BRIAN CONNON 

Brian is an oceanographer, hydrographer, and maritime executive with more than 35 years of leadership experience spanning military service, ocean science, hydrographic research, and autonomous maritime technology.  

Prior to joining MTS, Brian served as Vice President of Ocean Mapping at Saildrone, where he developed uncrewed surface vehicle capabilities for hydrographic survey, ocean mapping, and maritime domain awareness applications. Before Saildrone, he was Director of the Hydrographic Science Research Center at the University of Southern Mississippi, leading research initiatives and industry partnerships focused on advancing hydrographic science and technology. 

Brian served in the United States Navy for more than 28 years and held a variety of operational and leadership assignments supporting navigation safety, oceanographic operations, and hydrographic survey missions worldwide. He remains an active leader within the marine technology and hydrographic communities, having served as President of The Hydrographic Society of America and editor of the International Hydrographic Review. He is a Fellow and Chartered Marine Scientist (Hydrography) of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). He also serves on the Board of Directors for Map the Gaps and is a member of the Navy League and the Naval Order. 

Brian received his undergraduate and graduate education from the University of South Carolina (geography), the Naval Postgraduate School (oceanography and meteorology), and the University of Southern Mississippi (hydrography).