For the United States, November has our Thanksgiving, and I would like to start by thanking all of you have volunteered on MTS efforts. Thank you to the Section and Committee leaders, the 2021 MTS Awards Committee, 2021 Board Nominating Committee, academic advisors for our Student Sections, the Captain Don Walsh joint (with SUT) selection panel, Local Organizing Committees for OCEANS 2021-2024, Editorial board, Woman Leaders in Technology and Science organizing committee, the many presenters on our webinars, board members, and thank you to the fabulous HQ team who keeps MTS moving forward.

I would also like to thank Dr. Kathleen Herndon for her efforts as the MTS Director. She has been the MTS Executive Director for three years and her contract concludes in January 2022. As the Society continues to evolve, the MTS Board determined that the MTS ED needs significant marine technology experience and expertise to advance our goals. As of 10 November, we have opened the search for the new Executive Director. The position description and how to apply can be seen HERE. We ask each of you to distribute this widely.

We thank Katie for her service to MTS. In particular, we would like to recognize her tremendous effort in setting up MTS’ CMarTech and CMarSci programs. She will begin her transition on 27 November and will complete her duties as MTS ED at that time. Starting 27 November, Kristina Norman will be Acting Executive Director.

Let me add my congratulations to the 2021 MTS Awardees. A distinguished and well deserving group. It is not too early about thinking nominations for next year.

Let me thank Mike Pinto who will leave the board after six years of outstanding service. He has always gone above-and-beyond and we will miss him. We welcome BACK Debbie Kill, who returns as MTS’ VP of Budget and Finance.

Don’t miss the final MTS/The Ocean Exchange jointly sponsored Blue Economy panel Medicines and Therapeutics from the Sea on December 1. Register here. 

Welcome to our new Institutional member Caribbean Oceanography Aquaculture and Subsea Technology Foundation and Life Member Leigh McCue, George Mason University.

I always welcome hearing for you. Please reach out to me at [email protected].

Best Regards,

Zdenka

Zdenka Willis

President, MTS