Effective July 1, the Chairmanship of NAMEPA (North American Marine Environment Protection Association) will pass from Founder Clay Maitland, Managing Partner of International Registries Inc., to the American Club’s Joseph Hughes, announced Co-Founder and Executive Director, Carleen Lyden-Kluss.
Additional transitions include Scorpio’s Ole Chr. Schroder will assume the role of Vice Chairman, Joan Bondareff of Blank Rome will become Secretary, and Alaska SeaLife Center’s Tara Reimer will become Treasurer.
“Clay has been a visionary force in the birth and growth of NAMEPA,” Lyden-Kluss stated. “He has been instrumental in the development of our programs and the trajectory of the organization. His willingness to speak openly on key environmental issues is legendary, and his commitment to education of our next generation unparalleled.”
“I am pleased and proud of the way that NAMEPA has transitioned from a small cadre of maritime interests into a complement of over 165 shipping companies, associations, individuals and seafarers committed to ‘Save our Seas,’” observed Maitland. “I am honored to have played a role in its inception and development.”
During the nine years of his tenure, Maitland has overseen the development of educational programs for industry and the public, ranging from conferences and seminars to educator’s guides, activity programs and MARPOL training handbooks. Additional accomplishments include the establishment of the North American World Maritime Day Observance, and an annual National Maritime Day. The organization has grown from its headquarters in Connecticut to establishing its mark in Tampa, Houston, Chicago and San Francisco. Future goals include increasing value to its members as new regulations are enforced, as well as continuing to educate the public about the marine industry’s value proposition to global society.
Incoming Chairman, Joe Hughes, said, “I was honored and delighted to be asked to assume the chairmanship of NAMEPA, and I look forward with great enthusiasm to playing my role in progressing its vital mission over the years ahead.”
“In doing so, I salute the unsurpassed contribution of my predecessor, Clay Maitland, to the cause of saving our seas. I am fortified by the knowledge that he will remain as chairman emeritus and that NAMEPA's boundlessly energetic Co-Founder and Executive Director, Carleen Lyden-Kluss, will continue to support our day-to-day endeavors,” Hughes added.
“Everyone has a critical interest in preserving the health of the oceans of the world. NAMEPA will pursue its aim of harnessing the energy and resources of the maritime industries to promote sound environmental practices with continuing vigor in the future.”
NAMEPA said it is particularly grateful to Duncan Smith of Smith Advocacy Group and Sea Research Foundation’s Steve Coan for their efforts as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively. “These very capable individuals have been guiding the organization since its inception,” reflected Maitland. “We are indebted to them for their time, talent and energy in launching NAMEPA.”