OFFSHORE WIND INSIDER - Key Persons
Aaron Smith - Chief Commercial Officer
Job Titles:
- Director of Business Development & Global Outreach
- Oceantic Network in 2021 As the Director of Business Development
Bettina joined the Oceantic Network in 2021 as the director of Business Development and Global Outreach. In this role, she focuses on translating how the Network helps the supply chain grow, researching tangential industry sectors, and developing business outreach strategies. Bettina manages the Network presence at domestic and global trade shows and conferences and through the Global Gateway program, organizes U.S. delegations traveling abroad to enter the global supply chain and facilitate international connections.
Before joining the Network, Bettina lived in Germany and Switzerland for five years studying and working in marketing and sales in the pharmaceutical and FMCG industries. After moving to Richmond, Virginia in 2020, Bettina took interest in the growing U.S. offshore wind industry and joined Renewable Resources International. At RRI, she wrote U.S. offshore wind market reports to brief European industry stakeholders, as well as supply chain database structuring and creating presentation materials for webinars.
Bettina received a B.S. Degree in International Business from Elon University in North Carolina. After entering the Dual Degree Program at Elon, she moved to Germany and received a B.S. Degree in International Management from the ESB Business School. She received a Master's Degree in Marketing, Services, and Communication Management from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland.
Bettina enjoys spending time with family and friends. She loves travelling around the world, especially to taste the local cuisine. Fun fact: Bettina is an avid skiier-both water and snow!
Job Titles:
- Industry Trainer at the Network
Brittany is an Industry Trainer at the Network in the Industry Education department. She joined the network in 2023 and is responsible for logistics and support for the Network's training programs.
Prior to the Network, Brittany worked at Cambium Assessment, an education technology company, as a content operations associate, where she managed projects, supervised a team of contractors, and worked in an online test delivery system. In this role, she collaborated with many other departments, led trainings, and wrote standard operating procedures, gaining valuable experience that allows her to excel in her current role.
Brittany received a B.A. in psychology and politics & government from Pacific University in 2021. In her political studies, she focused on the environment and environmental policy, which she has always been passionate about. In her psychology courses, she learned how to manage projects and perform research. These studies lead her to her current position at the network, where she combines project management, research, and the environment in her work.
In her spare time, Brittany loves to cook all sorts of cuisine, trying new restaurants, and weightlifting. She also loves the outdoors and enjoys hiking and camping.
Carley Milligan joined the Network in June 2023 as the Senior Writer & Content Developer. She will focus on creating content for the Network's annual IPF conference, as well as to educate the industry on developments of the U.S. market and supply chain, as well as innovations in the global market.
Before joining the Network, Carley was the digital editor at the Baltimore Business Journal where, for seven years, she covered breaking business news, managed digital content and oversaw a team of reporters, designers and photographers. Carley began reporting on offshore wind projects in Maryland in 2017 and became enamored with the industry's great potential for workforce growth and clean energy advancement. As an award-winning journalist recognized by the MDDC Press Association and Society of Professional Journalists, Carley specialized in digging into complex subjects to identify critical details and facts and provide the greatest impact to readers.
Carley graduated from Towson University in 2016 with a BA in English and Mass Communication, with a focus on journalism and writing. During her time at Towson, she served on the university's student-run newspaper, The Towerlight, including a year as Editor-in-Chief. She has continued to stay involved with the paper, sitting on its Board of Directors, Baltimore Student Media, since 2019, where she currently serves as President.
Outside of work, Carley enjoys spending time with family, cooking elaborate meals, listening to records, and camping with her partner, Jordan.
Job Titles:
- Event Coordinator
- Event & Sponsorship Coordinator
Christie joined the Oceantic Network as the Event and Sponsorship Coordinator in September 2023. In this capacity, she is responsible for overseeing exhibit and sponsorship management while coordinating the logistical aspects of events. This encompasses the cultivation and maintenance of strong relationships with sponsors and clients, provision of registration support, and successful execution of sponsorship commitments.
With a robust professional background as an Event Coordinator, Christie enjoys a well-documented history of orchestrating numerous highly successful trade shows. She is particularly adept in the realms of relationship building, budget management, and fostering lead generation. Throughout previous positions, she has spearheaded and organized pivotal trade shows and events, ranging from national conferences to regional gatherings.
Christie holds a bachelor of arts in business management and an associate's degree in marketing. Complementing this academic foundation, she is diligently working toward the attainment of a CTSM (Certified Trade Show Management) certification, underscoring her commitment to understanding the core principles of event and trade show management.
Beyond the realm of professional endeavors, Christie nurtures a deep passion for fitness, and believes that a healthy body and mind are key to achieving success in any career. She also enjoys reading about nutrition and exploring new hiking trails to stay connected with nature
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Network 's Vice President of Digital Products
- Vice President of Digital Tools
Courtney Malvik is the Network's vice president of Digital Products. She joined the Oceantic Network in 2014 and spearheads the Network's tools which include Market Dashboard, Supply Chain Conne ct, and Direct Connect. For five years, she was VP of Design and led the design and website team.
Courtney began her graphic design and database career in 1990 working for an antiquarian bookstore. While there, she saw each book's info being typed on an index card using a typewriter and thought there had to be a better way. Courtney took the bookstore into the 20th century by developing a database system that grew into monthly bookshelf rental to other rare booksellers using barcode scanners and a sophisticated accounting system. She also developed a more efficient way to produce its monthly rare book catalogs.
Courtney expanded her database development expertise by freelancing, helping small businesses grow by fine-tuning their processes and developing applications that supported these processes. After completing her Masters, she worked as an Art Director for an IT startup that was then acquired by IBM. After working at IBM for five years, she started her own business focused on graphic design and database development. Courtney also worked for BITHGROUP Technologies and LVI, an energy start-up.
Courtney has an M.A. in Publications Design from the University of Baltimore, and earned her B.A. at the University of Michigan, double majoring in Communications and Psychology.
Courtney grew up in Chevy Chase, Maryland and has settled in Baltimore after living in London, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, Ghana West Africa, and Raleigh, North Carolina. She most enjoys spending time with her daughter and being on any body of water in any kind of boat. She loves archaeology, researching her ancestors, and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Organizational Executive
Dale Archer is a seasoned organizational executive with a proven track record of driving entrepreneurial growth, efficiency, and influence. As Chief Operating Officer at Oceantic Network, Dale is instrumental in shaping the future of the U.S. offshore renewable energy industry. With an experienced understanding of the energy sector and a passion for sustainable solutions, Dale leads strategic initiatives to accelerate the transition to clean energy.
In his previous role as Inaugural Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer when the Oceantic Network was the Business Network for Offshore Wind, Dale helped scale the Network and drive significant growth, including go-to-market products and services such as Foundation 2 Blade and OSW Market Dashboard. Dale's expertise in strategic planning, organizational excellence, and team leadership has been proven through extensive work supporting organizations across complex environments in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Nepal, Somalia, and Timor-Leste as well as designing and fundraising for the new U.S. WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Dale has an M.S. in Organization Development from American University. As a 3rd generation for-profit and non-profit founder from Oklahoma, Dale has worked with business leaders, founders, entrepreneurs, political/elected officials, and civil society leaders across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States.
When not helping founders, executives, and high-performing teams grow better, act faster, and lead smarter, Dale enjoys hiking, travel, craft breweries, and being a proud uncle to his nephews and niece. He also serves on the National Democratic Institute's Advisory Council and is the Alumni Advisory Board Chairman of his award-winning Sigma Nu Fraternity chapter he founded at the University of Central Oklahoma in 1999.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- General Manager Austal Advanced Technologies ( AAT )
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Lauzer Director of Business Development
Job Titles:
- Business Engagement Director
Erik Andrade joined Oceantic Network in 2025 as the Business Engagement Director. In this role, he leads efforts to recruit businesses for training and coaching programs, develop resources for supply chain engagement, and support the delivery of DEI-focused educational events. His work focuses on fostering an inclusive offshore renewable energy industry by building coalitions, enhancing community engagement, and elevating diverse voices through innovative curriculum and outreach strategies.
Erik brings over two decades of experience in community engagement, environmental justice, and advocacy, including his recent role as an Industry Trainer Consultant for Oceantic. In that capacity, he worked to support Tribal governments, underrepresented businesses, and other key partners by building relationships, expanding awareness, training, and increasing access to local offshore wind supply chain opportunities. His extensive background includes leadership roles with several non-profits, where he designed and executed projects that blended coalition building, cultural preservation, and social justice. Erik's career reflects a deep commitment to equitable development and empowering marginalized communities.
Erik holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where he was honored as a Frederick Douglass Unity House Alumni Honoree and received the Outstanding Leadership Award. His academic foundation in technology complements his ability to create innovative solutions for outreach and community advocacy.
When he's not advancing the offshore energy industry and its diversity goals, Erik enjoys mentoring young leaders and exploring creative ways to foster cross-cultural solidarity.
Job Titles:
- Director of Industry Education
Ester joined the Network in 2022 and serves as Director of Industry Education, managing the training team, and expanding and improving the curriculum. She is adding new courses and other supply chain readiness activities to help supply chain companies and people who want to get involved in the offshore wind find their entry point.
Before joining the Network, Ester was a local representative and sales agent in the sustainability field in New Orleans, where projects in stormwater management and green infrastructure helped to combat flooding and subsidence in the city. Prior to that, she gained international experience and business acumen working in professional development and both project and knowledge management in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Ester received a bachelor's degree from the University of Antwerp and a master's degree from York Saint John University.
Originally from the Netherlands, Ester resides in North Carolina with her husband, cat, and dog, where she enjoys native and herb gardening and the generous southern culture including its spicy foods and great music. Besides gardening and time with her family, she loves starting the day by meditating and feeding the many birds in the yard.
Job Titles:
- Leader
- Senior Director of Education and Training
Jacqueline Baldini is a proven leader in non-profit management and joined Oceantic Network in late 2022. As Senior Director of Education & Training, she not only manages the education strategy and oversees training operations for organizations, businesses, and individuals interested in learning more about the U.S. offshore wind industry supply chain but also plays a pivotal role as a member of the Leadership Team, contributing her expertise to guide Oceantic Network's strategic direction.
For more than a decade, Jacqueline has been a driving force in the field of education. She has developed curricula, ensuring that educational programs are effective and engaging. These programs have been successfully implemented across various locations. Jacqueline's commitment to continuous improvement is evident through her participation in certification courses related to education and management. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in the remarkable growth of a startup.
Jacqueline earned a Bachelor of Science Summa Cum Laude in Environmental Science and Policy with a concentration in Land Use from University of Maryland College Park fostering a lifelong passion for responsible and sustainable development.
Job Titles:
- Business Development & Membership Manager
- Network in 2023 As the Business Development & Membership Manager
Jamie joined the Network in 2023 as the Business Development & Membership Manager. In this role, she focuses on ways to enhance stakeholder engagement and the member experience. She also works to develop and implement member programs and support the organization's overall business development initiatives within the offshore wind industry.
Prior to joining The Network, Jamie worked for Rhode Island Commerce as its Offshore Wind Supply Chain Manager. Her other professional experience spans across state government, public utilities, and academia.
Jamie received a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of Pittsburgh and an M.A. in offshore wind development from the University of Rhode Island's Marine Affairs Program, where she also received a Certificate from the Energy Fellows Program. Jamie brings to this role a passion for renewable energy and strives to always consider the intersectionality of renewable energy and environmentalism with systemic inequity, energy justice, and socio-economic disparities in her work.
Job Titles:
- Business Unit Director
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Project Director, Beacon Wind
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Director, Ports and Supply Chain Avangrid
Job Titles:
- Chief of Staff
- Network 's Chief of Staff
Jen Brock is the Network's Chief of Staff. She joined the Network in 2023 and is responsible for managing day-to-day operations and assisting with strategic decision-making to achieve the organization's goals and mission.
For more than 20 years, Jen has dedicated her career advocating for social and environmental justice through policy change at the state and federal level with direct lobbying, grassroots organizing, and electoral campaigns. She is a trusted expert among the clean energy industry, legislators, and advocates with strong relationships built on years of success.
Prior to the Network, Jen worked with High Street Strategies as a government relations, strategy, and policy consultant for clean energy companies, environmental non-profits, municipalities, and run business development for companies. She's also previously led on policy, politics, organizing, and research with 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and the Maryland League of Conservation Voters.
Jen holds an M.S. in environmental science from the University of Mary Washington and is a 1999 graduate of Green Corps, the field school for environmental organizing. She lives in Baltimore with her daughter, where they can often be found with friends listening to live music or hiking and camping in the woods.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Partner
Job Titles:
- Oceantic Network in 2022 As Its Vice President
- Vice President of Event Operations
Jordan Sampson joined the Oceantic Network in 2022 as its vice president of Event Operations. She oversees the Network's event portfolio, including conferences, working groups, member happy hours, policy briefings, and educational trainings.
Before joining the Network, Jordan worked for a medical education company, Pri-Med as an operations manager. While there, Jordan was responsible annually for 10 industry events throughout the U.S.
Jordan earned a B.A. in Media Communications from Rodger Williams University in Rhode Island. When she's not planning events for the Network, she loves to work on D.I.Y. projects.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- President Offshore Wind Americas at BP
Julia Gerringer joined the Oceantic Network in 2022 as the Grants and Contracts Manager, and has been promoted to Regional Policy Director.
Prior to joining the Network, Julia worked at the Children's Museum of Wilmington, a local nonprofit in Wilmington, N.C. For three years she worked as their Grants Coordinator, securing over 70 grants for the organization. Julia also took part in executing grant-funded projects and had a particular interest in outreach and STEM education at the Museum. One of Julia's top accomplishments at the Museum was securing grant funding to deliver STEM programming to the MLK Center in Wilmington, providing education to underserved children.
Julia graduated from UNC-Wilmington with a B.S. in Marine Biology & Conservation in 2019 and an M.S. in Coastal & Ocean Policy in 2021. Julia's graduate capstone focused on the relationship between rising offshore wind along the Atlantic and the migratory patterns of large marine mammals, with an examination of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
Julia enjoys spending any of her free time on the local beaches in Wilmington, N.C. She loves reading and watching movies or spending time with her friends at the local eateries and breweries.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Senior Program Manager
- Oceantic Network in 2022 As Its Senior Program Manager
Katie Joy joined the Oceantic Network in 2022 as its Senior Program Manager. She serves as the program manager for the Network's in-person and virtual events. Katie leads programming for the annual Port & Vessel Summit, Grid & Transmission Summit, O&M/HSE Summit, and the Finance & Insurance Forum.
Before joining the Network, Katie worked in program development and conference production for Consero Group. During this time, she contributed to legal programming for general counsel and piloted the company's first information security event portfolio.
Katie attended the University of Maryland where she earned a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy with a concentration in Politics and Policy. While there, she gained experience in environmental research and education as an intern for the National Aquarium.
Katie grew up in Maryland and recently moved to Baltimore. She enjoys being outside and practicing yoga. Katie also loves finding and listening to new music.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Senior Managing Director
Job Titles:
- Network 's Senior Director of Technology & Infrastructure
- Senior Director of Technology & Infrastructure
Kevin Buttry serves as the Network's Senior Director of Technology & Infrastructure. He joined the Network in 2022 and is responsible for the implementation, improvement, and security of the IT infrastructure and digital offerings across the Network. Already, Kevin has overseen the rollout of MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) and an organizational VPN to increase network security.
Kevin brings over 20 years of IT experience in food services, MSP, and the healthcare industry with broad expertise in IT administration, security, and infrastructure. He graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with a bachelor's degree in computer science.
In his spare time, Kevin has maintained his life-long passion as a musician and recently began paddle boarding. He loves making his daughter laugh, although she doesn't think he's that funny.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Director, Offshore Renewables - Americas American Bureau of Shipping
Job Titles:
- Data and Market Research Associate With the Digital Tools
Lee is a Data and Market Research Associate with the Digital Tools and Policy teams. He joined the Network in 2023 after a brief stint as an intern, and he plays a pivotal role in research gathering and synthesis. On top of maintaining the Supply Chain Connect and Market Dashboard databases, Lee also researches for and presents on-demand reports for internal and external consumption.
Before the Network, Lee worked in the Southeast for wine and spirits enterprises before moving to Scotland as an expert whisky consultant. Following Scotland, he returned to the States and joined a small law firm, where his chief roles were research, partner support, and database maintenance.
Lee earned his B.A. from Davidson College, double majoring in French and Theatre. His senior year, he completed an Honors Thesis on 17th century French theatre, specifically the works of Molière. It was during this process that his ability for nuanced exploration and application came to fruition.
Outside of the Network, Lee is an avid cinephile and tries his best to read at least 10 pages of his latest book a day. He also enjoys chess, making cheese boards, and playing with his mini bernedoodle Grace.
Liz Burdock cofounded Oceantic Network in 2013 and serves as its president and CEO. With a background in policy, Liz has led Oceantic staff in launching the International Partnering Forum (IPF), the largest offshore wind and ocean renewables conference in the Americas, creating critical industry products like Supply Chain Connect and the Offshore Wind Market Dashboard, industry-leading Foundation 2 Blade, OSW Ready and Market Entry Coaching Trainings, and the 2025 Offshore Wind at Work report, which showcases the remarkable economic transformation driven by the American offshore wind industry to deliver energy security, revitalize American manufacturing and shipbuilding, and meet the rising energy needs of the U.S. She remains a thought leader in the global offshore wind industry and the advancement of a robust American supply chain.
Liz has extensive experience running public/private partnerships. Her career has focused on convening and coordinating diverse stakeholders, including businesses, academics, government agencies, policymakers, community leaders, workforce organizations and strategic investors to develop sound solutions that facilitate the development and implementation of renewable energy in the U.S, driving economic growth, job creation and energy independence. Prior to Oceantic Network, Liz managed the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing, a White House initiative that focused on the adoption of new sustainable technologies in the home building industry. She also managed the Chesapeake Crescent, a regional initiative aimed at growing a green economy in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
Liz has a B.S in Sociology from Frostburg University. She is a graduate of Leadership Maryland and was named one of Windpower Monthly's Influential and Interesting Leaders in the Offshore Wind Industry in 2018. She received the John V. Kabler Changemakers Award from the League of Conservation Voters Maryland chapter in October of 2023, and was also awarded the Emery Rice Medal from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2024, signifying her industry leadership as Maritime Person of the Year. She has been featured in energy trade publications including Recharge, reNews, and RTO Insider, as well as the Financial Times, Forbes, Reuters, the Wall Street Journal, and the Baltimore Sun.
When not advocating for offshore wind and adjacent ocean renewable energy sectors, Liz can be found cooking for her son, watching hockey with her husband, shopping with her best friend, gardening with her dog Finn, or simply spinning up new ideas.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Executive Director Millwright / Piledriver Labor Management at United Carpenters and Joiners of America
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Senior Vice President - Project Construction Dominion Energy
Job Titles:
- President of the Board of Directors
Mark Rice President | Maritime Applied Physics Corporation
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Strategic Partnerships
- Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Membership at the Oceantic Network
Maryanne Jefferson is the vice president of Strategic Partnerships and Membership at the Oceantic Network. In this role, she spearheads the Network's strategic partnerships vital to the growth of the offshore wind industry and its supply chain. She also oversees the Network's membership team, managing outreach, customer service, and member support. Maryanne has been with the Network since 2019, originally as the Network's Director of Membership and Finance Management, where she oversaw all membership programs, benefits, and member engagement.
Before the Network, Maryanne worked for former Massachusetts state senator Richard Ross. During her tenure there, she supported political campaigns and provided managing support as a legislative aide in the House of Representatives and was promoted to Chief of Staff in the Senate. Maryanne then worked at Ørsted as the executive assistant to the president. During her time at Ørsted, she gained essential skills and knowledge of the offshore wind industry that set the groundwork for her future at the Network.
Maryanne has a keen interest in genealogy. When she isn't looking for distant relatives, she is making quilts for her family to enjoy. She also doesn't let the beautiful views of Massachusetts go to waste, spending time outdoors kayaking. As long as Maryanne is with her family, she is happy.
Job Titles:
- Director of Registration & Data Analysis
- Network in 2022 As the Director of Registration and Data Analysis
Matt Shinay joined the Network in 2022 as the director of Registration and Data Analysis. He manages and implements registration and data capture strategy for all events and engagement activities for Network programs, projects, research, products, and services.
Prior to joining the Network, Matt was the director of Institutional Research for a private school system; working within regulatory affairs, he was responsible for state and federal accreditation compliance requirements. He has extensive experience in survey design, data analysis, and reporting. Matt is able to leverage his background in data collection and reporting to support the needs of the growing offshore wind industry.
Matt received a B.A. in political science and economics from the University of Maine. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf and disc golf, and going for hikes with his Goldendoodle Took. Matt is a proud New Englander and currently resides in Maine.
Job Titles:
- Network 's Vice President of Public Affairs
- Vice President of Public Affairs
Melinda Skea is the Network's vice president of Public Affairs. She joined the Network in 2020 and currently leads communications and marketing. She also advances the Network's international partnerships, including its flagship Global Gateway program, and spearheads stakeholder engagement such as the Network's annual Ventus Awards and Rising Star Student Scholarship.
Melinda began her career in Washington, D.C. working for non-profit organizations. She regularly speaks on offshore wind and renewable energy at global conferences. Her work has been published in USA Today, Washington Post, NPR, Huffington Post, Wall Street Journal, Politico, and the Atlantic.
Prior to joining the Network, she worked for a non-profit law firm focused on free speech and human rights, successfully advocating in the court of public opinion on hundreds of cases including high profile cases at the U.S. Supreme Court. While there she led a team that won multiple awards for graphic design, website redesign, social media campaigns, and short films, including best film at the 2018 Lights, Camera, Liberty film festival. Prior to that, Melinda worked for the American Composites Manufacturers Association, where she successfully launched new media platforms and as a writer covered the renewable energy, aerospace, and R&D sectors and represented industry interests on press tours across Asia and Europe. Later, Melinda worked for the American Society of Interior Designers where she rebranded the Association's online, print, and event presence as well as its flagship magazine ICON, which was named Best Overall Magazine by the Association for Media & Publishing.
Melinda has an M.A. in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University, where she graduated cum laude, and earned her B.A. in International Relations from Brigham Young University with a minor in Spanish.
Melinda grew up in upstate New York and now lives in northern Virginia. She enjoys hiking, trying her hand at making macarons, and traveling - 40+ countries and counting.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Vice President of Renewables Edison Chouest Offshore
Job Titles:
- Senior Director for Policy & Outreach
Nancy Kirshner-Rodriguez serves as the Network's Western Director as well as coordinator of its Ports & Logistics Working group, and Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives. An experienced government relations and policy strategist, Nancy has worked as a strategic consultant to the Network since November 2018, expanding the organization's presence in western states including California, Oregon, and Washington as well as on federal legislative priorities.
Nancy has worked in Washington, D.C., Sacramento, and San Francisco where she managed federally funded programs, built and directed national and state coalitions, designed effective advocacy and communications strategies, and served as chief spokesperson on a variety of initiatives. Nancy's government roles range from Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental relations at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and U.S. Department of Labor, to Director of Government Affairs for the City and County of San Francisco. She applies her extensive experience in local and regional planning, environment, energy, housing, infrastructure, and transportation policy development to support the growth of the offshore wind industry.
A committed civic leader, Nancy currently chairs the Board of Directors for Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation and the School of Environmental Leadership. Maintaining her passion for achieving equity in our public institutions, she is on the National Advisory Board for Emerge America. Nancy is also active in the Jewish community and serves as a Vice President of the National Council of Jewish Women - San Francisco Section. In May 2022, she was honored by JPAC with the Barbara Yaroslavsky Civic Leadership Award.
A graduate of Mount Holyoke College with a B.A. in Politics, Nancy received the Alumnae Medal of Honor in recognition of her years of service to the college. She currently resides in San Rafael, California with her husband, daughter, and dog Kona. Nancy loves to travel across the U.S. and has been to 42 states and counting.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Vice President - Service Delivery PanGeo Subsea
Job Titles:
- Creative Director
- Network As Creative Director
Nick DeMichele joined the Network as Creative Director in 2022. He leads design and visual branding for Network events, resources, and operations.
Nick began his career in design working with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profits in Washington, D.C., providing design support for fundraising, organizational publications, advertising, and a variety of events. He has partnered with the Network as a contractor, providing design assistance for the International Partnering Forum (IPF) and other Network events. Previously, Nick served on the design team at a corporate headquarters in Frederick, Maryland, providing daily design deliverables to a nationwide franchise system and four distinct service brands. While there, Nick led the visual redesign of an ecommerce website, oversaw redesigns of cornerstone organizational documents, and contributed to business development research and opportunities across the country.
Nick has an M.B.A. in management from Frostburg State University, where he graduated summa cum laude with program honors, and earned his B.S. in political science and English, with a minor in journalism.
Nick grew up in Allegany County, Maryland and now lives in Frederick, Maryland. He spent time teaching at the undergraduate level in mainland China, and enjoys woodworking, travel, and historical fiction.
Job Titles:
- Director for Integrated Systems
- Network in 2018 As a Communications Coordinator
Ryan Murphy joined the Network in 2018 as a communications coordinator and in 2021, he became the director for Integrated Systems. Ryan manages the adoption of the communications and information technology systems that advance the Network's programs, projects, products, services, and research activities.
Ryan began his professional career in communications after completing an internship at Baltimore-based City Seeds, a non-profit that supports equal opportunity employment in underdeveloped areas. While there, he also gained experience in communications and marketing, information technology, and stakeholder engagement. Ryan has been interested in and surrounded by environmental policy throughout his life, making offshore wind renewable energy and the Business Network a natural fit.
Ryan graduated from Santa Clara University with a B.A. in Marketing with an emphasis on digital design and a minor in Information Systems. When not behind a computer, Ryan is outside climbing, testing his will against nature, or playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends. He's a self-proclaimed certified Game Master who weaves narrative elements into epic journeys.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Member of the Board of Directors
- President
Job Titles:
- Oceantic 's Senior Vice President of Market and Policy Strategy
- Senior Vice President of Market and Policy Strategy
Sam Salustro serves as Oceantic's Senior Vice President of Market and Policy Strategy, where he leads the organization's external and government affairs, and policy development. He authors or leads development of the Network's regular market update reports and oversees production and strategy of the Network's other written products. In 2022, he co-authored Advancing Policy Measures to Drive Development of the Domestic Offshore Supply Chain, produced for Labor Energy Partnership (LEP) Offshore Wind Workforce. The report analyzes current policies and barriers to developing the offshore wind industry and details federal and state policies that could further the industry and domestic supply chain.
Prior to joining Oceantic, Sam spent more than a decade on political campaigns and within state governments, including as a senior advisor to Governor Martin O'Malley of Maryland during his time in office and on his presidential campaign. Sam has an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago with concentrations in economics, finance, and strategic relations and a B.A. from Boston University, double majoring in History and International Relations.
When not in the office, you can find Sam at Camden Yards or cheering on the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Sam works on his other passions during the baseball offseason - cooking and hiking.
Job Titles:
- Manager for Supply Chain Research
Sam Tirone joined the Oceantic Network in 2021 as an intern and soon after joined the Network as its manager for Supply Chain Research. Sam works on all supply chain related efforts for the Network, including grant work, research papers, analysis, and supply chain events. He facilitated the inaugural ‘Meet the Buyer' Supplier Day event at 2022 IPF in Atlantic City, New Jersey and contributed to the Demand for a Domestic Offshore Wind Energy Supply Chain report.
Sam earned a B.S. in Finance and Supply Chain Management at the University of Maryland's Smith School of Business. Before joining the Network, he worked on the outbound logistics team for a small apparel company in Maryland, gaining hands-on experience while enhancing his supply chain expertise.
A Maryland native, Sam currently resides in Baltimore and works out of the Network's office headquarters. As an undergraduate, he had the opportunity to participate in two study abroad programs in Italy and Australia/New Zealand. He loves the outdoors, whether playing soccer with friends, traveling the world, or going on a week-long hiking trip around Mt. Rainier.
Job Titles:
- Business Development Coordinator
- Business Development Coordinator at the Oceantic Network
Sarah Jefferson is a Business Development Coordinator at the Oceantic Network. In this role she works closely with both the Events and Membership teams to coordinate exhibit logistics and sponsorships of all Network events.
Sarah began studying business management with a focus on entrepreneurship at Plymouth State University in 2020. During her time there, she served as a University System Student Board Representative to the University System of New Hampshire Board of Trustees, was president-elect of the University's Social Entrepreneurship Club, and served several executive board positions in her sorority. In 2022 Sarah transferred to Southern New Hampshire University where she is finishing her bachelor's degree in business management, focused on organizational leadership and international business.
Sarah has a passion for cooking and baking. In her free time Sarah enjoys kayaking on Newfound Lake and lounging around with her cat Nala.
Shane Taylor joined the Network in 2021 as an administrative intern and, in 2023, he transitioned to his current role as administrative assistant. Shane helps coordinate travel and meeting scheduling, plans office events, and performs other administrative tasks as needed.
Shane began his undergraduate studies as a public policy major with an environmental policy concentration at University of Delaware. He is now a senior at Towson University, where he is majoring in political science and minoring in Chinese language studies. After graduation, he plans to spend time in Malaysia visiting family and improving his Mandarin through immersion before continuing to work within the offshore wind industry.
Outside of work, he's often playing Pokémon, reading books, listening to podcasts, or out in the woods doing trail runs with his dog, Jackson. In the winter, Shane enjoys spending time on the slopes snowboarding.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Stephanie Francoeur joined the Network in June 2024 to provide strategic and operational leadership for the organization's marketing and communications efforts, developing comprehensive strategies that help achieve the Network's business goals. Working closely with the leadership team to advance the Network's mission, visibility, and reputation, Stephanie's team manages all corporate communications functions and drives awareness of U.S. market and supply chain intelligence, products, and services for its members and the wider ocean renewables industries.
She brings two decades of corporate and crisis communications and marketing experience, holding leadership positions within the energy, consumer goods, and non-profit sectors. Most recently at Ørsted, a global renewable energy developer, Stephanie oversaw project and crisis communications initiatives and social media strategy for the company's U.S. portfolio and senior leadership.
Stephanie holds an M.A. in Integrated Marketing Communications from Emerson College and a B.S. in Business Administration & Marketing from the University of New Hampshire. Stephanie serves as a volunteer board member for Granite United Way's Seacoast Community Impact Committee and for her community's youth sports association.
She calls the Seacoast of New Hampshire home with her husband and two sons. She's a true Boston sports fan who appreciates a good cup of coffee, a book at the beach, and any show on the Food Network
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Member of the Board of Directors
Tim Sullivan CEO | New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
Job Titles:
- Manager of Finance & Administration
Veronica joined the Network in November 2022 and serves as an Accounts Receivable Associate, and has been promoted to Manager of Finance and Administration. She works closely with the finance and membership teams and is responsible for invoicing all our members.
Veronica began working in finance when she was in high school completing tasks like payroll. All her positions since then have been related to accounts receivable. Altogether, Veronica brings nearly ten years of experience working in accounts receivable.
She graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor's degree in international relations. Finance was never her formal career path; everything she has learned has been taught through her previous work experience.
Veronica was born and raised in the Network's home city of Baltimore. When she's not at work, she's out and about exploring the city with her French Bulldog.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Business Development Manager - Renewables, US Seaway 7