Organizational Structure

MARAD uses a Secretariat, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), to operate the USCMI. The Secretariat manages the research program, engagement with working groups and all types of stakeholders, and various administration functions of the Center. 

Role of the Secretariat

The Secretariat is the engine that drives the operation of the USCMI and execution of the research and demonstration priorities established with MARAD. The Secretariat has three major functional areas in addition to the technical contributions of the Secretariat in helping to carry out the research agenda:

  1. Managing the collaboration of stakeholders and the associated working groups on major themes for the USCMI,

  2. Managing the specific research projects authorized by MARAD and supported by stakeholders, and

  3. Performing administrative functions to support the overall operation of the USCMI. 

The Secretariat-led activities include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Development and expansion of coalition/stakeholder engagement

  • Multi-year research agenda

  • Annual research plans (aligned to strategic research priorities and available budgets)

  • Structuring, initiating, and overseeing specific projects (including management of project funds)

  • Overall management of administrative functions for the USCMI

  • Reporting on USCMI progress and performance

  • Driving growth and impact of the USCMI

Role of Working Groups and Panels

The USCMI engages a wide range of stakeholders in its activities through various working groups and panels. These activities include the following:

  • Gathering information on important issues and challenges associated with the MTS

  • Understanding the current state of practice and ongoing development work in areas aligned to the strategic priorities for the USCMI (i.e., providing input to a clearinghouse of information warehouse of best practices)

  • Soliciting input on future collaborative research and demonstration project ideas in various topic areas

  • Reviewing and commenting on active and/or recently completed research projects

  • Engaging in technology transfer from the USCMI

  • Providing suggestions on how research can be most beneficial and widely distributed.

Stakeholder Engagement

The USCMI aims to develop extensive stakeholder engagement from multiple perspectives related to the MTS. While all are welcome to participate in its activities, the Secretariat strives to communicate with and engage key stakeholders in a coalition of active participants, including the following types of organizations:

  • Regional/national non-profit organizations already working maritime initiatives

  • Maritime schools and training organizations

  • Research colleges and universities

  • National laboratories and FFRDCs

  • Industry associations

  • Various types of NGOs

  • Specialist service organizations

  • Vessel Owner/Operators

  • Maritime Terminal Operators

  • Port Authorities

  • Shipbuilding and ship repair organizations (and their supply chains)

  • Organizations representing mariners and marine workers

Points of Contact

MARAD

Daniel Yuska

Director, Office of Environment and innovation

Carolyn Junemann

Environmental Protection Specialist

Afnan Khairullah

Environmental Protection Specialist

ABS

David Walker

VP, Global Government Services | Executive Director for USCMI

Domenic Carlucci

VP, Global Government Services | Operations Director for USCMI

Crystal Duplechin

Government Contracts Manager | Business/Contracts Manager for USCMI