Storms, Flooding & Sea Level Defense November Conference 2024
Robert Bergstrom
CEO, OceanWell (Desalination Off California Coast)
Robert is the CEO and founder of OceanWell, a water technology company developing scalable, modular deep-sea water farms to deliver a new climate-resilient supply of freshwater. By harnessing natural ocean pressure at depths of 400 meters, OceanWell’s subsea systems produce drinking water with significantly lower energy use and environmental impact than traditional desalination.
A 25-year veteran of the water industry, Robert previously founded Seven Seas Water Group (NYSE: WAAS), which grew into a global $500 million, 500-person desalination company before being acquired by EQT. After retiring, the accelerating global water crisis drew him back to build OceanWell and explore a fundamentally new approach to water supply.
Under his leadership, OceanWell has advanced from concept to real-world validation, including prototype testing in the U.S. Navy’s Deep Ocean Simulation and pilot partnerships with public water agencies in California and Europe. The company is currently developing its first large-scale project, designed to deliver tens of millions of gallons of drinking water per day, and is a competitor in the $119 million XPRIZE Water Scarcity Challenge.
Alex Butler
U.S. West Coast Representative, American Maritime Officers (Recruiting Next Maritime Generation)
Captain Butler is a 25-year member of AMO. Prior to working for the Union, Alex spent the past 16 straight years working onboard U.S. Maritime Administration Ready Reserve Force ships S.S.Keystone State, S.S. Gem State and S.S. Grand Canyon State, where he last sailed as Captain on his Unlimited Master’s License and led a voyage around the World.
Alex started out with AMO on passenger ships in Hawaii and enjoyed tramp shipping on Heavy-Lift ships as a Second Mate. He served in sealift missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He found working with the U.S. military in support of our troops to be deeply gratifying and has continued working in partnership with the U.S. Armed Forces throughout his career.
He graduated from The California Maritime Academy in 2001 and returned to earn his Master’sof Science in Transportation and Engineering Management, with a focus on Humanitarian Disaster Management in 2019.
Edward Carney
Marketing Manager, AYK Marine Energy (Battery-Powered Ferries)
Edward Carney is Global Head of Sales and marketing for AYK Energy. He is a Graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He has close to 40 years’ experience, in the maritime industry almost half that time spent at sea as a marine engineer working on various vessel types throughout his career . He came ashore working as a head of technical operations for a large Cruise line before getting into marine electrification. For the last 10 years he has been involved exclusively in marine batteries.
AYK Energy is a leading marine energy storage provider, founded by Chris Kruger AYK has supplied state of the art energy storage systems to more than 200 vessels, operating all over the world. Most recently AYK won an order to supply 3 batteries of 55MWH each for Danish Ferry operator Molslinjen for 3 high speed catamaran Ferries. They have also supplied batteries for the worlds most powerful electric tug, The Svitzer Balder pulling more than 88ton BP on batteries alone.
Jennifer Cohen
Vice President Government Relations, Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (California Streamlined Permitting)
Jennifer Cohen is a seasoned leader in transportation policy and government relations. She currently serves as Vice President of Government Relations at the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) working on state policy as well as local and regional issues impacting California ports. Prior to joining PMSA, she held pivotal roles at Tesla, the Port of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, where she led advocacy on issues ranging from goods movement and trade to electric and autonomous vehicle policy. She holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts from UCLA, and was awarded a prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship for her research on transportation technology deployment.
Martin Curtin
Chief Executive Officer, Curtin Maritime (Battery Powered Tugboats)
Martin founded Curtin Maritime Corp. (CMC) in 1997. Martin is a tugboat captain by trade, but his knowledge of the marine landscape is much broader than the view from the wheelhouse. The evolution and growth of CMC is the direct result of Martin’s vision and vast industry knowledge. Over his 28-year career, Martin has successfully designed and executed projects of all kinds. From complicated tows, large and small vessel salvage, deep water work, subsea cables and pipelines to dredging, Martin brings needed innovation to existing practices. This constant evolution of process and creativity captures efficiencies and drives value for the customer.
Peter Dreyfuss
Chief Operating Officer, Watermaster North America (Single Operator Dredger)
Peter Dreyfuss and his brother Jonathan founded Watermaster North America, LLC, a US company which has the exclusive franchise for the US and Canada to import components of the Watermaster Amphibious Dredger from Finland, with a hull manufactured in Michigan. This Jones Act compliant dredger Finland is a 5th generation machine currently being used in over 70 countries.
The AMD 5000 can be driven to a worksite on a standard lowboy trailer, and can then walk off the trailer and into the water, where it is propeller driven to a work site. Powered by a Caterpillar Acert C7.1 Tier 4 engine, this suction cutter-dredger can pump 20-30% slurry up to a mile away through 10” piping, and further with booster pumps.
This machine can be viewed in action at our website www.watermasterna.com.
Jim Gillis
Pacific Region President, IMC Logistics (50 Tesla Semi Truck Deployment)
Jim Gillis serves as the Pacific Region President at IMC Logistics, with his career in drayage spanning several critical hubs, including the Gulf and Pacific. Jim is known in the industry as the authority on California’s dynamic market and regulatory landscape, making him the expert in logistics and supply chain within the state. Jim’s forward-thinking strategy for sustainability and his blended approach to integrating both electric and hydrogen semi-truck technology is leading IMC toward a greener and more renewable future as a drayage carrier. Under his direction, the Pacific Region of IMC has grown to be the largest drayage provider in the state with over 500 trucks in the fleet in California servicing the West Coast, including the largest fleet of hydrogen trucks in the United States. IMC has operations in every major railhead and seaport in the US, and is the largest trucking company exclusively focused on international drayage.
Yarden Gross
Co-founder and CEO at Orca AI (Israel: Automated Ship Vision & Navigation Technology)
Yarden Gross is the co-founder and CEO of Orca AI, a maritime technology company transforming how vessels navigate through AI-powered situational awareness, automation, and real-time intelligence.
Under Gross’s leadership, Orca AI has developed an operations platform that helps commercial fleets navigate complex environments more safely and efficiently, while laying the groundwork for increasingly autonomous operations. These days the company is extending its technology to support naval, government, and maritime security missions.
Gross is driving the adoption of AI across the maritime sector, bridging commercial shipping and defense to advance the future of maritime operations, from safer navigation to autonomous capabilities at sea.
Chris Lambert
Director of Operations, TraPac, Oakland (New Liebherr STS Cranes)
Chris Lambert is Head of Operations at TraPac Oakland and leverages over a decade of experience in maritime and logistics operations, leading terminal strategies that prioritize safety, efficiency, and profitability. Chris joined TraPac in 2020 after a career at the Port of Virginia, applying a deep understanding of port operations and labor management to drive continuous improvement. Chris holds his Master’s in Maritime Trade from Old Dominion University and several trade certifications from the Association for Supply Chain Management.
Ryan Lansden
Head of Sustainability, APM Terminals, Los Angeles (Electrification Of Terminal Operations)
Ryan Lansden is the Director of Sustainability at APM Terminals Pacific LLC, overseeing sustainability initiatives at Pier 400 in Los Angeles—the largest container port terminal in the Western Hemisphere. APM Terminals operates a global network of more than 60 terminals in over 30 countries, enabling efficient and sustainable containerized cargo movement worldwide.
With two decades of experience at Pier 400, Ryan has held leadership roles in operations, Lean Six Sigma, and project management, giving him a deep understanding of terminal efficiency and innovation. In his current role, he spearheads strategic decarbonization programs, including the deployment of zero-emission cargo-handling equipment and electrification projects, aligning with global climate goals and industry transformation.
Ryan’s mission is to accelerate the maritime sector’s transition to a low-carbon future, leveraging technology, collaboration, and operational excellence to reduce emissions and enhance resilience. His work contributes to shaping the next generation of sustainable ports, positioning APM Terminals as a leader in environmental stewardship and supply chain innovation.
Ryan Lynch
Managing Partner, Maritime OIC (How Allied Shipbuilders Can Be A U.S. Shipbuilding Role Model)
Ryan Lynch is a maritime executive and industrial-policy economist focused on the advancement and resilience of the maritime-industrial base. His experience spans commodity trading, ship management, shipbuilding, infrastructure capital, economic security and maritime sovereignty.
As Managing Partner of the Maritime OIC group of companies, he advises investors and policy makers onallied maritime and shipbuilding capabilities. His firm’s investment efforts seek to empower the nuanced system understanding needed to rebuild American maritime adventures. Ryan is a Visiting Fellow at the National Center for Energy Analytics. Previously he served as President & CEO of Hanwha Shipping and a Managing Director within Gunvor Group. A fourth-generation American maritime advocate, he holds an MBA from MIT Sloan and a master’s in applied economics from the American University.
Stas Margaronis
President, Propeller Club of Northern California
Stas Margaronis is the California Ports Reporter for the American Journal of Transportation (AJOT).
Michael Martin
Executive Director, Port of San Francisco (Port Update)
Michael Martin serves as Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco, overseeing 7½ miles of waterfront from Fisherman’s Wharf to Heron’s Head Park. He leads the Port’s work to advance a safe, clean, and thriving waterfront that drives maritime and real estate activity, economic growth, and long-term prosperity through strong public-private and interagency partnerships.
With nearly two decades of service to the City and County of San Francisco, Martin brings deep experience delivering complex waterfront real estate and economic development initiatives, including Mission Rock, Pier 48, the Southern Bayfront Strategy, and the 34th America’s Cup Regatta. He is responsible for the strategic oversight of the Port’s diverse portfolio and is committed to building partnerships that strengthen Port business, support jobs, and deliver lasting public benefit.
He earned his Juris Doctor degree with honors from The George Washington University Law School and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Notre Dame. A San Francisco resident, he enjoys spending time with his family along the waterfront and at many of the city’s iconic destinations.
Kristi McKenney
Executive Director, Port of Oakland (Green Port Update)
Kristi McKenney was named Executive Director at the Port of Oakland on March 1, 2025, by the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners, the Port’s seven-member governing body. Her appointment represents a natural transition from her previous role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) which she held since Feb. 5, 2020. Ms. McKenney is the first woman to serve as Executive Director in the Port of Oakland’s 99-year history.
During her tenure as COO, Ms. McKenney played a crucial role in managing operations during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was vital in securing hundreds of millions of dollars in state and federal grants to promote a more sustainable Port. Her leadership in developing and implementing the zero emissions strategy for the Port of Oakland has positioned the Port at the forefront of the industry, earning it global recognition. Her efforts to engage the community in the planning and operation of Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport have allowed it to navigate its growth responsibly and transparently.
As COO, Ms. McKenney oversaw Port operations including Engineering Services, Environmental Programs and Planning, Utilities, and Information Technology. Prior to being the COO, she was the Assistant Director of Aviation at the Port’s Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) since 2014. Ms. McKenney has championed women engineers within the Port of Oakland, resulting in many, alongside herself, holding key technical and management positions.
A graduate of San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautics, Ms. McKenney received her Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. She is the 2025/2026 recipient of the Women’s Transportation Seminar SF-Bay Chapter“Woman of the Year Award” and is a member of the UC Berkeley Civil and Environmental Engineering Department Academy of Distinguished Alumni.
Dr. Sinem Ogis
Vice President, Marsh (Energy) & Chair, Propeller Club of Oslo, Norway (United Nations: IMO Net Zero Emission Rules for Shipping)
Dr. Sinem Ogis is Vice President in the Energy Department at Marsh Norway, where she advises clients across the energy and maritime sectors on risk management, insurance, and strategic challenges. With nearly 15 years of international experience across eight countries, she combines deep expertise in English maritime and commercial law with a strong commercial and regulatory perspective. Her background spans maritime and commercial law, decarbonization, EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime, IMO MARPOL, and UK ETS, as well as international regulatory engagement through the IMO Legal Committee and MEPC. Dr. Ogis is Founder and Chair of the Propeller Club of Norway, and 2nd Vice President of the International Propeller Club. She holds an LL.M. from the University of Southampton and Ph.D. at the University of Augsburg.
Charlie Papavizas
U.S. Maritime Attorney, Winston, Taylor (Ships Act)
Chair of the firm’s top-ranked maritime and admiralty practice, Charlie is nationally recognized in major legal directories. Chambers USA ranks him as the only “Star Individual” in the category of “Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory,” who is “the Dean of the maritime bar” and “the godfather of maritime law.” He is widely known for his experience with Jones Act laws and the U.S. offshore wind industry.
Charlie focuses his practice on administrative, legislative, and finance matters, primarily in the maritime industry generally and the U.S. offshore wind industry in particular. He has been actively engaged in the U.S. offshore wind sector since 2009 and counsels numerous clients working in various aspects of the industry, including obtaining the first Jones Act offshore wind-related ruling in 2010.
Charlie is frequently consulted on the application of U.S.-flag laws and regulations, particularly the application of U.S. coastwise laws (Jones Act) to cargo, passenger, and vessel movements and investments in U.S. companies.
He has extensive experience in advocacy on behalf of maritime clients before various federal agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Maritime Administration, and the U.S. Congress. Such clients have included U.S. and foreign vessel owners and operators, industrial companies, private equity firms, commercial banks, and other financial institutions, shipyards, ship managers, and marine equipment suppliers.
Clay Sandidge
Senior Director Business Development & Sales, Capstone Energy (Turbines)
Clay A. Sandidge leads commercial and project development initiatives for Capstone Energy+, a premier manufacturer of clean energy microturbines designed for high-efficiency power generation using diverse gaseous fuels, including hydrogen. Leveraging 40 years of expertise across energy, environmental infrastructure, ports, and industrial technology, Clay drives the deployment of versatile, scalable microturbine solutions that enable clients to navigate the clean energy transition, reduce emissions, and enhance reliability and resilience.
Matt Schrap
Chief Commercial Officer, Forum Mobility (Battery Powered Tesla Semis & Charging Stations)
Matt Schrap currently holds the position of Chief Commercial Officer for Forum Mobility Inc.
Prior to joining Forum, Matt was the CEO of the Harbor Trucking Association (HTA), the largest Drayage focused Association in the United States. Matt worked closely with fellow supply chain stakeholders along with local, state and federal regulators on a multitude of issues impacting drayage movements on the USWC.
As HTA’s CEO from June 2021 through August 2025, Matt was featured on several national news programs including 60 Minutes, ABC Nightly News, Fox News, CNBC, PBS News Hour, Bloomberg TV, National Public Radio, California Insider, Road Dog Trucking Radio on SiriusXM and a host of other local network affiliates.
Even in his current role, Matt has continued to remain a trusted voice on state and federal policy issues and their influence on supply-chain efficiency constraints within the drayage industry.
Prior to joining HTA, he was VP of Government Programs for the Velocity Vehicle Group of Companies (VVG), where he educated equipment owners, dealership personnel and finance institutions on air quality regulatory policy and incentive programs for Heavy Duty trucks operating across the United States.
Before his time at VVG, Matt was the Director of Environmental Affairs and Intermodal Conferences for the California Trucking Association (CTA). He took the role at CTA after completing the Center for California Studies, Senate Fellows Program in 2005.
Matt is a lecturer and instructor for the College of Professional and Continuing Education, Global Logistics Professional Designation at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) and holds an MA in Public Policy Administration from CSULB and a BA in Government from California State University, Sacramento.
Gene Seroka
Executive Director, Port of Los Angeles (V. Thomas Bridge Expansion & Green Shipping Corridors)
Gene Seroka is the Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, the busiest container port in North America. The Port has experienced a series of record-breaking performances since his appointment, which was confirmed by the Los Angeles City Council in June 2014. In addition to setting multiple monthly and quarterly cargo records, Los Angeles is the first and only port in the Western Hemisphere to process more than 10 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in a year – a milestone the Port has achieved three times.
As Executive Director, Seroka interacts with a wide range of stakeholders, including Port customers around the globe, industry partners, elected and appointed officials at all levels, business leaders, community organizations and residents. A respected global trade expert, Seroka has advocated for rules-based trade agreements that benefit American exporters and manufacturers.
Seroka has distinguished himself as a leader throughout his illustrious career in shipping, global logistics and executive management. In 2026, he received the LA Ports Cooperative Agreement Changemaker of the Year Bizzi Award from BizFed for accelerating zero-emissions operations across the port complex. In 2024, the Los Angeles Times profiled Seroka as part of its “L.A. Influential” series, a collection of the city’s top leaders. In 2023, he received the esteemed Stanley T. Olafson Award from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, recognizing his work in the world trade industry and leadership of the nation’s busiest container port. Also, in 2023, the Asian American Architects/Engineering Association honored him with its President Award.
The Containerization & Intermodal Institute named Seroka the 2021 recipient of the Connie Award, one the most coveted honors in the maritime industry. Lloyd’s List has recognized him as the preeminent source on the supply chain, which earned him a spot in the 2021 Top 100 most influential people in shipping. Also, in 2021, the Inland Empire Economic Partnership honored him with its Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing decades of leadership and accomplishments in the supply chain, logistics and maritime industry.
Supply Chain Dive named Seroka Executive of the Year in 2020 for his leadership throughout the pandemic. He has been named one of the most influential people in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Business Journal and featured on the LA500 list each year since 2016.
As chief of America’s top port, Seroka is responsible for managing a $3.4 billion budget, advancing major capital projects, growing trade volume and promoting innovative, sustainable practices that strengthen the region’s economy. Under his direction, the Port has taken a leadership role in adopting cutting-edge technologies to improve the reliability, predictability and efficiency of the flow of cargo across global seaborne trade.
Seroka oversaw the Port’s launch of the first-of-its-kind digital information portal, Port Optimizer™, and has championed for ports around the world to share critical supply chain data and analytics. He’s leading the Port’s efforts to reach ambitious goals for zero-emission cargo-handling equipment and heavy-duty trucks over the next decade. He’s also overseeing the Port’s international green and digital shipping corridor partnerships with China, Japan, Singapore, and Vietnam.
Under Seroka’s direction, the Port created a Public Access Investment Plan in 2015 and has funded more than $230 million in public-serving waterfront infrastructure. He’s overseen an unprecedented number of community and visitor-serving projects along the LA Waterfront, including the public-private partnership with West Harbor, a major retail and dining development project.
While serving as Executive Director, Seroka has been appointed to serve on five federal committees to enhance the speed and efficiency of cargo movement and supply chain optimization, including the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee, U.S. Department of Commerce Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness, U.S. Maritime Administration Marine Transportation System National Advisory Committee, Federal Maritime Commission Supply Chain Innovation Team and U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation’s former Port Performance Freight Statistics Working Group.
Seroka has also prioritized training and workforce development in the goods movement sector. He has spearheaded the planned Port of Los Angeles Goods Movement Training Campus, which will provide a centralized location to attract, recruit, and retain workers in the logistics industry.
Seroka currently serves as Vice President for North America of the International Association of Ports and Harbors and on the Boards of Directors for the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority, California Association of Ports Authorities and Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the Advisory Board for Mobility 21, the Southern California Transportation Coalition. A proponent of industry education, Seroka serves on the Northwestern University Transportation Center Business Advisory Council, UCLA Anderson Forecast Board of Advisors and University of New Orleans Alumni Board of Directors.
Seroka’s footing in the maritime industry was established as a sales support representative at American President Lines (APL) Limited’s Cincinnati office in 1988. After several key overseas positions in China, Indonesia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, he returned to the U.S. in 2010 to become President – Americas for the shipping line in Phoenix where he managed APL’s Liner Shipping business, including 1,000 employees, and was responsible for all commercial, port terminal, intermodal, land transportation and labor activities throughout the region.
Seroka holds an MBA and Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of New Orleans.
Heather Tomley
Managing Director of Planning and Environmental Affairs, Port of Long Beach
Heather Tomley is Managing Director of Planning and Environmental Affairs for the Port of Long Beach, California, named to the post in 2019, leading the Port’s Environmental Planning, Master Planning and Transportation Planning divisions. She joined the Port in 2005 as an Environmental Planning Associate and was promoted through the ranks to Director of Environmental Planning in 2014.
The Planning Bureau’s portfolio includes efforts to implement Green Port Policy, protect habitat, improve air and water quality, manage stormwater, adapt to climate change, implement the Port’s energy initiatives, manage the Community Grants Program, find transportation efficiencies, seek and manage grants for transportation infrastructure and environmental projects, analyze traffic patterns and identify rail improvements, plan for future land uses, and facilitate strategic planning.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Tomley served as a Project Scientist with SCS Engineers and an Air Quality Specialist for the San Luis Obispo County (Calif.) Air Pollution Control District.
Ms. Tomley earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and her Master of Science in Environmental Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Justin Taschek
Senior Maritime Project Administrator, Port of Oakland (Turning Basins)
Bio (to come)
Koen van Eig
Advisor, Zes Battery Systems (Netherlands: Battery Powered Inland Waterway Vessels)
Advisor and former managing director of Zero Emmission Services, the first company utilizing swappable battery containers for inland shipping.
Co-founding partner of Darel Consultancy and Darel Education. Darel is solely focusing on energy transition projects: large capital, FOAK-s, start-up ecosystems. The Port of Rotterdam is a key customer.
Koen has enjoyed a long standing career, switching between entrepreneurial, managerial and consulting roles, with an international background (Europe, Australia and Asia).
Tony Zhong
Chief Information Security Officer, Port of Los Angeles (Port Cyber Security)
Tony Zhong serves as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at the Port of Los Angeles, where he leads the Port’s cybersecurity strategy and operations. In this role, Tony oversees the Cybersecurity Program, the Cyber Security Operations Center (CSOC), and the Cyber Resilience Center (CRC), ensuring robust protection for critical infrastructure, supply chains, digital assets, and essential services.
With a career dedicated to safeguarding critical systems, Tony drives strategic initiatives that align cybersecurity with organizational objectives while managing operational resilience and incident response. He actively collaborates with public and private organizations on cyber initiatives, fostering partnerships that strengthen global maritime security.
Tony currently chairs the CRC Executive and Technical Committees, co-chairs the ChainPort Cybersecurity Committee with international ports, and co-chairs the Cybersecurity Committee for the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). Recognized as a subject matter expert across multiple cybersecurity disciplines, Tony holds numerous industry certifications and is a trusted advisor on cyber risk management and resilience.