture. He is the Director of Marine Arts Workshop (MAW). MAW creates learning opportunities and events designed to educate teen and young adult students about marine trades and sailing/boating safety. He has worked as an active Marine Technician serving power and sailboat owners throughout the U.S. East Coast. Marcus is a 2010 graduate of the Marine Studies Program at The Landing School in Arundel, Maine, where he received ABYC certifications in Marine Diesel engines, Marine Electrical, and Marine Systems. Marcus has worked at many marinas and boatyards around the Chesapeake Bay. He has been a delivery captain on vessels in many locations from Maine to Florida and the Caribbean. He was previously a sailing instructor for Living Classrooms Foundation, Getaway Sailing School, and Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound in Baltimore, MD. Marcus is the Founder of Universal Sailing Club, whose members are mostly African American, and is the only sailing club of this demographic on the U.S. East Coast. His achievements have been recognized by numerous media outlets including Baltimore Sun, Chesapeake Bay Magazine, and Boating Industry Magazine.
Mark “Buz” Buzby – Norfolk, VA
Mark 'Buz' Buzby
Admiral Mark Buzby, USN (ret.) served as the Administrator of the United States Maritime Administration (“MARAD”) from August 2017 – January 2021.
Admiral Buzby started out in the industry at Kings Point, from which he emerged in 1979 with a license as Third Mate and a bachelor’s degree. Nearly immediately, he was commissioned as an ensign in the Navy. He served as the Commander of the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command from 2009 to 2013, and retired from the Navy from that position. In the meantime, he commanded the destroyer USS Carney during its first Persian Gulf deployment. He also commanded Destroyer Squadron 31 as the sea combat commander for the Abraham Lincoln Battle Group during two deployments in support of Operations Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan, respectively; the Surface Warfare Officers School Command; and Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay. As a junior officer, he served at sea aboard numerous cruisers and destroyers including USS Connole, USS Aries, USS Yorktown, and USS Shiloh, primarily in operations and combat systems billets. In 1985, he was the Atlantic Fleet Junior Officer Shiphandler of the Year. During the Kosovo crisis of 1998-1999, Buzby returned to sea as U.S. 6th Fleet assistant operations officer participating in combat operations as part of NATO’s Operation Allied Force in Kosovo. Ashore, Buzby has served on the Navy staff as the Point Defense Anti-Air Warfare section head for Surface Warfare Division and as Aegis Combat System development officer. As a flag officer, Buzby has served on the Navy staff as deputy for Surface Ships, deputy for Surface Warfare and deputy for Expeditionary Warfare.
Admiral Buzby is a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College and in 1991 earned concurrent master’s degrees at the U.S. Naval War College and Salve Regina University in Strategic Studies and International Relations, respectively. Admiral Buzby’s personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (four awards), Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (five awards) and various other unit and campaign awards.
Admiral Buzby and his wife, Gina, reside in Norfolk, Virginia. A lifelong yachtsman, Buzby owns Nor’easter, a Grand Banks Eastbay 43 yacht that he sails all around Chesapeake Bay.
Michael Turdo – East Lyme, CT
Michael Turdo
Michael is a retired Coast Guard Captain with over 26 years of service as a commissioned officer. During his Coast Guard career, he accrued over 13 years of sea time aboard 7 Coast Guard Cutters. Additionally, he gained extensive experience working within higher education while serving as the head of the Department of Nautical Science and as the Assistant Superintendent at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. His affiliation with Tall Ships America began during assignments aboard Coast Guard Barque Eagle, “America’s Tall Ship”- having served as both the Executive Officer and Eagle’s 29th Commanding Officer. Michael is a 1997 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Government. He also holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and has completed certificate programs from Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business and Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. Now working as a senior analyst for Harkcon, Inc. he and his wife reside in East Lyme, CT with their two daughters and the family labradoodle – Captain America.
CAPT Turdo is a 1997 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Government. He also holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. He currently resides in East Lyme, Connecticut with his wife, Wendy, and their two daughters.
Patricia (Patti) Lock – Waukesha, WI
Patricia (Patti) Lock
In the past 20 years promoting ships, ship programs and sail training, she has helped develop many cities host the fleet for the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE®. These include Savannah, GA, Portland, ME, Jacksonville, FL, Galveston, TX, Pensacola, FL; returning series regulars such as Chicago and Cleveland; new 2019 ports, Buffalo, NY and Kenosha, WI; and in 2018 Tall Ships® New Orleans 2018, a massive 18-month undertaking to bring six tall ships down the Mississippi to New Orleans for their tricentennial celebration.
A US Coast Guard Auxiliarist from Flotilla 36-06 Wilmette Harbor, IL for fifteen years, Patti is a long-time advocate for fresh-water conservation, better environmental practices and the preservation of bee and butterfly habitats. When she is not promoting education under sail, Patti enjoys her time as a member of the Rotary Club of Arlington Heights, IL, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, and is a former Board Director for the Metropolis Performing Arts Center, also in Arlington Heights, IL.
Robert Cook – Philadelphia, PA
Robert Cook
Captain Cook graduated from SUNY Maritime College in 1980 with Bachelor of Science degrees in Physical Oceanography and Meteorology. He also graduated with an Unlimited US Coast Guard 3rd Officer’s license.
After graduation, Captain Cook worked with Military Sealift Command Atlantic for 10 years. He served on Underway Replenishment Ships, ultimately becoming the UnRep Department Head onboard. While in the service of MSC, Captain Cook also oversaw all aspects of dry-dock operations and ship repair work both in domestic and foreign shipyards. In addition, Captain Cook served on a MSC Hydrographic Surveillance ship and received the National Unit Citation Award for work done in the Gulf of Suez and the Red Sea.
In 1993, Captain Cook became one of the first African American Marine Pilots in the US, in modern times, when he became a partner in the Pilot’s Association for the Bay and River Delaware.
Captain Cook currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Maritime Academy Charter School, Grades 4-12, in Philadelphia. In addition, he is on the Board of the National Academy of Sciences Engineering and Medicine, Transportation Board. He is a founding member and current President of the Organization of Black Maritime Graduates.
He and his family support numerous environmental and social economic causes from Ocean preservation to Food Insecurity
Robert Ouellette – Portsmouth, RI
Robert Ouellette
Mr. Ouellette recently served as the Chief Operations Officer of NYYC American Magic, a Challenger for the 36th America’s Cup from 2017 through 2021. He has 26 years of experience in professional yacht racing, optimization, management, international logistics and composite construction. As the COO of NYYC American Magic, Mr. Ouellette was responsible for building the team as a startup, the production of 3 racing yachts, international logistics, operations, and management of an international team of over 120 people.
Rob currently serves as Team Director for Bella Mente Racing, a Grand-Prix international Maxi Yacht racing program which has garnered much success both inshore and offshore and is a 4-time World Champion, European Champion and North American Champion. Within the Bella Mente team since it’s inception in 2006, Rob has had a hand in construction and project management of all 3 of the 72-foot custom composite racing yachts that have competed as Bella Mente Racing.
In addition to his current duties, Mr. Ouellette owns and operates Performance Yacht Management, LLC. Founded in 2008, Performance Yacht Management, LLC is a Rhode Island based Limited Liability Company which provides yacht management, logistics, shipping and consultation services.
Mr. Ouellette earned a B.A. degree in Coastal Policy studies from the University of Rhode Island, where he served as the Captain of the keelboat racing team for 2 years and won a National Championship. He is a member of the New York Yacht Club, Royal Ocean Racing Club and Storm Trysail Club and also holds a 100-ton United States Coast Guard Master’s license.
When not engaged in his work, Mr. Ouellette enjoys boating on Narraganset Bay with his family aboard their Sabre 36 powerboat AROHA, cycling and skiing. He is married to Kathryn Ouellette and they reside in Portsmouth, RI with their thirteen-year old daughter, Addie, who attends The Pennfield School, where Mr. Ouellette serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Sarah Armour – Mystic, CT
Sarah Armour
Captain Sarah Armour serves as the captain of Schooner Brilliant, the flagship sail training vessel of Mystic Seaport Museum. She sits on the board of directors for Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, where she also sails as relief captain. Sarah has spent the last decade working in youth sail training, traditional sail, and experiential education. In addition to Brilliant and Clearwater, Sarah has sailed aboard SSV Geronimo, Pride of Baltimore II, , and Lady Maryland, and Schooner Rebecca. She has a degree in Earth Systems Science from Cornell University, where she focused on applied ecology, sustainable agriculture, and environmental education.
Stefan Edick – Gloucester, MA
Stefan Edick
Captain Stefan Edick is a lifelong sailor who began his professional career in sailing ships in 1993. Issued his first Captain’s license in 1996, he has held command of a dozen traditional vessels, including the schooners William H. Albury, Lettie G. Howard, Westward, Spirit of Massachusetts, Harvey Gamage, Amistad, Virginia, Lynx, and Adventure. In addition, he has served as an officer in the Class A Tall Ships Sorlandet, Roald Amundsen, and Gazela. He currently holds a USCG 500 Ocean Master’s License for power and sail and a Norwegian Chief Mate’s Endorsement for Unlimited Tonnage. He has devoted his career to programs of education under sail, is the former Executive Director of the Gloucester Adventure and was awarded the ASTA Sail Training Program of the Year in 2002 for work with youth in the Lettie G. Howard. A longtime participant in the Gloucester Schooner Festival and the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, Captain Edick was also Commodore and Vice Commodore of the American Schooner Association.
Travis Yates – Sarasota, FL
Travis Yates
Travis joined the ActionQuest staff in 1995 after his graduation from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, where he earned a degree in Marine Engineering Systems. Throughout his youth and college years, Travis competed at both national and international levels of sailing, culminating in a bid for the U.S. Olympic Sailing Team in 1996. The strong desire to be an effective teacher in the highly experiential environment ActionQuest creates aboard is what has motivated Travis to continually further his own training and education. Travis currently holds an International Yachtmaster Ocean rating, is an Instructor Evaluator for US Sailing in addition to being an advanced sailing instructor for US Sailing/American Sailing Association/International Yachtmaster. Along with his nautical certifications, Travis is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, has a IYT Ship’s Captain’s Medical certificate, is a Red Cross First Aid & CPR Instructor and holds a Private Pilot’s License. In 1998, Travis started to work full-time with ActionQuest and Sea|mester as an Operational Program Director and Captain for both ActionQuest summer programs and Sea|mester college-level programs. Beginning in 1999 with the company’s purchase of the 88ft sail training schooner S/Y Ocean Star, Travis began to once again apply his background in marine engineering and naval architecture as he took on the role of Marine Superintendent. In June of 2006, a company milestone was reached with the launch of the new 112ft sail training schooner STV Argo for which Travis responsible for all aspects of design, systems development, construction, and launch. In July 2020 STV Vela, Argo’s sistership was launched and joined the Sea|mester fleet of sailing school ships. Travis currently lives in Sarasota Florida with his wife Laura, daughter Hannah, and son Luke. When not at work or with family, Travis tries to find time to continue to actively compete in high performance sailboat racing and volunteers his time to sit on the boards of two local sailing organizations, in addition to organizing local and national level sailing events.
