Mr. Spencer is the CEO of IMS Worldwide, Inc. (IMSW) and Bloodhound Tracking Device, Inc., (BTD), headquartered in Houston, Texas. Mr. Spencer is a nationally regarded expert on matters related to:

• Logistics and Intermodal Shipping Trends, Ports, Inland Ports and Rail-Served Logistics Centers and how they Impact Industrial Real Estate;
• Development and Utilization of Foreign-Trade Zones for Importers and Exporters; and
• Impact of E-Commerce on Logistics and Supply Chains and Industrial Real Estate

After spending 22 years searching for a tracking and security solution, in 2021 Mr. Spencer launched BTD with a pair of NASA engineers and Mr. Steve Schellenberg, another IMSW alumni. BTD is now the leading track, trace and security device for containers, trailers and chassis.

Rohith Devanathan is the co-founder and CEO of ScrubMarine, a maritime robotics company developing compact autonomous underwater systems for hull inspection and cleaning. His work focuses on reducing vessel emissions through non-fuel interventions, particularly by addressing biofouling and underwater inefficiencies that account for a significant portion of avoidable fuel burn.

With a background in robotics and venture-backed technology development, Rohith leads ScrubMarine’s product strategy and commercial direction, bridging advanced underwater robotics with real-world maritime operations.

Ambassador (ret’d) Michael Pelletier is the founding Executive Director of the Institute for Global Engagement at the University of Houston, where he leads UH’s comprehensive internationalization efforts.

Previously, he served as the U.S. Ambassador to Madagascar and Comoros from 2019 to 2021. Ambassador Pelletier retired as a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, having served as an American diplomat from 1987-2021. He was Dean of the School of Professional and Area Studies at the Foreign Service Institute, and served at eight U.S. Missions overseas and in senior leadership positions at the U.S. Department of State, including as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. embassy in India and Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of African Affairs.

Ambassador Pelletier earned a B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University, a Certificat d’Etudes Politiques from Institut d’Etudes Politiques, Paris, France, and a M.I.A. from Columbia University. He received thirteen senior State Department awards, including a Presidential Meritorious Service Award and the Linguist of the Year. He is fluent in English, French, and Arabic.

Ambassador Pelletier serves on the board of Amideast, a leading American nonprofit organization engaged in international education activities in the Middle East and North Africa. He is a member of the Board of Directors of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the American Academy of Diplomacy, the Texas Advisory Committee of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, and the Public Diplomacy Council of America.

Christian Ford is recognized as a formidable advocate for companies facing government investigations and for delivering practical strategies to clients navigating the toughest regulatory challenges. With a sharp focus on high- stakes enforcement, he defends US and global companies in matters involving economic sanctions, export controls, environmental regulations, and anti-money laundering, among others. Renowned for his hands-on experience overseeing government enforcement and regulatory compliance, Christian is an invaluable ally to maritime and international trade clients navigating complex legal waters. He advises heavily regulated sectors — including chemicals, technology, energy, aerospace and defense, and financial services — on the full spectrum of regulatory compliance and national security issues.

Prior to joining DLA Piper, Christian served as a federal prosecutor in the Department of Justice's National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, overseeing investigations and prosecutions focused on export controls, sanctions, money laundering, and other matters affecting US national security and foreign relations. During this time, Christian worked closely with a wide range of federal law enforcement agencies and key regulatory, national security and enforcement authorities, including but not limited to the United States Coast Guard, United States Navy, Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Department of Homeland Security. This unique background and understanding of the interplay between civil, administrative and criminal investigations and enforcement — particularly involving the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and economic sanctions regulations — uniquely situates Christian to provide keen insights and counsel to his clients.

Christian later served as a Deputy Assistant Attorney General, where he advised the Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General, and Assistant Attorney General for Legal Policy on critical national security regulatory and law enforcement matters, shaping high-level strategies and policies in these areas.

Christian is a veteran and former Navy SEAL. He maintains an active pro bono practice advocating on behalf of military veterans.

Geoff Douglass is the co-founder and CEO of Mythos AI, a leader in maritime technology. He oversees the development of high-definition depth mapping systems to optimize port operations and autonomy-aided vessel navigation systems to enhance safety and fleet scalability. Mythos AI's customers include U.S. ports, shipping companies, and defense contractors, with a notable partnership with LOMAR Shipping to scale autonomous systems across its tanker fleet.

Sabina Malnis works at the CIP Secretariat where she assists in the coordination and execution of capacity building activities, supports Port Authorities with the organization and logistics of Hemispheric Technical Conferences and develops strategic partnerships and agreements with important stakeholders in the Americas. In addition, Sabina provides assistance in the communications and out-reach initiatives of the CIP.

In 2019, Sabina began her work at the OAS as intern of the CIP Secretariat and joined full-time in 2020. Previously, she worked for the Government of The City of Buenos Aires in Argentina in the financial administration area of the Housing Institute where she acquired experience and knowledge on the coordination and budgeting of projects implemented.

Sabina holds a degree in International Relations from the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) and a Master’s degree in International Studies from the Torcuato Di Tella University (UTDT), which she concluded through an exchange program with the George Washington University in 2018 with a specialization in natural resources and conflict. She is fluent in English and Spanish and has basic knowledge of French and Portuguese.

Tim DiPietropolo is the President and Chief Operating Officer of OSG, with oversight of all operations, maintenance, SQE and commercial operations for the Fleet.

Prior to joining OSG in October 2024, Mr. DiPietropolo had most recently served as Vice President of Operations & Marine with Tropical Shipping, where he has held various leadership roles across Florida and the Caribbean since July 2000.

In 2013, Mr. DiPietropolo expanded his maritime industry experience holding senior leadership positions with Maersk Line in Arlington, Virginia, as Director of U.S. Government Cargo Execution, and with SeaLand in Miramar, Florida, as Head of Trade for the Caribbean & Central America markets. In 2017, Tim returned to Tropical Shipping where he oversaw all operational aspects for Tropical, including port and terminal operations, liner operations and tonnage center activities, marine and fleet management, maintenance and repair functions, as well as distribution center and Tropical global logistics operations.

Mr. DiPietropolo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Transportation from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY, and an active USCG Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage license. He furthered his education with dual Master of Science degrees in business administration and international management from the University of Maryland – University College, and a Master of Science degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

Mr. DiPietropolo currently serves as Captain in the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Strategic Sealift Officer. He is assigned to Military Sealift Command Headquarters, Strategic Sealift Office Unit, in Norfolk, Virginia.

Jonathan Breen leads Engineering at Carbon Ridge, overseeing the development, certification, and assembly of the company’s onboard carbon capture systems for maritime applications. He brings end-to-end ownership across the full product lifecycle – from requirements definition and system architecture through FAT/SAT, commissioning, and the build-out of service and support functions – bridging rigorous R&D with deployable, class- approved solutions.

Manuel Fernando Gutiérrez Gallardo is originally from Papantla, Veracruz. His training as a Captain and Geographer Engineer has led him to stand out in various roles within the maritime and port field, through different responsibilities.
He is a graduate of the Merchant Nautical School of Veracruz, has a Master’s Degree in Shipping and Port Business Administration and has also received the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by the Mexican Institute of Leaders of Excellence in 2023.
Since August 15, 2020, Capt. Gutiérrez held the position of General Director of the Administration of the National Port System in Ensenada. Prior to this assignment, he accumulated solid experience as Regional Captain of Puerto Chiapas, as well as Superintendent of Regulations and Lead Coordinator of Towing and Off-Shore Projects at Pemex Logística.
Capt. Gutiérrez Gallardo has also held leadership positions in the private sector, within companies such as Grupo Transportación Marítima Mexicana (TMM), where he served as Director of Ports, Terminals and Agencies. Likewise, during the period 2009-2015, he was Director of Maritime and Port Security of the General Coordination of Ports and Merchant Marine.
His experience also includes his performance as Port Facility Security Officer (OPIP) of the Port Administration of Veracruz, Head of the Department of Navigation and Port Supervision of the Captaincy of the Port of Tuxpan and Commissioner in the Captaincy of the Port of Coatzacoalcos.
He was also Captain and 1st Officer of dynamic positioning ships; Captain of supply ships for oil platforms; Captain of offshore passenger boats; 3rd Gas Tanker Officer; 1st Officer, 2nd Officer and 3rd Officer of passenger ships and ferries. In addition, his role as Marine Surveyor and International Inspector of IICL containers and isotanks has given him extensive experience in maritime inspections and safety.
Likewise, as a proud member of the Mexican Merchant Navy, he carried out his professional internship aboard the Training Ship “Náuticas México”.
Captain Gallardo has received multiple certificates, diplomas and courses in areas such as port administration, security and foreign trade, container inspection and port security. On June 1, 2022, in recognition of his outstanding work in the coordination to control the fire of the Pemex Logística Oil Tanker “Burgos”, he received the Outstanding Merit Award during the celebration of the LXXX anniversary of the National Navy Day, from the President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Capt. Gutierrez’s dedication and extensive experience make him an exceptional leader in the maritime and port arena, where he has contributed significantly to the development and consolidation of both the port administration and the Mexican merchant marine. Their commitment to excellence in the field is clearly evidenced through their valuable contribution to the progress of the sector.

Quentin Smith is the Director for New Business in Energy and Commodities at Veson Nautical, the global market leader in developing, implementing, and supporting the solutions that propel maritime commerce. A Digital Asset Evangelist, Quentin is focused on working with clients to develop and implement digitalization strategies that provide a distinct decision advantage and that have measurable ROI. Quentin is a MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management, a former naval officer and holds degrees and certifications in Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, and Business Applications of AI/ML.