James Watson is currently an independent consultant providing business development services to maritime clients. He previously held the position of Senior Vice President of American Bureau of Shipping Global Government Services, where he was responsible for the government market sector across the four ABS divisions and technology. Before becoming Senior VP of Global Government Services, Watson was President and COO for the Americas Division where he was responsible for all operations of the American Bureau of Shipping in the Western Hemisphere. Prior to joining ABS, Watson served as Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement at the US Department of Interior. In this role he provided regulatory oversight for energy exploration and production on the US Outer Continental Shelf. Before becoming BSEE Director, Watson served as the US Coast Guard’s Director of Prevention Policy for Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship, where his responsibilities included commercial vessel safety and security, ports and cargo safety and security and maritime investigations. He was also designated as the Federal On-Scene Coordinator for the government-wide response to the Macondo incident in the Gulf of Mexico. Watson earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Marine Engineering from USCGA in 1978. He received his Master of Science in Naval Architecture and his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1985. Watson earned an additional Master of Science in Strategic Studies at the National Defense University in 2001.

Mr. Von Ah has been a Director in GAO’s Physical Infrastructure team since 2017. He is responsible for overseeing a portfolio of work on a variety of infrastructure issues including maritime and maritime-related infrastructure among other things. Mr. Von Ah entered federal service with GAO in 2000 and has spent his entire career examining various issues related to infrastructure. Mr. Von Ah received a Master’s of Public Policy from the University of California at Los Angeles in 2000, and a Bachelor’s of Cultural Anthropology from the University of California at Irvine in 1992.

Kevin Anjel Damoa is the inventor, engineer, and designer behind Glīd Technologies, where he’s fundamentally reshaping how the world moves freight through autonomous road-to-rail vehicles and AI-powered coordination platforms.

A 23-year logistics operator and dual-service U.S. military veteran, Kevin brings a rare blend of deep operational expertise and forward-looking innovation. His impactful career includes leadership roles at SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, Hydroplane, Harley Davidson, and XOS Trucks. Notably, at SpaceX, Kevin personally architected and scaled the flight module logistics division from the ground up, building the foundation for launch and recovery operations across multiple national sites.

His unique fusion of hands-on design thinking and masterful systems execution now anchors Glīd’s mission to decarbonize freight, enhance labor efficiency, and revitalize underutilized infrastructure across ports, rail, and industrial corridors. Glīd’s innovative approach, powered by its AI logistics platform EZRA-1SIX, is projected to slash emissions by over 90% while comprehensively modernizing America’s supply chain.

Kevin is deeply passionate about building solutions that serve both people and planet. He’s leading the charge to reindustrialize America, creating dignified jobs and accessible pathways for workforce development, particularly within marginalized communities, and pioneering new standards in clean, resilient logistics. His work embodies engineering excellence fused with bold, human-centered evangelism, driving innovation that truly moves the world forward.

Joseph C. Powell, MPE, is a seasoned maritime executive with over two decades of expertise in waterfront operations, port security, emergency management, and business development. With a distinguished career spanning the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Coast Guard, and private sector leadership, Joseph has built a reputation for his ability to strategize, implement, and oversee complex safety, security, and development programs on both national and international stages.

Currently serving as the Director of Security for Port Pascagoula, Joseph has been instrumental in advancing the port’s operational growth and environmental sustainability. He spearheaded the development of the port’s Green Marine certification, significantly reducing its environmental footprint. His innovative Maritime Cybersecurity Program, aligned with NVIC 01-20 compliance, earned the prestigious Lighthouse Award for Best Practices in Cybersecurity from the American Association of Port Authorities. A proven leader in business development, Joseph successfully crafted and implemented a Strategic Plan Request for Proposal (RFP), outlining long-term objectives and positioning the Port of Pascagoula for sustained growth. His efforts directly led to the approval of customs clearance for 1,500 containers monthly, streamlining import/export operations and enhancing the port’s revenue potential. As the primary liaison for workforce initiatives, Joseph actively promotes maritime careers and generational education through programs such as “We Work the Waterways” and “GenSea.”

Previously, as Director of Compliance at Maritime Defense Strategy LLC, Joseph worked closely with Fortune 500 companies to design and implement cutting-edge security and compliance programs, ensuring adherence to Department of Homeland Security regulations. His leadership resulted in the creation of over 300 U.S. Coast Guard-approved Facility Security Plans, 1,500+ safety audits, and the development of training programs that enhanced operational efficiency for clients nationwide.

An industry thought leader, Joseph is a Certified Maritime Port Executive and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from the University of Arizona. He is a member of the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee and serves as President of the Port of Pascagoula Propeller Club.

Tricia recently transitioned from VP & Producer at AGP’s sister company, Armada Risk Partners, an international commercial insurance broker headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, to President of Armada Growth Partners (AGP). She collaborates with executive leadership to identify and mitigate business risks, helping organizations remain resilient and adaptable in an ever-changing landscape.

Tricia will continue to lead Armada Risk’s Cyber Insurance practice, leveraging her seven years of consulting experience in the technology and cybersecurity sector to provide specialized insights into the critical importance of risk management. Her expertise helps clients navigate complex cybersecurity threats and broader business risks, offering tailored solutions that drive measurable results.

What sets Trish apart is her ability to align risk mitigation with strategic business growth. She partners directly with executives and leadership teams, aligning risk strategies with business objectives to not only protect assets but also unlock opportunities for innovation and expansion. By taking a holistic approach to risk, she helps clients turn potential vulnerabilities into strategic advantages, ensuring that risk management isn’t just about defense but also about empowering long-term, sustainable growth.

Her experience working with Fortune 100, Fortune 500, and mid-sized organizations across various corporate functions including supply chain, logistics, procurement, IT, sales, and marketing gives her a broad and practical perspective on the challenges and opportunities businesses face.

As a former small business owner, Tricia understands the challenges that executives encounter and knows firsthand the value of collaboration and partnership. She’s a firm believer in the transformative power of working together to achieve shared goals. Tricia’s approach to building relationships is as fearless as it is respectful. She is not afraid to engage with anyone, regardless of their status or position, and she treats everyone with the dignity they deserve. This open-minded attitude has helped her cultivate opportunities and forge connections that have positively impacted her clients.

Tricia’s ability to blend proactive risk management with business strategy makes her a trusted advisor to executives looking to protect their organizations while positioning them for future success.

April Danos is the Vice President of OD Grant Solutions, LLC (ODGS), a subsidiary of Organizational Development Resource Group, LLC (ODRG) created to support grant recipient and subrecipient customers with grant management and compliance.

As a Senior Grants Subject Matter Expert (SME), Ms. Danos has served the federal, state, local, and private community including the maritime and transportation industry. Ms. Danos was instrumental in developing the Grant Program for Port Fourchon, LA, which is a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana and included the development of policies, procedures, and internal controls as it relates to federal grants.

She has 26+ years of maritime experience, including having served as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fiduciary Agent for Port Fourchon/The LOOP Port-Wide Area for over five years managing the full grant lifecycle, where she successfully brought in over $12 million in port security grants for the area. Ms. Danos also managed over 25 grant projects working with local stakeholders including Harbor Police, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, LOOP, and Lafourche Parish Fire District, as well as several tenants throughout the Port.

After retiring from Port Fourchon, LA as the Director of Homeland Security and Technology, Ms. Danos and her team are assisting their clients in building new terminals, assisting with cybersecurity projects and physical security projects as well as clean energy projects. She and her team are currently helping other ports and facilities develop their processes and procedures for Grants Management as well as monitoring their current grants and ensuring they remain compliant.

Daniel Yuska has been with the U.S. Maritime Administration for over 20 years. He currently serves as the Director of the Office of Environment and Innovation. Mr. Yuska oversees the Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance (META) program, the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation, and domestic and international maritime environmental policy.

Prior to serving as the Director, Mr. Yuska served as Environmental Protection Specialist within the same office. Mr. Yuska helped to develop the Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance (META) program and led environmental research and policy focused on vessel and port emissions reductions, energy efficiency, and alternative fuels and technologies. In addition to the development of the META program, Mr. Yuska spent several years leading Agency environmental planning efforts for major port and intermodal infrastructure projects. Mr. Yuska also has served as a member of the U.S. Delegation to the International Maritime Organization for the Air Pollution and Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas working groups.

Mr. Yuska holds an M.Sc. and B.Sc. in environmental and ecological science disciplines and among other relevant work experience, served as a Marine Science Technician in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Randy Pugh is the Naval Postgraduate School’s Vice Provost for Warfare Studies and Director of NPS’ Naval Warfare Studies Institute. He served 34 years as a U.S. Marine, first as an enlisted Combat Engineer and then as a Signals Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and MAGTF Intelligence Officer. He commanded Second Radio Battalion and Marine Corps Intelligence Schools. Heserved in combat in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Southern Philippines. He holds degrees from the U.S. Naval Academy, the Naval Postgraduate School, Marine Corps University, and the Naval War College.

Dr. Kenneth Christopher is Professor and Academic Program Director for the B.S. and M.S. degrees in Homeland Security and Emergency Management at National University, San Diego, CA. He served 28 years in law enforcement, including as a Captain with the Miami-Dade Police Department and as Chief of Seaport Security Enforcement of the Port of Miami, Florida. He helped to develop and teach the U.S. Maritime Administration/O.A.S., Inter-American Port Security Training Program. His research interests include cooperative leadership strategies securing seaports and is the author of the book Port Security Management, published by CRC Press.

As executive director of the Port of Seattle, Steve Metruck leads a county-wide special purpose government responsible for providing world-class trade, travel, and logistics services to one of the nation’s most dynamic and fastest growing regions. The Port manages operations for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport – one of the nation’s busiest passenger airports – as well as cruise, commercial fishing, grain terminals, recreational marinas, and other real estate activities. The Port also operates one of North America’s largest maritime cargo shipping gateways through the Northwest Seaport Alliance, a joint effort with the Port of Tacoma. As executive director, Metruck leads 1,900 employees who deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality services to the region while improving local economic opportunities and safeguarding our environment. The Port of Seattle is one of the Pacific Northwest’s leading economic engines, generating over 216,000 jobs and $894 million in state and local taxes.

Metruck came to the Port of Seattle following a 34-year career with the U.S. Coast Guard, retiring as a Rear Admiral. He has experience across a diverse range of operations and executivelevel assignments on both coasts, the Great Lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico. As the Chief Financial Officer for the Coast Guard, Metruck was responsible for all Coast Guard financial management and execution of the service’s $10 billion annual appropriation. As Commander of the Fifth District in Portsmouth, Virginia, he had overall responsibility for the full range of U.S. Coast Guard missions carried out from central New Jersey to North Carolina.

Throughout his career, Metruck has maintained a strong record of advancing a diverse and safe workplace. He is currently leading the Port through a groundbreaking effort to increase diversity in contracting and is supporting expansion of internal employee resource groups and efforts to increase diversity at the Port. Metruck emphasized employee safety and diversity during his Coast Guard career as well. He served three years on the Coast Guard’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Task force and as a member of the Coast Guard Academy’s Board of Trustees, he oversaw significant increases in the diversity of the student body.