A 5th advisory committee for Green Marine: welcome to the South East Advisory Committee
On July 8th, one year after an exploratory meeting, Green Marine held the inaugural meeting of its fifth regional advisory committee, formally establishing the South East Advisory Committee (SEAC). Bringing together 18 organizations representing the maritime industry along the Gulf Coast and the southeastern United States, this new committee broadens the collaborative approach that distinguishes Green Marine's environmental certification program.
The idea for a regional advisory committee took shape during an exploratory meeting held on June 9, 2025, alongside GreenTech 2025 in New Orleans. Representatives from marine terminals, port authorities, shipyards, research institutions, environmental organizations, industry associations and other supporting members gathered to review Green Marine's Advisory Committee Terms of Reference and its annual program development process.
Participants quickly agreed that an advisory committee would provide valuable opportunities for engagement and leadership while ensuring regional priorities, such as underwater noise, are better reflected in the program. Every attendee expressed interest in taking part in a future advisory committee.
Regional participation has been at the heart of Green Marine's program since its inception. Advisory committees guide the program's review and development priorities by highlighting local environmental issues of particular concern. Before adopting a change to the program, Green Marine calls on each committee to share its insight based on regional realities, ensuring that new criteria take all participants into account.
Bringing together representatives from diverse perspectives, advisory committees are a major part of Green Marine's collaborative success. With the creation of the South East Advisory Committee, Green Marine now counts five regional committees, alongside those representing the St. Lawrence, the Great Lakes, the North Atlantic and the West Coast.
The inaugural committee comprises 18 members: 12 (67%) are from the industry (Green Marine Participants or Association members), 5 (28%) are Green Marine Supporters, and 1 is a Green Marine accredited verifier.
- Mark Berte, Alabama Coastal Foundation (ACF)
- Gretchen Barrera, Alabama Port Authority
- Ian Gansler, American Association of Port Authorities
- Michael Breslin, American Waterways Operators
- Bob Musser, Canaveral Port Authority
- Thomas Springer, Carlsen Mooring and Marine Services LLC
- Sydney Leimbach, Center for Transportation and Environment
- Kiersten Stanzel, Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program
- Todd Merendino, Ducks Unlimited Inc.
- Ali DySard, Environmental Defense Fund
- Joanne Caldwell, Georgia Ports Authority
- Hal Hendry, Hendry Marine Industries
- Mathew Burus, Metro Ports
- Tom Carow, NABRICO Marine Products
- Sarah Garza, Port of Corpus Christi
- Emily Federer, Port of New Orleans
- Kelli Hardesty, Ports America
- Randy Helland, Green Marine Accredited Verifier