Gus Antorcha

Bio Coming Soon...

Kim Baird

Kim Baird is the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Tsawwassen First Nation and a former Chief who played a pivotal role as Chief Negotiator in securing the Tsawwassen Treaty, which came into force in 2009. This groundbreaking agreement is one of Canada’s first urban modern treaties and has become a model for reshaping relationships between Indigenous nations and the Crown. As a leader who has guided the transition from negotiation to the implementation of the Tsawwassen Treaty, Kim has over a decade of post-treaty experience, providing her with unique insights into the complexities of treaty implementation, federal engagement, and governance.

Beyond her role at Tsawwassen First Nation, Kim advises Indigenous communities, governments, businesses, and other organizations on Indigenous matters through her company, Kim Baird Strategic Consulting. She is committed to improving the quality of life for Indigenous people, offering expertise in First Nation policy, governance, economic development, and consultation. In BC, where First Nations are recognized as rights holders, not stakeholders, Kim underscores that building strong, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities is essential for any business or government operation. This is especially crucial in the context of reconciliation and engagement in a province where Indigenous rights are constitutionally protected.

Kim is the Chancellor of Kwantlen Polytechnic University and serves on several boards, including the Canada Infrastructure Bank and FPX Nickel. Recognized for her negotiation, communication, and facilitation skills, she is a sought-after public speaker. Kim’s leadership and contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including membership in both the Order of British Columbia and the Order of Canada, an Indspire Laureate award, and the Institute of Corporate Directors designation.

Susan Bell

Susan Bell recently joined Huna Totem as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. A lifelong Alaskan from the Bering Straits region, Susan’s career and volunteer activities are dedicated to strengthening communities and organizations.

Susan is helping Huna Totem develop Aak’w Landing, a port and year-round attraction in Juneau. She is also involved in the Alaska Native Tourism Network, building new partnerships, cultural experiences, and economic opportunities.

Susan recently helped the University of Alaska plan and launch the Arctic Leadership Initiative, accelerating Alaskan-led solutions and opportunities in the rapidly changing Arctic.

As Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development commissioner, Susan led initiatives to promote businesses, strengthen communities, and enhance the business climate. She also served as McKinley Research Group President, Goldbelt Vice President, Juneau Convention & Visitors Bureau President, and Princess Tours Division Manager.

Susan serves on the National Forest Foundation and Juneau Symphony board of directors.

Melanie Berg

Melanie Berg currently serves as the Chief of Commercial Services at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, where she oversees the commercial operations within the park through the management of contracts, authorizations, and permits. As a vital member of the park leadership team, she contributes to the development of management plans and strategies aimed at enhancing the future of park visitation.

With a career with the National Park Service (NPS) that began in 1992, Melanie has held numerous roles, acquiring extensive experience as an interpreter, wilderness ranger, protection ranger, budget analyst, concessions management specialist, emergency medical coordinator, search & rescue lead, and wildland & structural firefighter. Glacier Bay marks the 12th unit of the NPS in which she has served, complemented by various details and assignments nationwide. Since moving to Alaska in 2011, she has fully embraced her life in the state.

In addition to her professional commitments, Melanie is a dedicated member of her community as a board member for the Gustavus Community Center and a former board member for the Association of National Park Rangers, an organization that advocates for national parks and their employees.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Melanie has a deep fascination with the Earth’s processes, reflected in her hobbies of geology, seismologhy, and volcanology. She shares her home with three large and lovely dogs.

Tammy Blount-Canavan

Tammy Canavan joined Visit Seattle in 2022 as President and CEO. Tammy’s career in hospitality and tourism has spanned more than 35 years and two countries, including executive leadership at Tourism Vancouver, CEO of the Tacoma Regional CVB, architect and inaugural Chair of the Washington Tourism Alliance, and President and CEO of the Monterey County CVB.

Tammy is a Past Chair of Destinations International. Tammy has been recognized as CEO of the Year, one of the 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry, twice as one of the top 25 Most Influential Women in the industry, Leadership Supplier of the Year in the Meetings Industry, Top 100 Most Inspirational Women in the Meetings Industry, Community Leader of the Year, Leading for Positive Impact Award, Destination International’s Global Leadership Award and in 2023 was inducted into the Smart Women in Meetings Hall of Fame.

Beth Bodensteiner

Beth is president of Holland America Line, leading the award-winning, premium cruise line known for expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service, and genuine connections to each destination. As president, Beth oversees all aspects of Holland America Line’s business including its fleet of 11 ships that visit over 450 ports in more than 110 countries and territories around the world. She also has executive responsibility for the corporation’s ultra-luxury Seabourn cruise line.

Previously, Beth was senior vice president and chief commercial officer of Holland America Line where she directed revenue management, deployment, product marketing, pricing and planning for Alaska Land+Sea Journeys, and integrated marketing for the cruise line. She also oversaw Holland America Line’s global sales, customer service and e-commerce teams, as well as commercial activities for Seabourn.

A 20-year veteran of Holland America Line, Beth spearheaded the deployment and rollout of an advanced yield optimization and demand analytics (YODA) system that dynamically generates millions of weekly booking demand recommendations to optimize revenue and inventory across the company. She also helped further define Holland America Line’s market of prospective guests, enabling the cruise line to drive incremental customer demand through a variety of high-profile collaborations, entertainment offerings and immersive experiences with organizations such as Top Chef, Audible and Wheel of Fortune, among others.

In 2015, Beth was named to the Puget Sound Business Journal’s prestigious list of “40 Under 40,” selected from more than 400 nominees. She previously served on the boards for Junior Achievement and Seattle Children’s Theater.

Stefano Borzone

Mr. Borzone joined Carrix in 2024 as President of SSA Marine’s Cruise Division. A veteran port operations and development executive, Borzone spent six years in senior vice president roles with Carnival Corporation, as well as 13 years with Metro Cruise Services, where he served as president. In his new role, Borzone will oversee all SSA Marine cruise operations, while collaborating closely with all joint venture partners, customers, and port authorities.

Donnie Brown

Donald Brown develops, presents, negotiates, and implements global industry positions on legislative, regulatory, and policy matters involving security, environmental stewardship and health. In addition, he leads delegations to the International Maritime Organization where he represents the global cruise industry during international treaty negotiations and other matters. He is also the designated Secretary to the CLIA Global Committees on Maritime Security Matters and Marine Environment Protection Matters.

Prior to joining CLIA, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard at the rank of Commander. His most recent assignment was to the Office of Maritime International Law where he provided agency-wide legal counsel to senior officials and federal interagency leaders on transnational maritime threats, with specific expertise in facilitating others to reach agency, national, and international consensus on policy matters. Previous duty assignments include U.S. Northern Command and NORAD, speechwriter and special assistant to the Coast Guard Commandant, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Florida, Rescue Coordination Center Miami and four years of at-sea experience aboard Coast Guard Cutters ESCANABA (1st Lieutenant) and VASHON (Executive Officer). Donald is a 1993 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Government. In 2003 he graduated Cum Laude from the University of Miami School of Law where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Inter-American Law Review. He has also served as a Visiting Professor of Law at the U.S. Naval Academy for Piracy, Maritime Threats, and the Law of the Sea.

Linden Coppell

Linden Coppell has more than 20 years of senior experience in sustainability and environmental protection within the travel industry.

She joined MSC Cruises at its Geneva-headquarters in 2018, establishing the MSC Cruises’ Sustainable Advisory Board, led by Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, that approves actions throughout the company to meet its corporate sustainability goals and ensure sustainability is embedded across all business functions.

With the aim of becoming a net zero emissions organisation by 2050, Linden is responsible for tracking and reporting on the company’s decarbonisation strategy and she also has the same responsibility for sister company Explora Journeys, the luxury travel brand of MSC Group.

Linden manages the publication of MSC Cruises’ annual Sustainability Report and represents the company on several external programmes and initiatives, including the Sustainability Taskforce of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Sustainability Committee of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).

She is a regular panellist and presenter at maritime events around the world and on behalf of MSC Cruises Linden received the ‘Sustainability Initiative of the Year - 2023’ accolade at the Seatrade Cruise Awards for the world’s first net zero emissions cruise operated by the ship MSC Euribia.

Linden joined MSC Cruises after 10 years at the UAE’s national airline Etihad Airways where she was Head of Sustainability. Previously she was Manager Environmental Affairs at Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific for six years. Prior to that Linden had been a sustainability and environmental protection consultant for national governments and private companies in Southeast Asia.

Bud Darr

Bio Coming Soon...

Mary Edenshaw

Mary Edenshaw (Tlingit/L’eeneide Raven/Dog Salmon) joined Klawock Heenya Corporation, an Alaska Native Village Corporation, in the community of Klawock, Alaska, in 2005 as the Chief Operations Officer. In 2020 she became the Chief Executive Officer. With Alaska becoming an increasingly attractive tourist destination Klawock Heenya made the decision to partner with Na-Dena’ to develop a cruise port destination in Klawock on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska. With much excitement, we welcomed our first cruise ship, Seabourn Odyssey, on May 6, 2024.

Elise Ferguson

Elise Ferguson is the Vice President of SSA Marine, Canada Place, and serves as the senior cruise leader based in Vancouver. With extensive experience in the cruise industry, Elise brings a strategic vision and a commitment to operational excellence. Her deep knowledge, along with the trusted relationships she has cultivated, have been invaluable to the success of SSA in the region. Under her leadership, the Vancouver team is poised to build upon the strong foundation already established, ensuring continued success and innovation. Having witnessed the growth of the cruise industry firsthand, Elise is focused on driving sustainable growth and strengthening Vancouver's position as a premier cruise destination.

Jose Fernandez

Jose Fernandez currently serves as Vice President, Port Strategy, Development and Operations for Disney Cruise Line. His team is responsible for (i) terminal operations at all home ports worldwide; (ii) commercial relations and infrastructure development at both home ports and ports-of-call, (iii) commercial development and management of Disney Cruise Line “Port Adventures” (shore excursions) worldwide; and (iv) operations integration and industrial engineering support across the Disney Cruise Line enterprise.

Prior to joining Disney on June 1, 2020, Jose worked at Carnival Corporation for 8 years, spending the first 6 years supporting various business units as Legal Counsel, and the last 2 years as Vice President, Strategy and Business Development.

Jose received his B.S. in Political Science from Florida International University in 2003, and his Juris Doctorate degree from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2006.

Jennifer Garson

Jennifer Garson has spent almost 20 years in the clean energy sector, most recently serving for more than 15 years at the U.S. Department of Energy. Jennifer was the Director of the Water Power Technologies Office, leading the execution of the $200M office, in addition to the $150M in funding for water power through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. During her nearly six years at in the Water Power Office, she led and crafted strategies to more than double the annual appropriations for the office. She was responsible for engagement with Congressional representatives in both chambers, and has testified in front of the Senate on water power issues.

She served in key roles launching major new DOE programs and initiatives. She crafted strategy for the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, including the $1B Energy Improvement in Rural or Remote Areas program. She helped launch the Grid Deployment Office $800M Hydropower Electric Incentives program. And was key on the implementation for the new Partnership Intermediary Agreement ENERGYWERX, and the DOE Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation.

She spent her federal career transforming DOE’s usage of innovative funding mechanisms, increasing the impact of federal funding for clean energy innovation. This includes prizes, lab-directed funding, and SBIR/STTR. She worked in partnership with the private sector to launch programs that have supported hundreds of startups that have attracted billions in private sector capital.

Prior to the Water Office, she was the Chief of Staff for the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Renewable Power. She held senior roles in Technology to Market in EERE, the Office of Technology Transitions, and supported grid work in the Office of Electricity and the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.

She received multiple awards from the DOE Secretary and EERE Assistant Secretary in recognition for her work on the Inflation Reduction Act tax credit implementation, innovation funding mechanisms approach, and leadership in the blue economy.

Jennifer earned her B.A. in Anthropology and Environmental Studies Concentration at Kenyon College and her Master of Public Policy at George Washington University.

Fran Golden

Fran Golden is a six-time winner of a prestigious Lowell Thomas Award for travel writing and cruise correspondent for AFAR magazine. She is a frequent contributor to Bloomberg Pursuits and Travel + Leisure magazine and co-author of several travel books including “100 Things To Do In Alaska Before You Die” (Reedy Press).

Fran began her journalism career freelancing for newspapers including The New York Times and reporting on-air for radio and TV stations in New England. She became a travel writer completely by chance. Today, she is considered an expert in the cruise space, covering everything from trips with her grandkids to sustainability.

Fran lives in landlocked Cleveland.

Steve Hnatko

Steve Hnatko is an experienced Operations Executive with an extensive Sales, Marketing & Communications background and demonstrated history of success within the Consulting, Logistics and Waste Management industries. With over 18 years senior executive experience, Steve has a passion for helping teams grow revenue, improve profitability, and build more predictable and consistent organizations that overachieve. Prior to his time with Tymac, Steve has worked with organizations of all sizes, from start-ups to well established brands such as Starbucks, Vancouver Canucks, BC Lions and Bell Media. Believing that transparency is one of the key components to success, Steve has helped businesses of all sizes grow annual revenues by establishing systems, improving efficiency and their overall bottom line. Steve is currently the Vice President Operations & Business Development for Tymac, BC’s premier Marine Waste Management provider, providing service to all Cruise Vessels calling the West Coast of Canada.

Walt Judas

Walt has been involved in the tourism industry for over 30 years, having worked at BC Pavco, Port Metro Vancouver, and Tourism Vancouver prior to joining the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC) in May 2015.

As CEO, Walt leads multiple advocacy/policy files, sets the strategic course for TIABC, builds relationships with members and industry stakeholders, and communicates the value of B.C.’s visitor economy to various constituents.

Before TIABC, Walt spent 15+ years at Tourism Vancouver as Vice President of Marketing Communications, Membership and Sport.

Over the years, Walt has held dozens of board and committee positions. At present, he is on tourism program advisory committees for Capilano University, Western Community College and Vancouver Community College. He also serves on the City of Vancouver’s Sport Hosting Grant Committee. In 2021, he was appointed Chair of the Provincial & Territorial Tourism Industry Association and currently serves on the board of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.

Walt has a Bachelor of Hospitality Management Degree from Vancouver Community College, as well as a Diploma in Broadcast Communications Technology from the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Having visited over 40 countries, Walt loves to travel and especially enjoys visiting communities around British Columbia and other provinces to meet with tourism colleagues. For fun he plays hockey and golf, cycles daily to stay fit, and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Stephanie Jones Stebbins

Stephanie Jones Stebbins, Managing Director, Maritime at the Port of Seattle, is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in developing innovative business approaches to create financial success along with community and environmental sustainability.

As a Port of Seattle employee for more than 25 years, Jones Stebbins has deep experience across both policy and operational issues in the Maritime Industry.

Jones Stebbins has a successful track record of leading large diverse teams to accomplish Port business and strategic goals. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Duke University, and a Master's degree in Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina.

Zak Kirkpatrick

Zak Kirkpatrick was born and raised in Juneau, Alaska and developed a passion for showcasing his home state from a young age. After working as a naturalist and captain for Allen Marine Tours, Zak graduated with a degree in Advertising with an emphasis in Account Management from Brigham Young University, and was determined to apply his education in the state and industry he loved. Zak now lives with his wife and three sons in Sitka, where he serves as the Chief Marketing Officer for the Allen Marine family of companies, including Alaskan Dream Cruises, Allen Marine Tours, and shipyard, Allen Marine, Inc.

Mike Klassen

Mike Klassen is a Councillor for the City of Vancouver.

Before taking office, Mike served as Vice President Public Affairs for BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) where he advocated for improvements in health care and housing for seniors. It was at the beginning of the COVID-19 health emergency that Mike took on the duties of BCCPA’s Acting CEO, and helped the sector navigate the greatest crisis in its history. He is most proud of how the association helped to reunite seniors in care homes with loved ones kept apart by infection control restrictions.

Among Mike’s many priorities as city councillor is to make Vancouver an age-friendly city where older adults can remain active and socially engaged within their communities.

As president of the board of directors for PAL (Performing Arts Lodge) Vancouver, Mike forged a partnership between multiple parties that led to a ground-breaking for a 66-unit housing development for arts and entertainment professionals which opened in April 2024.

Mike’s board roles have included Vice-Chair of the Vancouver City Planning Commission, Vice-Chair for the DOXA Documentary Festival, and as board director on the B.C. Small Business Roundtable and Canadian Association of Long-Term Care.

In 2015, Mike led a province-wide industry consultation that resulted in major regulatory reforms to strengthen B.C.’s booming wine and grape growing sector.

Mike is a UBC graduate (Bachelor of Arts in English literature and political science), as well as being a husband, parent, and avid running and fitness enthusiast.

Zoran Knezevic

Bio Coming Soon...

Steve Lawson

Steve Lawson leads DJ&A’s visitor use management consulting services. Steve has 24 years of experience in professional consulting and academia, with a focus on developing data-driven solutions for transportation planning and visitor use management in national parks and related outdoor recreation and tourism destinations. He has served as the project team leader on integrated transportation planning and visitor use management projects in every region of the U.S. National Park System and he has worked in U.S. national forests nationwide. His work includes studies for the National Park Service (NPS) of visitor use and users in iconic cruise ship destinations in Alaska, including Sitka National Historical Park and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Steve is also currently leading visitor use management projects in Canada with BC Parks, where he is helping to develop and implement a visitor use monitoring strategy for the BC Parks System. Steve served as visiting social scientist to Yosemite National Park in 2007 to advise the park on visitor use management and monitoring, he is the recipient of the 2019 George Wright Society Social Science Achievement Award for outstanding research in national parks, and he was sponsored by the US State Department in 2019 to provide expertise to the Nepal Tourism Board on sustainable tourism planning and management. He has published over 40 peer-reviewed journal articles regarding visitor use management, is the co-editor of two books regarding sustainable management of national parks, and is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Park and Recreation Administration.

Robert Lewis-Manning

Robert has over 20 years of executive-level leadership experience in the global marine transportation sector and has established a reputation as an innovative thought leader committed to building diverse and high-performing teams. During his time with the Chamber of Shipping, he was responsible for developing and implementing a new strategic direction, including expanding client base and revenue; prioritizing partnerships with First Nations communities; and facilitating substantial changes to vessel operations in Canadian waters. He also advocated and negotiated the first marine conservation agreement in Canada to protect endangered whales, securing the support of three federal departments.

Renée Limoge Reeve

Renée Limoge Reeve leads all government affairs and community relations efforts on behalf of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in Alaska.

Before joining CLIA in June 2021, Limoge Reeve held positions of increasing responsibility that helped establish her as an important liaison between Federal, State, and Tribal governments, and, the people of Alaska, with whom she shares a passion for the state’s diverse cultures, endless wildlife, epic beauty, and expansive coastlines.

Limoge Reeve’s love of Alaska was forever set following her graduation from college when she moved to Juneau from Washington, D.C. and became House Majority Press Secretary and subsequently Chief of Staff to a member of the Alaska State Legislature.

Limoge Reeve also served as spokesperson against a statewide ballot initiative and as Press Secretary for former Alaska Lt. Governor Craig Campbell. Following her experience working in the Lt. Governor’s office, she worked for the Alaska Support Industry Alliance, being promoted to Deputy Director. From 2018 to June 2021, Limoge Reeve was State Director for U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan.

Limoge Reeve is a graduate of the University of Vermont, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in political science. She and her husband, Michael, live in Anchorage with their yellow Labrador, Fenway, and take advantage of every opportunity to explore Alaska’s great outdoors.

Anne Madison

Anne Madison has more than 25 years’ experience helping organizations develop and execute effective strategic plans that drive results, protect organizational reputation, and advance their brands based on her 3-5-7 rule of communications—creating simple truths messaging consistently shared via multiple channels for maximum impact. She specializes in strategy development, business planning, and multi-channel strategic communications plans that drive strong brand awareness, trust, and engagement with key stakeholders.

Over the course of her career, she has worked with companies in both the public and private sectors—from small nonprofits to large multi-national organizations—and led and supported a number of areas—including strategic planning, internal and external communications, business development, B2B and B2C marketing, research, public affairs, media relations, issues management, crisis communications, investor relations, and events.

Prior to supporting the Cruise Lines International Association as a strategic communications consultant and establishing her consultancy firm, 357 Communications, Anne was chief strategy and communications officer for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States in order to fuel the nation's economy and enhance the image of the USA worldwide. In that role, Anne established the strategic foundation on which Brand USA successfully pursues its mission, as well as developed award-winning communications strategies to build strong and positive engagement with internal and external stakeholders worldwide. Earlier in her career, she held similar roles with Choice Hotels, Enterprise Community Investment, and The Ryland Group.

Anne has been honored with awards for a variety of marketing communications campaigns, including Platinum, Gold, and Silver Adrian awards from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). In addition to being twice named by PR News as a Top Women in PR, she has been recognized as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by the Daily Record and a Top Woman in Travel and Tourism Leadership by Women in Travel and Tourism International.

Anne earned her bachelor of science degree in communications from Wittenberg University and is a member of the Women’s Leadership Board at the Harvard Kennedy School. Members of the board are nominated and accepted based on demonstrated leadership and professional accomplishments and as champions of diversity.

She and her husband, Dave, have four children and live in Columbia, Maryland.

Christopher Mastrippolito

Bio Coming Soon...

Michael McGarry

Mike McGarry oversees CLIA’s government affairs activities in North America and is serving in an interim capacity as Managing Director for North America. He had previously worked at CLIA for 11 years and served as SVP, Global Government Affairs, and North America Secretariat.

Prior to joining CLIA, Mike served as a government relations and public affairs leader for industry- leading brands, including Royal Dutch Shell plc, Visa Inc., Harrah’s Entertainment, MasterCard Incorporated, and KPMG.

At Shell, Mike led Group external affairs in the U.S. and was later based in London as head of Global External Affairs for Shell Chemicals Companies. Earlier in his career, Mike was Deputy Staff Director and Parliamentarian for the U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee during consideration of historic legislation and investigative hearings that received international media attention.

Jen McIntyre

Jennifer McIntyre is the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority's ECHO Program specialist. She collaborates with advisors and program partners to advance the ECHO Program's voluntary initiatives for large commercial ships to reduce underwater noise for at-risk whales.

Jennifer has over 10 years of experience in project management and science communications, with a Bachelor of Science degree in conservation and ecology, and a Project Management Professional certification. She is passionate about the reduction of anthropogenic impacts on the marine environment, and environmental education.

Steve Metruck

As executive director of the Port of Seattle, Steve Metruck leads a county-wide special purpose government responsible for providing trade, travel, and logistics services to one of the most diverse and fastest growing regions in the United States.

The Port operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – one of the nation’s largest and best-connected airports, the largest cruise homeport on the West Coast; and owns or operates facilities for commercial fishing, grain exports, recreational marinas, and commercial real estate.

The Port also operates one of North America’s largest maritime cargo shipping gateways through the Northwest Seaport Alliance, a joint effort with the Port of Tacoma.

Metruck has guided the Port through transformative capital programs, including the opening of the new International Arrivals Facility at SEA, the opening of new shipping terminals at Terminal 5, and the development of a landmark Maritime Innovation Center, built to meet Living Building Challenge standards.

A recognized leader in the global effort to transition port-related industries off of fossil fuels. In collaboration with industry and port leaders in the United States and Canada, Metruck initiated the formation of the Pacific Northwest to Alaska Green Corridor First Movers Group, the first ever global effort to explore decarbonization of a cruise corridor.

He leads the Port’s efforts to expand shore power to its third and final cruise berth, part of a harbor-wide Port electrification strategy for facilities and operations.

Metruck leads with an emphasis on ethics, financial stewardship, and a culture of respect. He created the Port’s first-ever Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, ensuring that the department director sits on his executive leadership team. The Port now weaves equity throughout its organization, policies and programs.

He leads a team of 2,135 employees, manages $617 million in annual operating expenses, and guides a $5.2 billion five-year capital improvement plan in 2024. Hundreds of individual private employers operate on Port facilities, expanding the economic impact of the Port. Regionally, Port operations support over 121,000 jobs and $38 billion in business revenue.

Metruck came to the Port of Seattle following a 34-year career with the United States Coast Guard, retiring as a Rear Admiral. Having previously served as Captain of the Port in Seattle, he has experience across a diverse range of operations and executive-level assignments on both coasts, the Great Lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Bachelor's degree, Ocean Engineering, U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

Master's degree, Public Administration, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Robert Morgenstern

Robert Morgenstern is the Senior Vice-President of Alaska Operations, for the Carnival Corporation cruise brands in Alaska including Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Carnival, Cunard and Seabourn. Robert also oversees the corporation’s land tour operation, HAP Alaska, and its portfolio of hotels, rail operations and motorcoach fleet.

Robert leads Carnival Corporation’s representation in the Pacific Northwest to Alaska Green Shipping Corridor - a collaboration among ports, industry, governments, and subject matter experts to accelerate deployment of zero GHG emission ships and operations between Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington. HAP also has an award-winning sustainability program in its land-based operations.

Harly Penner

Harly Penner was named President, Seaspan Energy on January 1, 2025.

Harly joined Seaspan Ferries in 2012 as Port Engineer & Manager, New Vessel Program and has held progressively more senior roles with Seaspan ever since.

In his role as President, Harly is responsible for managing and developing Seaspan’s Energy business, which includes LNG Bunkering, alternative fuels, and joint venture energy projects.

Harly holds an MBA in Maritime Business and Logistics Management from the University of Tasmania and Australian Maritime College, as well as a Bachelor’s of Technology in Nautical Science / Marine Engineering (Honours) from Cape Breton University and Canadian Coast Guard College.

Alexandra Pierce

Alexandra Pierce grew up in Juneau and worked at the port in her first job as a teenager. After over a decade working in government affairs and destination planning in British Columbia, she returned to Juneau in 2016 and joined the City and Borough. As Visitor Industry Director, Alexandra develops public policy and liaises with the cruise industry, other levels of government, and regional port partners. She is also responsible for external communications on visitor industry issues. Alexandra’s career in destination planning and management stems from her love of travel and adventure. On the weekends, you can find her in the mountains on skis or a bike.

Anna Poustie

Anna Poustie serves as the Director of Commercial Services & Customer Relations, where she is responsible for overseeing all aspects of customer and stakeholder relations. In this role, she collaborates closely with the cruise operations and development teams across the organization. Prior to this, Anna managed cruise services on the Canadian West Coast, where she led advocacy efforts and stakeholder engagement in Victoria and throughout British Columbia. She began her career in operations and tour development, gaining valuable experience during the first half of her professional journey.

Nick Ranade

Nick Ranade serves as the Vice President of Sourcing for Carnival Corporation's North America brands. His areas of responsibility encompass Marine & Technical, ports, ground transportation, and logistics sourcing. Based in Seattle, Nick has been a dedicated member of the organization for over twenty-five years.

Nick Rose

Nick is responsible for Royal Caribbean Groups corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework, strategy and program along with overseeing its sustainability initiatives both shore side and shipboard. This includes our commitment to help create a more sustainable cruise industry by protecting the oceans we sail and the communities we visit; decarbonizing our operations; promoting a supportive and inclusive environment for both our employees and guests; and always operating our business ethically and with integrity.

Most recently, he oversaw the company’s corporate environmental programs as well as shipboard environmental compliance and operations for 65 cruise ships across all our brands. He was also responsible for establishing Royal Caribbean Group’s environmental regulatory strategy, which includes our overall strategic sustainability plan and initiatives. Prior to that, he held several roles of increasing responsibility in the shoreside environmental department after first joining the company in 2005 as an onboard environmental officer.

Steve Sahlender

Steven Sahlender serves as Vice President of Operations for the Alaska Group. Steven joined Goldbelt at the end of 2013. Steven served for 20 years in the Air Force, and upon retirement he flew small drones for a government contractor for three years. He then worked as a store manager for Home Depot before coming to Goldbelt. Steven started his career at Goldbelt with Nisga’a in Kuwait as a project manager, later moving to Goldbelt Falcon in Chesapeake, VA as a Program Manager. He later was hired for a Senior Business development position in Charleston, SC with Peregrine, and then moved over to CP Marine as Director of Operations before taking the position in Alaska. Steven holds a Bachelor of Organizational Management and a Masters of Business Administration.

Commissioner Julie Sande

A lifelong Alaskan, Commissioner Sande grew up in the remote logging camps of Southeast Alaska. She brings extensive experience in both the public and private sectors to the role of Commissioner and is focused on building stronger, more resilient communities and growing Alaska’s economy for the benefit of Alaskans.

Commissioner Sande spent much of her 20 years of healthcare experience working with the pioneers and elders of Alaska and credits many of her values and passion for Alaska’s history to the inspiring individuals she has been privileged to care for. Most recently, she served as the Director of the Ketchikan Pioneer Home and as a member of the governing board for the local hospital in Ketchikan. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Montana and a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Southern California. She was appointed to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority board and the Alaska Energy Authority board in 2019 and elected Vice Chairman in 2021. Commissioner Sande is also a business owner, whose companies provide services across a range of industries including engineering, construction, tourism, retail, and mariculture. She believes in finding creative solutions when faced with challenges and is grateful to come from a state that is abundant in natural resources—the most valuable of which are the people who live and work in Alaska.

Rick Sasso

Rick Sasso, Chairman of MSC Cruises USA, has been a popular and well-respected figure in the cruise industry for nearly 50 years. In April 2004, Sasso was appointed President of MSC Cruises USA and was tasked with positioning MSC Cruises for growth in the North America market. In August 2016, Sasso assumed the role of Chairman of MSC Cruises USA, focused on preparing the market for the next stage of MSC Cruises’ growth in the region.

In 1999, Sasso was named “Cruise Industry Executive of the Year” by a leading travel industry trade magazine. In 2011, he received the coveted “Hall of Fame” recognition from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) for his many efforts and accomplishments that have led to significant contributions in the growth of cruise vacations. Over the years, he has also served as Chairman of both CLIA and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) as well as Chairman of CLIA’s Marketing Committee.

After holding key positions at Costa Cruises and Chandris Cruises, Sasso joined the senior management team that launched Celebrity Cruises in 1990, and then served as CEO, playing an instrumental role in establishing it as a top premium cruise line.

In 2012, Sasso published Unselfish World, a book based on his philosophy of encouraging ourselves and others to be the most unselfish individuals we can be.

Sasso lives in Ocean Ridge, Florida, with his wife of five decades, Carmen. He has two grown children and four grandchildren.

Jillian Simpson

Jillian Simpson is the President & CEO of the Alaska Travel Industry Association. She has worked in Alaska tourism for over 20 years primarily in destination marketing, international trade, and tourism policy. She has traveled extensively across Alaska and has lived in Seward, Denali, Coldfoot, and Utqiagvik. She currently resides in Anchorage and enjoys getting into the mountains with her daughters as much as possible. Jillian is pursuing a masters in Arctic and Northern Studies through the University of Alaska Fairbanks and serves on the board for Alaska Geographic.

Greg Smith

Greg Smith has been the communications director for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI), the official marketing organization for Alaska seafood, since June of 2023. In this role, Greg serves as the spokesperson for ASMI, and along with his Communications program team, leads ASMI’s engagement with the Alaska seafood industry, the fishing fleet, Alaska government leadership, as well as domestic consumers. He is honored to serve as Deputy Mayor on the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly.

Shaun Stevenson

Shaun Stevenson has led the Prince Rupert Port Authority as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2018 and has been a key contributor to PRPA's success since 1997. Shaun's focus on growing the Prince Rupert gateway through developing, diversifying, and enhancing numerous port business and infrastructure projects builds on the Port of Prince Rupert's position as one of Canada's largest ports, anchoring over $60 Billion in trade. Shaun holds an MBA degree from Simon Fraser University and lives in Prince Rupert with his wife Cindy.

Dave Stieran

Dave Stieren serves as the Infrastructure Development Officer for the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), a role he has held since March 2023. In his current role, Dave assists in helping potential projects across the state of Alaska secure financing through AIDEA’s portfolio of programs.

Before joining AIDEA, he was the Community Outreach and Anchorage Regional Director for the Governor of Alaska. Dave's diverse professional background also includes 14 years in international aviation, 5 years as the owner of an advertising agency, and a decade hosting Alaska’s #1 talk show.

Recently, during a cruise, he conceptualized the idea of "table ham," which inspired other innovative "table" concepts like table bacon and table tenderloin. Remarkably, Dave has been happily married for 30 years as of this August. He resides in Anchorage but dreams of eventually embracing full-time cruising life.

Jacqueline Taylor-Rose

Jacqueline Taylor-Rose is the Manager of Marketing & Product Development for the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. She is a 3rd generation railroader at the WP&YR. She has both studied and lived the history of this legendary line. The history, scenic beauty, and epic experience in the footsteps of the stampeders of 1898 make this a can't miss experience that Jacqueline loves to share with visitors to Alaska.

John Wilson

John joined the Pacific Pilotage Authority as CEO in May 2024, after a distinguished career in the public service. A lifelong mariner, he served in progressively senior roles with the Royal Canadian Navy, commanding HMCS Yellowknife and later HMCS Calgary. His deployments included Operation Apollo in the Middle East and disaster response in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake.

Transitioning to Transport Canada in 2018, as Associate and then Regional Director for Marine Safety and Security, John oversaw marine safety enforcement on Canada’s West Coast and played a key role in addressing waterfront issues during COVID-19. Subsequently, he led industry and labour collaborations to improve safety in fishing, passenger, and towing vessel operations. John holds degrees from the University of Victoria and the Royal Military College, along with graduate certificates in strategic human resource management and regulatory leadership.

Sandi Weir

Sandra "Sandi" Weir brings over two decades of experience to her role at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., where she currently serves as the Senior Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs. Her focus is on managing global government relations for the company's three award-winning brands—Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises—and overseeing public affairs.

Sandi's tenure at Norwegian includes leadership in shoreside operations in Hawaii, involvement in business development, and a significant role in Revenue Management. Her expertise spans several key areas such as shore excursion development, port operations, contract management, community engagement, itinerary design, and revenue optimization. Sandi's professional journey with Norwegian has seen her leave and later return to the company, a testament to her commitment and value in the sector.

Outside of her time at Norwegian, Sandi held various positions at Cendant Corporation in their travel division and began her career in the Oil and Gas industry in Calgary, Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) degree in Finance and is a certified Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

Peter Xotta

Peter Xotta is the president and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the federal agency responsible for enabling Canada’s trade through the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest port. Peter has worked in port environments for 35 years, including 30 years at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. Peter joined the port authority’s executive leadership team over a decade ago, most recently serving as Vice President, Operations and Supply Chain, before being appointed President and CEO in 2023.

Peter’s diverse portfolios at the port authority have included port operations, business development and strategic projects. He played a key role in working with local partners to identify and secure funding for a suite of off-terminal trade enabling infrastructure projects throughout the region, which were developed to improve the movement of goods to and from the port and support Canada’s competitiveness in international trade. He also led the organization’s port and supply chain optimization work, such as the Active Vessel Traffic Management Program and other supply chain visibility initiatives.

Peter sits on the boards of Invest Vancouver Management, Burnaby Hospital Foundation, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, and on Western Transportation Advisory Council (WESTAC)’s Executive Committee.