Charting a Course for Success: Reflections on OCEANS Gulf Coast and the Path Forward for MTS

Late September brought a very busy week at MTS/IEEE  OCEANS Gulf Coast. I am thrilled to share that it was a highlight of the year for our Society. OCEANS is an embodiment of MTS’s mission, bringing together the marine technology community, including developers and users, in a vibrant exchange of ideas and expertise.

This convening showcased the remarkable diversity within our membership, spanning across government, industry, and academia. Each facet of our community plays a role in shaping a comprehensive and collaborative vision for the future of marine technology.

This year, our EMERGE Program cohort included 16 individuals, guided by a top-tier group of mentors, all esteemed members of our community. The MTS awards ceremony was a highlight, and it’s heartening to see significant early career representation on the awards docket this year. 

I must emphasize that OCEANS would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, particularly the Local Organizing Committee (LOC). The Gulf Coast Section, under the stewardship of Laurie Jugan and Craig Peterson, LOC Co-Chairs, played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and spotlighting innovation. I extend deep gratitude to Laurie and Craig for their outstanding leadership, and I’m thrilled to congratulate Laurie on her well-deserved recognition from Admiral Ron Piret and Dr. Bill Burnett for outstanding contributions to the marine technology community.  

This week, we also celebrated the launch of the Ocean Enterprise Initiative, marking an expansion and formalization of the collaborative spirit that defines MTS. The Ocean Enterprise Initiative program will spearhead innovation, thought leadership, and economic development within the Ocean Enterprise. As we embark upon this new initiative,  we look forward to wide ranging engagement with our members and partners.

Your insights, ideas, and active engagement are fundamental to our collective success. I encourage you to seize the opportunities within our community, or shape new ones. Together, we can propel our field forward, support one another’s growth, and ensure that our Society remains a strong hub of knowledge and connectivity. Please do not hesitate to reach out – to our dedicated HQ staff, your Board of Directors, or your regional leadership. Your voice holds great significance, and we are here to both listen and learn from one another.

Lastly, I want to express my gratitude for your continued participation in our community and for your valuable contributions to the ongoing conversation.

Warm Regards,

Justin E. Manley
MTS President