www.namepa.net

The U.S. Maritime Action Plan (MAP) calls for strengthening maritime workforce education and training to support a growing maritime industry. Achieving this requires collaboration across industry, education, and training organizations. This gathering highlights how partners are working together to build the maritime workforce pipeline.

Join NAMEPA as we discuss and highlight how organizations across the maritime sector are contributing to a stronger maritime workforce system aligned with the Maritime Action Plan's national priorities.

Participants will explore:

Maritime workforce initiatives currently underway
How organizations contribute to different stages of the workforce pipeline
Opportunities for stronger collaboration across industry, education, and training
How collective efforts can support the long-term goals of the Maritime Action Plan

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

at
ABS Offices
80 M St SE
Washington, D.C. 20003

What You Can Expect!

Opening Keynote: Building a Better Maritime Culture for the Future Workforce

Dr. Robert “Navy Bob” Roncska
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Leading With Love

Robert "Navy Bob" Roncska will share an opening keynote focused on the human side of workforce development—how leadership, culture, empathy, and connection shape stronger maritime workplaces and support long-term workforce attraction and retention.

Bob will explore how building a positive maritime culture helps create an environment where the next generation of mariners and maritime professionals can thrive.

Additional Speakers Include:

Molly Dushay, Executive Director, NAMEPA: Strengthening maritime awareness and education through partnerships, including the Maritime Primary & Secondary Education Coalition (MPSEC), classroom resources, and experiential learning opportunities that support the early stages of the maritime workforce pipeline.

Melissa Hebert, President & CEO, Marimed Foundation: Training and credentialing pathways preparing the next generation of mariners and maritime professionals through professional development and maritime education programs.

Jacquie Young-Hall, Workforce Development Program Manager, Port Houston: Port Houston Partners in Maritime Education collaborative model connecting schools, industry, and the port community to introduce students to maritime careers and provide pathways into the maritime workforce.

Military Sealift Command (MSC): Perspectives on workforce needs, career pathways for mariners, and initiatives supporting recruitment, training, and retention within the U.S. maritime workforce.

North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA)

is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

www.namepa.net

North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) | 21 Davis Hill Rd | Weston, CT 06883 US

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