About the Presenters

• Joseph Brodie, Technical Director, AKRF (pictured first from left): Joseph (Joe) Brodie is an environmental scientist with extensive experience in research, monitoring, and impacts mitigation technologies largely focused on the responsible development of offshore energy in the New York Bight and beyond. At AKRF, he works with clients to manage and conduct the studies and analyses necessary for large scale infrastructure projects to receive and comply with federal, state, and local permits, with a focus on projects that intersect with the maritime environment.  He took a twisty route to his current role that included graduate school, working in academia, and even several years as a flight attendant. LinkedIn >>
• Kes Morton, Director, Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network (pictured second from left): As an ocean scientist who excels in business, Dr. Kes Morton guides ocean sector visionaries who are creating impact for the future of oceans. Dr. Morton harnesses her unique background in management, science and business, leading a collective effort to solve the problems currently facing the world’s oceans. With a focus on thoughtful solutions and execution, she is celebrated for her efficient and inclusive approach, concurrently pushing the boundaries for ocean data and pushing for social change in the ocean industry. She has played a leading role in reducing barriers to inclusive participation in ocean technology by making collaboration easier. In 2020, she convened the Ocean Allies Forum, bringing together partners and allies in the ocean sector to create greater equity, diversity and inclusion in the ocean economy. For over two decades she has dedicated her efforts at the intersection of industry, academia, and government, researching business practices that support improving ocean research. She is passionate and deeply connected to Canada’s leading role in ocean research and management, as a founding partner of Ocean Allies, Vitality and the UN Decade project Advancing Indigenous Partnerships In Ocean Science for Sustainability. Throughout her career, Dr. Morton has coordinated project teams in 20 different countries, working with more than 450 scientists and managing more than $190 million in project funding.  Dr. Morton holds a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology from the Memorial University of Newfoundland, is a certified Project Management Professional and has a Certificate in Financial Management. She is an Adjunct Professor at Memorial University, is a  guest lecturer at the Marine Affairs Program at Dalhousie University, and at any given time is usually serving as a mentor. LinkedIn>>