www.namepa.net

Meet Our Panel

Dr. Shashi Kumar

Deputy Associate Administrator and National Coordinator for Maritime Education and Training,

MARAD



Dr. Kumar, appointed MARAD Deputy Associate Administrator and National Coordinator of Maritime Education and Training in November 2015, brings over four decades of academic and maritime industry leadership. He founded the Loeb-Sullivan School of International Business and Logistics at the Maine Maritime Academy and served as its Dean. Additionally, he was the Chief Academic Officer at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. As a Fulbright Senior Specialist in 2012, he aided Irish research capacity building. Dr. Kumar held visiting professor roles at institutions worldwide, including the Indian Institute of Management and the World Maritime University. He's published extensively, notably in the U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings. He's received numerous awards, including the U.S. Transportation Secretary’s Outstanding Achievement Gold Medal. Dr. Kumar holds a PhD from the University of Wales, a Master of Science from the Maine Maritime Academy, and a Bachelor of Science from the Indian Maritime Academy.

Kai Martin

Chief Sustainability Officer,

The Pasha Group

With over three decades of experience in the maritime industry, Mr. Martin is a seasoned leader at The Pasha Group, where he oversees a spectrum of critical initiatives including ESG Environmental Sustainability, Energy Management, Quality, Security, and Business Resiliency programs. Prior to his current role, he held pivotal positions managing Marine Port and Intermodal operations, spearheading advanced automation, and leading greenfield projects. Mr. Martin's extensive background also includes serving in Iraq as a U.S. Naval Officer and Captain in the U.S. Navy Reserve, bringing invaluable insights from his military service. His dedication to excellence extends beyond his professional endeavors, as seen through his advisory roles such as Chair of the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council and leadership within the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition. With qualifications including an MBA in Global Management and a BS in Marine Transportation, Mr. Martin is a driving force behind innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector.

Molly Dushay

Education & Outreach Director, NAMEPA

Maritime Primary & Secondary Education Coalition (MPSEC) Director



Molly is committed to fostering inclusive education and workforce development within maritime. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Sacred Heart University, her passion for marine and environmental science fuels her commitment to preparing the next generation of skilled professionals. As MPSEC Director, Molly strategically promotes maritime education in primary and secondary schools, emphasizing the importance of workforce readiness. In her role as Education & Outreach Director at NAMEPA, she spearheads initiatives to equip maritime personnel with the knowledge and skills needed for environmental stewardship. Through her work as a secondary science teacher and Adjunct Professor, Molly actively engages students in workforce-focused learning experiences. As part of NAMEPA's Regional initiative, she champions innovative ways to invest in workforce development to ensure a sustainable future for the maritime industry.

Captain John Stauffer

Associate Vice Chancellor,

San Jacinto College

CAPT John Stauffer is the Associate Vice Chancellor for San Jacinto College Maritime Campus where he oversees both the credit and noncredit maritime programs. John’s responsibilities include educational leadership and administrative management of all training and educational programs at the maritime campus including over 100 U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, and GWO approved courses. Prior to joining San Jacinto College, he served as the President at Maritime Institute where he was the day-to-day leader of one of the largest maritime training companies in the United States. John served for 22 years as an Army Warrant Officer concluding his career as the Chief of the Maritime Operations Branch in Virginia where he provided operational guidance for the training of Army maritime professionals. During John’s 22 years of honorable service, he deployed three times to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom earning numerous awards and recognition including the Bronze Star. John earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Saint Leo University and his MBA from Liberty University.

About NAMEPA:

The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is a maritime industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable marine industry best practices and educating seafarers, students and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake and river resources.

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

www.namepa.net