Meet the Team
experience and expertise
Board of Directors
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
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.)
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.)
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
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.)
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.
Erin Seiler
Chief of Staff
Ms. Erin Seiler brings 20 years of experience in international development programs management to GMSO. Whether in government, academia, or the private sector, Erin has demonstrated leadership in managing multi-million dollar projects with multi-cultural teams, aimed at improving lives and programs. Fluent in French, she holds an MA in International Administration from the University of Miami. She has worked with Chemonics International, the University of Washington’s International Training and Education Center for Health, and the Peace Corps, with projects across 17 countries in Africa.
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
Ms. Kassandra “Kc” Cerveny has decades of experience in science communications, governmental affairs, and 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
With nearly 30 years in the diving and outdoor adventure industries, Ms. Mehgan Heaney-Grier began her career by trailblazing the sport of freediving in the U.S., setting the first national records in the mid-’90s. This 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 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.
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.
Suzanne Garrett
Administrative 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. She has worked with a number of nonprofits, including Oceana, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and most recently, the Consortium for Ocean Leadership. Suzanne earned her Master’s degree in Marine Affairs at the University of Miami.
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.