President-Elect Candidate - Dr. Paul Brett

Dr. Paul Brett is a collaborator, educator, administrator, and Geospatial data specialist dedicated to advancing people, industry and innovation in the global ocean sector. Paul's work is uniquely situated in St. John's, NL, Canada, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. He operates from Memorial University's Fisheries and Marine Institute, Canada's largest and most comprehensive post-secondary education, training, and research institute for the ocean industry. Paul's leadership has been instrumental in the growth and expansion of the Institute. He has spearheaded new program development and delivery, international accreditation, and the establishment of the institute's first Canada Research Chair in Ocean Mapping. His extensive industry partnerships have further solidified the Institute's position in the ocean sector. 

He leads the institute's ocean research program, including the SmartBay Ocean Observation system, in cooperation with Oceans Networks Canada and SmartBay Holyrood, the institute's ocean technology testing and development environment. He was instrumental in developing and launching Canada's first Marine autonomous systems testbed (MAST) at The Launch in Holyrood, Newfoundland, and Labrador. 

Paul lends his global industry experience as a director at GEBCO, board chair at Oceans Advance, and several other boards, such as Ocean Learning Partnership and One Ocean. He is a founding member and past chair of the Canadian Ocean Mapping Research and Education Network and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. He holds several degrees from Memorial University, including a BSC (physics) a BSc (honours, geography), a BEd (post-secondary), and a MSc (Remote Sensing). He recently received his doctorate of education (educational leadership) at Western University. 

Indicate one or two key goals that you hope to accomplish in this position over the next 3 years:
Over the next three years, I would like to work with the board of directors and members of the society to attract more youth to the society; I firmly believe that the future foundations of MTS and the ocean technology community will need to be grounded in attracting youth to the organization. Coupled with this objective is my desire to promote MTS globally. I believe that enhancing the society's presence internationally will bring new perspectives to the society and strengthen the diversity of its membership and reach. 

Discuss the qualities and experience you possess that make you a strong candidate for the position for which you are running:
My career exemplifies a lifelong commitment to personal and professional growth; engagement, and collaboration at all levels, from that of students and our communities to international stakeholders and governing bodies; innovation across academic programming and stakeholder networks; and delivery of successful and sustainable solutions at the local, national, and international levels. With a demonstrated commitment to indigenization, equity, diversity and inclusion in the ocean industries, I have shown success in an area with so much more to achieve. My lifelong focus on the ocean and the economic and social benefits derived from the "blue economy," coupled with my demonstrated ability to build relationships at all levels and deliver meaningful outcomes, would enable me to meet and exceed all organizational expectations for this role. 

Learn more about Paul Brett on LinkedIn.