The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Advisory Board provides independent expertise, strategic counsel, and recommendations to support the Academy’s mission of educating and developing leaders of exemplary character who are inspired to serve the national security, marine transportation, and economic needs of the Nation as Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces.

Established under 46 U.S.C. § 51313, the Advisory Board is composed of distinguished individuals with expertise in education, maritime operations, national security, military service, and other fields relevant to the Academy’s mission. Members are appointed by the Secretary of Transportation, who also designates the Board’s Chair.

The Advisory Board examines the Academy’s course of instruction and management, providing recommendations intended to strengthen academic excellence, leadership development, institutional effectiveness, and the midshipman experience.

The Board visits the Academy at least once each academic year, engaging with Academy leadership, faculty, staff, and midshipmen to assess institutional priorities, identify opportunities for improvement, and support the Academy’s continued advancement.

The Board’s work supports the Academy’s ongoing modernization efforts and its commitment to preparing the next generation of maritime and military leaders.

Advisory Board Membership

• Dr. Martha R. Grabowski, USMMA ’79 — Chair
  Professor of Practice, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
• Dr. Ronald J. Clark, Colonel, USMC (Ret.)
  Chief Executive Officer, Spartan Strategy & Risk Management; national security expert, educator, and former Deputy Under Secretary of Homeland Security.
• Mr. Ray Fitzgerald
  Maritime industry executive, Crowley.
• Rear Admiral Sinclair Harris, USN (Ret.)
  National security and maritime leader; former U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer.
• Lieutenant DeVar A. Jones, USMMA ’18, USNR
  U.S. Navy Strategic Sealift Officer; Deloitte.
• Rear Admiral John Mauger, USCG (Ret.)
  Maritime safety and security leader; former U.S. Coast Guard flag officer.

Advisory Board Reports

The Advisory Board’s reports provide assessments and recommendations concerning the Academy’s academic programs, institutional management, and strategic priorities.