I’m honored and humbled to share my first notes with you as executive director of our Society. As I’ve settled in the past few weeks, I’m grateful for the warm welcome from so many of our members, staff, partners, and board. You’ve shared encouragement, suggestions on what MTS can do better, invitations to events, and highlights of your section, committee, and individual accomplishments—I’m impressed! 

I have been in the MTS orbit for the past two decades, as an OCEANS conference attendee, MTS Journal contributor and reviewer, and as a close colleague and friend to so many of our Fellows, members, and partners. Joining the MTS leadership is a personal and professional pinnacle for me, and I thank you all for your confidence and trust as we continue to grow, support, and drive our Society forward.

Throughout the interview process I heard of the passion and commitment of our members and the steadfast volunteer efforts that sustain our Society. Through personal conversations the past few weeks – over video and in person – I’ve felt that energy and can see the incredible impact your individual and collective efforts make. On behalf of our staff and board, please accept my thanks for your dedication. 

The Marine Technology Society is, at its very core, your society. We are a member-driven and member-supporting organization and I’m honored to work alongside a dedicated cadre of HQ staff that are motivated to provide the very best in member, section, committee support. We are here to help, to serve, and to ensure that the time, financial, and reputational investments you make in MTS generate real and lasting personal, professional, and societal value. If you ever feel like we are missing the mark, please let me know directly.

My primary goal as executive director is to ensure that the society delivers upon the promise of providing exceptional member value. To that end, I will be taking some time over the coming months to visit with sections, attend committee meetings, chat with members directly, and to gather as much feedback as I can on what about MTS is doing right and what we can endeavor to do better.  I ask for your candor and engagement to help us chart a course for MTS over the coming years that is worthy of your continued support.

I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome our new Corporate, Emeritus and ECOPs members: RBR Global, Gold Member; Harry Bohm and Mark Van der Voort, Emeritus members; and Ashley Peiffer, Ashwini Sarode, Jing Chen, Kiersten Miller, and Michael Perry, ECOP. Welcome aboard all. 

As we start to pivot back to face-to-face engagement, I look forward to spending time together in person, sharing conversation about the marine technology landscape, and celebrating the growth and successes in our field. Until that time, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly ([email protected]) with any questions, thoughts, or concerns.

Warmly,

Chris