Carleen Lyden Walker is the Chief Evolution Officer of SHIPPINGInsight, leveraging off her experience as a marketing and communications professional in the commercial maritime industry with over 40 years of experience. She specializes in identifying, developing and implementing strategic programs that position SHIPPINGInsight as the most effective forum for shipowners and solution providers to advance optimization and innovation in the maritime sphere. In 2015, Ms. Lyden Walker was appointed a Goodwill Maritime Ambassador by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). She is a member of WISTA (Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association), the Connecticut Maritime Association, WIMAC (Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean) and is a Past-President of the Propeller Club Chapter of the Port of NY/NJ. She was also elected to the Board of Trustees of Tall Ships America Foundation, Northeast Maritime Institute, and the New Era Academy (Baltimore Harbor School). Ms. Lyden Walker is also CEO of Morgan Marketing & Communications, Co-Founder/Executive Director of NAMEPA, and Founder of both CARIBMEPA and the Consortium for International Maritime Heritage. In 2010 she was awarded the Certificate of Merit by the United States Coast Guard, and in 2014 a Public Service Commendation for her work on World Maritime Day and AMVER, respectively. She held a USCG Captain’s license.
Darren Shelton is a 29-year veteran of the maritime industry having managed multiple shipping agencies and currently serves as director of sales for Moran Shipping where he drives business development with premier global maritime companies.
In 2018 he envisioned a blockchain startup for the energy sector which led to his co-founding FuelTrust, an AI driven software company that follows commodities through their lifecycles for supply chain solutions.
Darren is currently an eMBA candidate at the University of East London, adding to his studies at Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas Bible College and Hope International University, and an honorary degree from Alvin Community College where he also presently serves on the Board of Regents. He is Chairman Emeritus of the Lone Star Harbor Safety Committee, which represents 800+ shipping stakeholders in the Houston region, in addition to serving on the boards of several other community organizations.
He and his family reside in the Houston suburb of Alvin TX.
James Watson is a retired Rear Admiral. He is currently an independent consultant providing business development services to maritime clients. He is also a co-author of Zero Point Four and a founding member of Maritime Accelerator for Resilience (MAR). 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’s flag assignments included 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 and 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.
Anastasija Kuprijanova is Director of Maritime Business Development at Carbon Ridge, leading efforts to position carbon capture as a core solution for shipping’s decarbonization. Recognized as a Women in Hydrogen 50 Honoree by Hydrogen Economist and one of Marine Log’s Top Women in Maritime (2024), she has driven innovation across vessel types and the maritime supply chain. Previously, she supported ammonia-to-power initiatives at Amogy and played a key role in launching NYC Ferry with Hornblower Group. A graduate of the California Maritime Academy, Anastasija brings deep expertise and passion for advancing sustainable solutions in global shipping.
Barbara Pickering is the president of Chevron’s Shipping organization, a position she has held since February 2024. Previously, she served as vice president of Shipping Operations.
Chevron’s Shipping organization has approximately 2,000 employees worldwide. Chevron Shipping operates a fleet of tankers and liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers and charters additional vessels that transport crude oil, LNG, LPG, refined petroleum products and chemicals in support of the corporation’s upstream and downstream business segments.
Pickering joined Chevron in 1991 in London as a Charterer in Commercial Shipping supporting the company’s Supply & Trading (S&T) organization. She then held assignments in the U.S. with the company’s Pacific Fleet where she served as both terminal manager and fleet manager. Where in this role, she successfully started up Chevron’s LNG Shipping Operations. In addition to her significant shipping experience, Pickering has held numerous leadership positions with Chevron in its Supply and Trading, Upstream and Downstream organizations. In 2013, she moved to Perth, Australia to assist with the Gorgon LNG project and was responsible for opening the first Equity Lifters Office for the joint venture.
She returned to Houston in 2017 and held roles in Chevron’s Midstream operations, including general manager for Global Natural Gas Liquids in S&T. She returned to Shipping in support of Chevron’s joint venture Angola LNG business, and then as the Americas Commercial Shipping Manager. She also holds the distinction of being the first female President of the Shipping organization in its 130-year history. Pickering holds a degree in Maritime Studies (BSc) from Liverpool University in the United Kingdom.
I have over 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry ranging across multiple commodities and disciplines including natural gas, LNG, crude and refined products; from trading to operations. Working previously for Reliant Energy, Chevron (17 yrs) and currently as Chief of Staff at Aramco Trading Americas, I have led and developed dynamic trading teams and overall high value commercial operations teams that support meeting strategic growth targets and delivering results.
Casey is an engineer and operations leader bridging the worlds of aerospace, nuclear, and maritime innovation. A graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the University of Michigan, Casey served aboard a high-endurance cutter before earning dual master’s degrees in Space Engineering and Space Sciences.
He led spacecraft operations at Planet Labs and SpaceX, including mission operations for Crew and Cargo Dragon and astronaut training for the recent Polaris Dawn mission. He later directed interface design and operations planning for Radiant Industries’ portable micro-fission reactor.
In 2025, Casey co-founded Oceanus Marine Technologies to apply cross-industry expertise to the maritime sector, advancing safety, technological excellence, and the revitalization of American industry.
With nearly three decades of maritime experience, Chris Aversano serves as Director – Partnership Lead at Wood Mackenzie, a global leader in energy, chemicals, renewables, metals, and mining research and consultancy. In this role, he leverages a deep understanding of maritime operations and end-user needs to deliver value to both the company and its partners. By bridging industry knowledge with strategic partnerships, Chris drives impactful collaborations that enhance Wood Mackenzie’s offerings and extend its reach across the maritime sector.
Previously, Chris was Principal Product Manager at Veson Nautical, a leading provider of SaaS solutions for the global shipping industry. There, he combined product management expertise with maritime trade insight to deliver innovative solutions that optimized client workflow efficiency and profitability. Notably, he spearheaded a transformative initiative with the potential to increase revenue by 25%.
Beyond his corporate roles, Chris is the host and creator of The Last Dinosaur, a podcast dedicated to exploring maritime shipping in the digital age. Through this platform, he engages industry leaders and experts in discussions that illuminate the challenges and opportunities facing the maritime sector, fostering meaningful dialogue and innovation.
As a recognized thought leader and advocate for technology-driven solutions, Chris remains committed to advancing a more efficient, sustainable, and interconnected future for the maritime industry.
Charlie Jenkins assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer in late August 2024. In this role, he oversees advocacy and stewardship of Houston’s port and the Houston Ship Channel, the nation’s busiest waterway. More than 200 public and private facilities conduct business alongside the Channel and together support $906 billion in annual economic value.
Mr. Jenkins also oversees the efficient and effective operations of Port Houston’s public facilities, which handle a diverse range of imports and exports including container, general cargo, breakbulk, and bulk commodities and include the area’s largest breakbulk facilities and two of the most efficient container terminals in the nation.
Mr. Jenkins has been with Port Houston for more than 34 years and has served in various capacities during his tenure. He started with the Port as the first intern the organization ever had. Throughout his Port Houston career, he has worked in several departments including container operations, strategic planning, environmental affairs, channel development, financial planning, Bayport Container Terminal, and the grants department. Most recently, he was the Chief Channel Infrastructure Officer, overseeing channel development, the partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to maintain and improve the Houston Ship Channel, as well as the Port Houston Strategic Asset Management Program and GIS.
Mr. Jenkins is actively involved in several industry organizations. He is a Board Member of the Texas Ports Association, the Port Authority Advisory Committee, and the Greater Houston Port Bureau. Additionally, he serves on the Texas A&M University at Galveston’s Board of Visitors, where he is part of the Committee on Student Affairs. He is also a member of the H-GAC Transportation Policy Council.
An honors graduate of Texas A&M University at Galveston, Mr. Jenkins earned a bachelor’s degree in marine sciences and later completed his MBA at the University of Houston. He resides in the Clear Lake area with his wife, and they are proud parents of three and grandparents of two.
Charlie Jenkins assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer in late August 2024. In this role, he oversees advocacy and stewardship of Houston’s port and the Houston Ship Channel, the nation’s busiest waterway. More than 200 public and private facilities conduct business alongside the Channel and together support $906 billion in annual economic value.
Mr. Jenkins also oversees the efficient and effective operations of Port Houston’s public facilities, which handle a diverse range of imports and exports including container, general cargo, breakbulk, and bulk commodities and include the area’s largest breakbulk facilities and two of the most efficient container terminals in the nation.
Mr. Jenkins has been with Port Houston for more than 34 years and has served in various capacities during his tenure. He started with the Port as the first intern the organization ever had. Throughout his Port Houston career, he has worked in several departments including container operations, strategic planning, environmental affairs, channel development, financial planning, Bayport Container Terminal, and the grants department. Most recently, he was the Chief Channel Infrastructure Officer, overseeing channel development, the partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to maintain and improve the Houston Ship Channel, as well as the Port Houston Strategic Asset Management Program and GIS.
Mr. Jenkins is actively involved in several industry organizations. He is a Board Member of the Texas Ports Association, the Port Authority Advisory Committee, and the Greater Houston Port Bureau. Additionally, he serves on the Texas A&M University at Galveston’s Board of Visitors, where he is part of the Committee on Student Affairs. He is also a member of the H-GAC Transportation Policy Council.
An honors graduate of Texas A&M University at Galveston, Mr. Jenkins earned a bachelor’s degree in marine sciences and later completed his MBA at the University of Houston. He resides in the Clear Lake area with his wife, and they are proud parents of three and grandparents of two.
David Cummins is President of the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition, a non-profit, strategic alliance formed to accelerate the transition of waterborne transportation in Canada and the United States toward net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Prior to his current role, Cummins worked as an executive with Shell with more than 35 years’ experience covering many locations around the world as well as many diverse businesses and skill areas. Cummins was Shell’s Commercial and Business Development Manager for Shipping & Maritime, Americas, and before that served as Vice President of Shell Korea Limited, managing relationships with Korean shipyards and heavy industry. Cummins previously contributed to Shell’s success in technical management, global strategy development, commercial deal making, new business development, strategic customer account management, divestment and portfolio deal teams, capital project planning & execution, and change management/corporate redesign.
Cummins is a frequent speaker with various organizations on topics including Shipping Sectoral Decarbonization, Global/International Account Management, Strategy Development, Negotiation/Deal Making and Cultural Differences between Western and Asian Countries. In his personal time Cummins is an avid golfer and photographer and is also sole proprietor of a timber tract operations company in the US.
Derek Novak is the Chief Engineer for ABS. He oversees interpretation, application and compliance with ABS Rules across all ABS Engineering offices worldwide.
Novak joined ABS in 1994 and has held a number of senior management roles within the organization, including Senior Vice President for Engineering and Technology, President and Chief Operating Officer – Pacific Division, Vice President of Operations – Pacific Division, Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Engineering, and Manager – Naval Engineering.
He received a Bachelor of Science degree in ocean engineering from Florida Institute of Technology.
Domenic is currently the Vice President for Government Services with ABS, responsible for managing the government portfolio of classification, services and contracted research
Since joining ABS in 2008 Carlucci has held several senior roles in nuclear systems, autonomous systems, asset integrity management, life cycle risk and reliability, design and plan review, and product and service development. With extensive experience in the marine and offshore industries, Carlucci’s expertise includes: maritime nuclear, autonomous functionality, hybrid power applications, ship systems operations and maintenance, systems designs, risk and reliability analysis (FMEA, RCM), and condition/performance monitoring.
He served in the U.S. Navy as a Nuclear trained Surface Warfare Officer. In that capacity he was qualified in nuclear watch officer duties, vessel navigation and operations, and engineering responsibilities. His roles included large combatant and aircraft carrier assignments.
Geoff Wagner is Chief Strategy Officer for the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). His team is responsible for aligning ABS’ long-term goals with market opportunities, driving innovation and delivering sustainable growth.
Geoff brings over two decades of global maritime and energy experience to ABS, combining operational expertise with strategic vision. He is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and began his career as a dual-licensed mariner, gaining practical insights while sailing across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Working on a diverse array of vessels —including tankers, chemical carriers, containerships, ro/ros and offshore drilling units — Geoff developed a strong foundation in understanding the operational, regulatory and technical challenges faced by the industry.
In the oil services sector, Geoff held executive roles at Atwood Oceanics and Helix Energy Solutions, where he led global sales and strategy development, managed multi-billion-dollar revenue backlogs and executed major offshore projects. His responsibilities included negotiating shipyard contracts for vessel construction, refurbishment and demolition in key shipbuilding regions like South Korea, Singapore and China.
Geoff’s career also includes international leadership assignments in Paris, Budapest, Ghana and Nigeria, where he managed offshore oil rigs and spearheaded strategic initiatives across diverse markets. These roles have equipped him with a global perspective and a proven ability to navigate complex challenges in dynamic environments.
As a native “Cape Codder”, Jesse Vecchione has been surrounded by the sea from a very early age. Jesse attended Lyndon State College (now Northern Vermont University), graduating with a 5-year degree in meteorology with a focus on private industry. During this period, he worked at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute’s Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department, supporting the deployment of an Air-Sea Interaction Tower off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard.
Jesse joined Weathernews in 2004, as a duty forecaster, then shifting to ship routing in 2006. In 2009, he moved to Japan to help develop a new type of voyage optimization that would better take into account reduction of passage time and fuel efficiency, while keeping vessels safe. This “Optimum Ship Routing” system would become the industry standard for the next decade.
In 2015, Jesse moved to Denmark to help Weathernews open operation centers in Copenhagen and Athens, enabling a three-axis global operations structure.
In 2018, he returned to the United States to focus on business development in the Americas region. During this period, Jesse supported Weathernews through a digital transformation that shifted service structure into a Software as a Service (SaaS) model, with a focus on Humans In the Loop.
In his over 20 years working with Weathernews, visiting over 30 countries on three continents, Jesse has a unique and far-reaching grasp of the state of weather technology and its application to nautical interests.
Jonathan Chia is SVP of MTI Network USA, handling incident response for the Americas and is leading the new media technology response in the ever- evolving era of social media. Jonathan joined the MTI Network in 2019 and since then he has handled a variety of high-profile incidents, including the largest salvage operation of a capsized vessel in U.S. history. Jonathan brings over 15 years of communications experience with major U.S. corporations to his work for MTI Network, advising clients on actions and communications during an incident.
Mr. Chia is involved in all areas of MTI Network’s business of global media response and media training. Having worked extensively in incident response and media/community relations in a Joint Information Center (JIC)with the U.S. Coast Guard and various state organizations, Jonathan is equipped to handle any reputational, media and community issues that arise during a major incident.
Jonathan also handles communications, content and investor relations for Marine Money and is well-versed in commercial market priorities and response and management issues.
Joshua Gold is Principle at TMV, an early-stage venture capital fund based in New York investing in technology pushing maritime, port and intermodal freight logistics forward. Prior to entering VC, Joshua was a crude oil shipbroker in London for 6 years negotiating contracts of affreightment to move crude from well to refinery. Academically, Joshua has a Masters in International Shipping Law with Distinction and is published in the Journal of International Maritime Law on the Jones Act.
In charge of maritime innovation (tech scouting and investment) along with business development at IINO LINES, New York.
Kenji has more than 25 years of track record in ocean shipping, both commercial and administration.
His commercial knowledge is backed by his experience in tanker chartering/operation at IINO LINES Singapore and Fairfield Chemical Carriers, USA. In administration, he handled ship finance, investment decision making and strategy planning at IINO LINES Tokyo HQ.
He also holds US CPA passed status to enhance his investment activities.
His recent exposure to the public includes, Manifest: the world largest supply chain tech event, Plug and Play Summit, Deep Tech Forum NYC, UNC Cleantech Summit, Smart Maritime Network and CMA Shipping.
Marina Hadjipateras is a General Partner and co-founder of venture capital firm, TMV, where she invests in early-stage founders building companies that will reshape industries and inspire new ones—with a key focus on transforming the supply chain, transportation and logistics industry to become more efficient and sustainable. She has sourced and led TMV investments into Shipskart, Freightify, Portcast, Secro, Trackstar HQ.
Prior to TMV, Marina served as Vice President of Investor Relations for Dorian LPG, her family’s 200-year old maritime business, where she led their in-house roadshow, raising 135 million ahead of going public successfully with the ticker LPG.
At Dorian, Marina spearheaded the internal restructuring of the company and oversaw key areas of operations, including scale, compliance and private-to-public transition. She also formed Filotimo Partners in order to build out the private investment arm for her family, which included the development of a next-gen investment plan and deployment of multiple venture investments on behalf of the company. In 2018, she received the NYOT Innovators and Disruptors Award for Venture Capital. In 2023 Marina received the Llyod’s List top ten in finance award given to those who have been the most influential people in commercial banking, investment banking and alternative finance as it pertains to the shipping industry.
Marina has served for over a decade as Vice Chair of the INTERTANKO Environmental Committee, where she collaborates closely with the IMO (International Maritime Organization) to develop lasting, innovative solutions that create a positive impact on our oceans and surrounding environment. She is a mentor for Endeavor, a leading global community of high-impact entrepreneurs committed to building thriving ecosystems in emerging and underserved markets across the world.
As a founder of TMV, Marina is an industry leader in supply chain innovation, the future of shipping and logistics, and tech-enabled, sustainable transportation solutions. She is a supportive, approachable leader and mentor, and leverages her wealth of sector and business expertise to drive exceptional returns for TMV investors, as well as the success of founders building businesses with the potential to shift the course of industry. Marina is an avid champion of LGBTQ+ rights, ardently committed to helping build a future of companies that support a diverse and inclusive world.
Marina is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy’s STCW program and earned her B.A. from Georgetown University.
Specializing in AI, behavioral analytics, and risk assessment, with a strong background in innovation policy across Europe, Canada, and the US. With experience in both corporate innovation and startups, Maria has led AI-driven solutions for crisis services, digital healthcare, and human risk assessment in high-pressure industries such as maritime, defense, and healthcare.
Bridging policy, technology, and commercialization, she has worked with authorities and global organizations to develop data-driven risk management solutions. Her expertise lies in scaling AI innovations, integrating behavioral data with operational metrics, and enhancing decision intelligence for high-stakes environments worldwide.
Mathias Trojer, PhD, is a Co-Founder of Prodigy Clean Energy Ltd., and serves as the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. He earned his PhD in Petroleum Engineering from the Mining University of Leoben in Austria, and completed two postdoctoral fellowships at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), during which time he published several peer-reviewed articles in leading Physics journals in the areas of reactor safety and design, heat-transfer, two-phase and porous media flow, and soft matter Physics. Mathias’ extensive background in nuclear sciences, as well as his experience in the commercial Oil and Gas industry helped to form the technical basis for Prodigy’s Transportable Nuclear Power Plant (TNPP) program. As key enabling technologies, Prodigy’s TNPPs provide rapid deployment solutions for clean, firm, affordable and scalable power. By maximizing off-site fabrication and transporting the entire power plant to site, end-users can get a nuclear energy project online sooner and for half the CAPEX, when compared to a site-constructed nuclear plant. In his role at Prodigy, Mathias is responsible for defining the company’s mandate, and executing a strategic vision to bring TNPPs to fleet-scale commercial adoption.
Captain Matthew Glass has worked in the maritime industry for more than 20 years, serving on the Houston Pilots Executive Committee for 5 years, the last 2 years of which as Second Officer. He has been an active pilot on the Houston Ship Channel since 2010.
Prior to receiving his state commission as a pilot, he worked for various commercial enterprises, sailing on tanker vessels that serviced ports in the East, West, and Gulf Coasts of the United States. He graduated from Texas A&M at Galveston in 2003, where he served as Commander of the Corps of Cadets for his final year.
As an officer and member of the Houston Pilots leadership team, he is part of a team that is responsible for overseeing the business and channel operations of one of the busiest pilot associations in the country. His responsibilities include chair of the Navigation Rules and Safety Committee, chair of the Application Review Committee for new pilots, Treasurer of the Houston Pilots Political Action Committee, and oversight of social media strategy and implementation as well as business and community outreach.
Captain Glass also dedicates significant effort to not-for-profit organizations. He is an active board member of the Houston Pilots Anchor Watch foundation, Harris County’s Precinct2gether, and the San Jacinto College Foundation Board where he acts as a member of the Maritime Advisory Committee. Anchor Watch is focused on educating youth about career opportunities in the maritime field and supporting students to pursue those endeavors and has given over a million dollars away in scholarships and engages local youth through in community STEM programs to expose them to careers in maritime. Precinct2gether is dedicated to communities within Harris County Precinct 2 through multi-generational programs that engage, educate, and empower residents. The San Jacinto College Foundation helps students succeed and provides economic prosperity to local families and communities, since 1996 the foundation has raised over seventy million dollars and awarded over twenty-one thousand scholarships.
Randy Durst is the founder, inventor, and strategic force behind SeaTrain Technology, a maritime innovation company that has developed patented autonomous submersible gliders to revolutionize global shipping, clean energy delivery, and defense logistics. With a rare blend of deep technical insight, entrepreneurial experience, and maritime expertise, Randy is uniquely positioned to lead SeaTrain’s rise as a dominant force in multiple trillion-dollar sectors. As the inventor of SeaTrain’s patented variable buoyancy propulsion system, Randy has created a zero-emission platform that operates without fossil fuels, alternative fuels, or combustion of any kind — eliminating carbon emissions, fuel costs, and supply chain dependencies. His vision is to deploy thousands of autonomous gliders that carry cargo more efficiently than any vessel in history, deliver cheap green energy to islands and coastal regions, and serve as persistent, stealthy logistics platforms for the U.S. and allied militaries.
Prior to founding SeaTrain, Randy spent over 10 years as owner and operator of Royal Rattan, a successful import business that supplied custom-designed rattan and wicker furniture to hotels, resorts, and retail outlets across the U.S. and Caribbean. He oversaw every aspect of the business, from product development and offshore manufacturing to global logistics, customer acquisition, and sales.
Randy’s credibility in the maritime sector is grounded in his hands-on experience as a licensed U.S. Coast Guard captain with a 100-ton credential and over 50,000 open-ocean miles logged. His deep knowledge of vessel operations, ocean conditions, and seamanship directly informs the design of SeaTrain’s vessels, making them practical, resilient, and adaptable for real-world conditions.
Under Randy’s leadership, SeaTrain has achieved significant milestones, including:
• Securing three (3) patents for its modular submersible glider system and zero-emission propulsion technology
• Receiving a Technology Feasibility Statement from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
• Attracting interest from major cargo operators, energy companies, and U.S. defense agencies
• Aligning with U.S. government initiatives such as the SHIPS Act and President Trump’s executive order to rebuild American shipbuilding capacity
• Advancing toward funding eligibility from programs such as Title XI loan guarantees and the DOE 1706 Clean Energy Financing Program
Randy has now partially assembled a high-level executive team and strategic advisory board to scale SeaTrain from prototype to global deployment. His ability to attract world-class talent, develop investor confidence, and align public-private resources makes him the right leader at the right time to commercialize a transformative technology. Driven by a passion for environmental sustainability and national resilience, Randy Durst is building SeaTrain not just as a company, but as an enduring solution to the planet’s most pressing logistical, energy, and security challenges.
Randy Giveans was appointed Executive Vice President of Navigator Gas US and Head of Investor Relations and Business Development in North America in April 2022. Prior to joining Navigator, Mr. Giveans was the Senior Analyst and Group Head of the Energy Maritime Shipping Equity Research Group and a Senior Vice President at Jefferies. He covered 32 energy maritime shipping companies that transport crude oil, refined petroleum products, LNG, LPG, dry bulk commodities, and containers. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, he was named to Institutional Investor’s (I.I.) All-America Research Team, and in 2018, he was named an Institutional Investor All-America Research “Rising Star”. In 2021, Mr. Giveans was a Top 5 stock picker across all sector analysts according to TipRanks, and in 2018, he was ranked as the #1 Stock Picker for Shipping in the Thomson Reuters Analyst Awards. Prior to joining Jefferies in 2011, he worked as a Senior Financial Analyst in the Corporate Finance department at Continental/United Airlines. Mr. Giveans received a Bachelor of Science in Finance/Economics from Spring Hill College and an MBA in Finance with an Energy Specialization from the Freeman School of Business at Tulane University.
Rick Marriner is a graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, former U.S. Naval Officer and licensed Merchant Marine Deck Officer whose career has spanned global energy trading, maritime logistics, and executive leadership. He holds a Master’s Degree from Pepperdine University in Finance and Investments and lectures at universities on topics of trade and economics. He has served as CEO of an international trading company based in Houston and led in senior executive roles supporting strategic initiatives at the intersection of supply chains, port & terminals, and worldwide oil trade policy. Beginning his career with Crowley Maritime and then decades with Shell Oil and other majors, Rick has spent nearly three decades working at the nexus of commercial shipping, national energy security and international trade.
A lifelong advocate for the U.S. Merchant Marine, Rick brings a centrist, solutions-focused perspective to policy discussions on port infrastructure, the U.S. Jones Act, U.S. Military Sealift readiness, maritime education, and pragmatic decarbonization strategies for resilient business growth. Based in Houston, he is actively engaged across the country in advancing dialogue on how the United States can revitalize its maritime sector as a backbone of national security and competitiveness in a changing world.
Rodger E. Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and chief executive officer, oversees one of the nation’s major cruise and cargo ports. The Port of Galveston is the fourth most popular cruise port in the United States, hosting more than 3.4 million cruise passengers a year. The deep-water port also is a major cargo hub, moving more than 4 million tons a year, including bulk grains, liquids, vehicles and wind turbine components.
Since Rees took the helm in January 2018, the Port of Galveston has increased net profits, developed and implemented a 20-year Strategic Master Plan, and partnered with Royal Caribbean International to build a $125 million cruise terminal complex. The port’s third cruise terminal opened in 2022.
Under Rees’s leadership, the port has developed a successful grants program, a long-term business strategy and environmental sustainability goals. In 2021, the Galveston Wharves earned its Green Marine certification, making it only the second Texas port to become accredited in the voluntary environmental program for the North American marine industry.
Rees previously served as Deputy Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer for Port Canaveral, the world’s second busiest cruise port. A certified public accountant, recognized by the State of Georgia, he was responsible for managing and safeguarding the port’s financial assets, as well as all financial functions.
With 20 years in the global maritime industry, Ryan has focused on strategic deployment of funds across capital structures to secure the most sustainable economic advantage for a global network of ship-owners, investors and cargo charterers and sovereign interest. Ryan has worked across infrastructure private equity, consulting, ship-owning, commodity trading and brokering/investment banking.
From a background of four generations in the American maritime industry, and work in national security; Ryan focuses on advancing economic security through maritime channels providing strong growth potential for all American stakeholders and partner. Ryan was awarded a Sloan Fellow MBA from MIT Sloan School of Business, a MA in Applied Economics from the American University, and a BA in Economics from the University of Connecticut.
Sahil Andrews Chand is a technology entrepreneur born in India. He is the founder of cyber security company “Cybremacy Inc.” based out of Delaware which provides products and services to the maritime and other mission critical industries. He testifies, when he was 22 years of age, Lord Jesus Christ gave him a vision to start a company while he was reading the Book of Genesis chapter 6 from the Bible where God instructed Noah to build an Ark (Ship). Later, he started a technology consulting firm along with his wife Sunita and kept the name “TopCubit” which means building the products and services ground up and finishing them with excellence. His product “ShipSafe” signed a contract with top maritime software company based out of Europe to deploy platform across 7000 ships globally. He is a maritime technology enthusiast and has been the front-runner and evangelist advocating digitalization in the maritime industry since 2017. He has graced multiple maritime forums as a speaker, delegate, exhibitor and technology consultant and has been part of various business delegations to meet key policy makers and business leaders around the world. He lives in Noida, India and comes from a humble back-ground and is married with 3 children.
Sean is the Cofounder and Chief Commercial Officer of Robot Toolworx, an AI-powered 3D modeling platform that modernizes maintenance, repair, overhaul, and sustainment operations across heavy industries including aviation, maritime, ports, automotive, heavy equipment, and others. He also is currently a Venture Partner at Never Lift VC focused on industrial and dual-use startups. Previously, Sean was an early-stage venture investor at NVP Capital, concentrating on supply chain, defense, and other industrial markets. Before transitioning into investing, he worked hands on in aviation maintenance and scrap yards in northern New Jersey.
Staci Satterwhite is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for ABS Wavesight, responsible for leading the overall strategic direction, management and performance of the organization.
Staci is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience leading technology companies to digitally transform regulated and non-regulated industries. Prior to ABS, Staci served as the COO of Khoros, a Vista Equity Partners portfolio company. She has held a number of senior leadership roles in global digital and software organizations, including IBM, Zilliant Inc., HEALTHCAREfirst Inc. and Dell.
Staci graduated magna cum laude from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.
Vincent DiCosimo, has served as an officer of Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE S&P 500) since the acquisition of his company, Coast Energy Group LLC, in December of 2010. Prior to his
current role as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Mr. DiCosimo was Senior Vice President of Targa Petroleum Logistics.
Over his long career, Mr. DiCosimo previously served as founder and CEO of Coast Energy LLC and Cornerstone Propane, a midstream oil and gas company, where after significant growth, he co-lead an IPO on NYSE as a MLP. A bit of a serial entrepreneur, he was also founder and CEO of Pipestem Energy Group and founder and CEO of RedMeteor LLC. Mr. DiCosimo has M&A of over $30 billion in career. Mr. DiCosimo is active on many boards and associations. He is currently Chairman of the Greater Houston Port Bureau. The chairman of the Gas Processing Association (GPA) Legislative Committee. Serves as Director and secretary of International Liquids Terminal Association, as a representative to Liquid Energy Pipeline Association (LEPA) , a Director of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association (LOGA) , director of Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA) and the TXOGA PAC board and directs Targa’s state and Federal PACs.
He also represents Targa on the American Petroleum Institute (API), the Greater Houston Partnership Economic Committee, North Dakota Petroleum Council, as a Director of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association (NMOGA) and the Petroleum Alliance. He is the immediate past Chairman of Texas Pipeline Association. In addition, he has severed as Past Chairman of the Sugar Land Texas Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) No. One, a founding member of St. Laurence Catholic Church, and founding school board member of St. Laurence Catholic School Sugar Land.
He has also served as a past Director of PERC (the Propane Education and Research Council) and Executive Director of the Coalition for a Fair and Open Port.
Mr. DiCosimo graduated with honors from West Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Public Administration and attended the University of Houston for post graduate studies. He began his energy career with Union Oil of California.
He and Francine, will celebrate their 40th anniversary in a few weeks, have three grown children, reside in Houston and attend St. Theresa Catholic Church.