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Meet the Team

 

experience and expertise

Board of Directors

Commander G. Mark Miller, NOAA (ret.)

Commander G. Mark Miller, NOAA (ret.)

Chair and CEO, GMSO

 

Commander G. Mark Miller, a 20-year veteran of distinguished service for NOAA commanding, managing, and operating small and large research vessels as a uniformed officer in NOAA Corps. Through his prominent role in the marine science research community, Commander Miller has a broad and growing professional network of mariners, marine scientists, and ocean explorers. He holds an Unlimited Master Mariner (captain) USCG license, a degree in marine geology from Long Island University, a Master Diver certification, is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Republic of Congo), and a member of The Explorers Club.

David M. Kennedy

David M. Kennedy

Chair, United States Arctic Research Commission and Global Fellow of the Wilson Center’s Polar Institute

 

Mr. David Kennedy has over 50 years of experience and leadership in science, research, environmental management, and development of legislation and national initiatives. He is a recognized national expert in the field of emergency pollution response; contingency planning; innovative technology development; matrix and collaborative program management; and a suite of coastal issues focused on development, climate change, energy, and coastal resiliency. He previously served as NOAA’s Deputy Under Secretary for Operations. As NOAA’s Chief Operating Officer, Kennedy was responsible for the day-to-day management of NOAA’s national and international operations for ocean and atmospheric services, research and coastal and marine stewardship.

Advisory Board

The Honorable Tim Gallaudet, PhD, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (ret.)

The Honorable Tim Gallaudet, PhD, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (ret.)

CEO, Ocean STL Consulting, LLC and Host of The American Blue Economy Podcast

 

Dr. Tim Gallaudet brings over 30 years of sea-going experience in oceanographic research. From 2017-2021, Gallaudet served as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere / Deputy NOAA Administrator, and from 2017-2019 he also served as the Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere / NOAA Administrator. Gallaudet’s top priority for NOAA was people. He was a vocal champion for NOAA’s diversity and inclusion, leader development, coaching, facilitating, new supervisor training, and awards programs. Prior to NOAA, Gallaudet served for 32 years in the US Navy, completing his career as the Oceanographer of the Navy.

Sandra Stosz, Vice Admiral, US Coast Guard (ret.)

Sandra Stosz, Vice Admiral, US Coast Guard (ret.)

CEO, Sandra Stosz, LLC and Published Author

 

Admiral Sandy Stosz started out in the US Coast Guard as an ensign serving on polar icebreakers, conducting national security missions from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Her forty-year career is filled with leadership lessons gleaned while breaking ice and breaking glass as the first woman to command an icebreaker on the Great Lakes and to lead a US armed forces service academy. Along the way, Sandy served for 12 years at sea, commanding two ships, and led large Coast Guard organizations during times of crisis and complexity. She finished her career as the first woman assigned as Deputy Commandant for Mission Support, directing one of the Coast Guard’s largest enterprises. She has lectured widely on leadership, and has been featured on CSPAN and other media outlets.

Scott Stuckmann

Scott Stuckmann

Vice President, Kraft Heinz

 

Mr. Scott Stuckmann is a globally experienced business leader with a proven track record of driving growth, transformation, and innovation across North America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. Over a 30-year career with Nestlé, Coca-Cola, and Kraft Heinz, he has led businesses from early-stage startups to billion-dollar divisions across consumer-packaged goods, B2B, and new ventures. He is currently an executive with Kraft Heinz, based in the Netherlands, leading international commercial initiatives. Passionate about building high-performing teams and creating new revenue streams, Scott also serves as a board member and advisor to early-stage ventures. With a firm commitment to GMSO’s mission, Scott brings a thoughtful perspective on the intersection of science, strategy, ocean innovation, and exploration.

Staff

Commander G. Mark Miller, NOAA (ret.)

Commander G. Mark Miller, NOAA (ret.)

Founder and CEO

Commander G. Mark Miller, a 20-year veteran of distinguished service for NOAA commanding, managing, and operating small and large research vessels as a uniformed officer in NOAA Corps. Through his prominent role in the marine science research community, Commander Miller has a broad and growing professional network of mariners, marine scientists, and ocean explorers. He holds an Unlimited Master Mariner (captain) USCG license, a degree in marine geology from Long Island University, a Master Diver certification, is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Republic of Congo), and a member of The Explorers Club.

Suzanne Garrett

Chief Operations Officer, COO

As GMSO’s Chief Operations Officer, Ms. Suzanne Garrett brings over 10 years of experience in program management and stakeholder engagement to advance science-informed ocean policy and management. A self-described “cat herder,” she enjoys the processes and details behind building communities and partnerships that promote ocean science. Her background includes work with nonprofit organizations such as Oceana, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, as well as supporting NOAA science as a consultant. Suzanne earned her Master’s degree in Marine Affairs at the University of Miami.

Taylor Roberts

Chief Financial Officer, CFO

Mr. Taylor Roberts is a skilled executive with 15+ years of experience in the tech industry. His expertise spans financial planning and analysis, corporate strategy, financial operations, and human resources. He has a proven ability to lead successful acquisitions and is passionate about using financial metrics to improve performance.

Kassandra Cerveny

Chief Communications Officer, CCO

GMSO’s Chief Communications Officer, Ms. Kassandra “Kc” Cerveny has decades of experience in science communications, governmental affairs, and ocean/coastal science. A dedicated advocate for public lands and waters, she has secured congressional support and funding for myriad marine science, management, and conservation programs. As part of senior leadership, Kc has headed public affairs programs at Consortium for Ocean Leadership, Coastal States Organization, and Marine Conservation Biology Institute. She also served as a Senate fellow and worked at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and several federal agencies (USGS, NPS, USFWS). A Florida native, Kc holds an MSc in Marine Sciences, a Graduate Certificate in Environmental Policy, a BS in Environmental Science, and a BA in Geology.

Mehgan Heaney-Grier

Marketing and Digital Media Manager

GMSO’s Marketing and Digital Media Manager, Ms. Mehgan Heaney-Grier, has nearly 30 years in the diving and outdoor adventure industries. It was the beginning of her career, trailblazing the sport of freediving in the U.S. and setting the first national records in the mid-’90s, that launched a lifelong commitment to ocean exploration, education, and conservation. As a Hollywood stunt diver, television host, documentary producer, and public speaker, she connects audiences with the ocean through compelling storytelling. With degrees in ecology, evolutionary biology, and anthropology, Mehgan brings a strong foundation in science communication to her role as Marketing and Digital Media Manager. A Fellow of The Explorers Club and an inaugural member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame, she continues to promote ocean awareness and inspire the next generation of explorers.

Marty Getrich

Marine Operations Coordinator

Mr. Marty Getrich, GMSO’s Marine Operations Coordinator, is a seasoned expert in oceanographic science and marine operations, bringing decades of hands-on experience to GMSO.  He has coordinated fleet operations for NOAA’s National Ocean Service and led science teams on international expeditions driving innovation in green ship and port technologies. He has also collaborated with leading institutions such as USC, Wrigley, the Smithsonian Institution, the University of Maryland, and Bigelow Laboratory. A California native and lifelong waterman, his passion for the ocean began with surfing and diving along its southern coast. Marty holds an MBA, an MS in Environmental Management, and a BS in Microbiology.

Captain Lad Akins

Captain, R/V Cosmo

Captain John “Lad” Akins, a USCG 100-ton Master (Sail) with 40+ years of experience commanding commercial and research vessels, now serves as Captain of R/V Cosmo. His scientific background includes leading reef restoration, fisheries research, and invasive species response throughout the Caribbean, resulting in 30+ peer-reviewed publications. As founding Executive Director of REEF, he established a global citizen-science program for biodiversity monitoring. A NAUI SCUBA instructor since 1986 with 15,000+ dives globally, Captain Akins is also a seasoned submersible pilot with 100+ solo hours and an Aquarius undersea habitat aquanaut. His honors include the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association Hall of Fame, a NOGI Environment Award, and recognition as a NOAA Environmental Hero.

Kevin Rourke

Director, Special Projects

A senior technical diver, Explorer’s Club member, and avid sailor, Mr. Kevin Rourke focuses on sustainable science operations at sea. His humanitarian work includes evacuating elderly citizens and children to safety.

Jim Burkitt

Science Liaison

Jim Burkitt is a marine science technician with more than 10 years of experience in field operations, specializing in oceanography, fisheries and hydrography. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license, a master’s in biology and professional certifications in laboratory safety and scientific data acquisition systems.

Debra Hoopes

Finance Advisor

Ms. Debra Hoopes has more than 25 years of senior executive experience, having served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. She has worked with both privately and publicly held organizations, ranging in size from startups to companies with up to $1 billion in revenues, where she has led financial strategy, operations, and organizational growth.
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