Vice President of Early Career Ocean Professionals - Hannah Toerner

Hannah Toerner is a rising early career professional making significant strides in her field of Ocean Engineering. During her time at Texas A&M University, she demonstrated remarkable leadership and dedication, serving first as the underclassman ambassador then as president of the student chapter of MTS. Her active involvement in MTS included participating in the inaugural summer workshops for students in Traverse City, MI. After graduating, Hannah remained engaged with MTS while continuing her research at the university. She focused on studying the material properties of a newly developed recycled material and its potential applications in coastal environments, culminating in her earning a Master of Science in Ocean Engineering. Her outstanding work earned her the Ocean News and Technology Young Professional Award in 2020. 

Hannah began her industry career as a Coastal Engineer at Abonmarche Consultants, where she conducted research on Great Lakes patterns and collaborated with homeowners and businesses to protect properties from shoreline erosion. In 2020, she transitioned to the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) in Texas, joining their new hire rotation program. This role took her to shipyards and marine vendors across the country, igniting her passion for naval architecture. Since 2021, Hannah has advanced to the role of Program Manager for US Coast Guard Programs at ABS, overseeing the design and construction of the nation's newest classes of Coast Guard Cutters. In addition to her professional achievements, Hannah enjoys watersports, traveling, and spending quality time with her friends, family, and dog. 

Indicate one or two key goals that you hope to accomplish in this position over the next 3 years:
I would like to focus on building retention from our student members as they transition into their professional careers. I would like to accomplish this by building an environment that promotes both personal and professional growth as they advance through their careers. 

Discuss the qualities and experience you possess that make you a strong candidate for the position for which you are running:
I have been actively involved with MTS since my sophomore year in college, nearly a decade ago, experiencing firsthand the transition from student to Early Career Ocean Professional (ECOP). Following my graduation, I collaborated with MTS to develop the ECOP program as a founding member and served as the outreach coordinator for three years. My diverse experience spans academia and industry, including both field and office positions, which allows me to relate to many early career professionals through shared experiences. As a program manager at ABS, I oversee several government programs, demonstrating my leadership, management skills and ability to lead complex, innovative projects. These experiences have equipped me with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our field, making me well-suited to support and guide the next generation of marine technology professionals through this position in MTS.