Hometown: Harbour Breton, NL

Current: Mount Pearl, NL

Employer: Oceanex Inc.

Program: Nautical Science

Graduation Year: 1981

Career Achievements

• At age 19, was one of the youngest in Canada to receive the 2nd Mate Certificate (1975)
• Bronze Medal winner of Master Intermediate Trade ON1 (1978-1979)
• Appointed Honorary Consul to Newfoundland and Labrador and Territory of Nunavut for Finland (2018)
• Received Honorary Degree from Memorial University (2013)
• Awarded Queen’s Jubilee Medal (2013)
• Inducted to the Order of Newfoundland (2012)
• Awarded NOIA’s (Newfoundland’s Oil & Gas Industry Association) Outstanding Contribution Award (2012)
• Inducted to the Newfoundland and Labrador Business Hall of Fame (2011)
• Named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine (2002, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)
• Awarded “Medal of Merit” by the Association of Canadian Port Authorities (2010)
• Appointed Honorary Captain(Navy) by the Department of National Defence (2010)
• Tourism Association of Newfoundland & Labrador “Ambassador of Newfoundland and Labrador Hospitality Award (2004)
• National Transportation Week’s Award of Merit (2003)
• Named “Transportation Person of the Year” by St. John’s Board of Trade (1993)

“I have always had a passion for the marine industry. I received my marine education from the Marine Institute, which was the start of a long and very successful career in this industry. My businesses have all been related to this area, and I have put all of my energy into building successful businesses. I thrive on challenges and my greatest satisfaction is when I achieve the goals I have set out for myself.

While it’s been almost 40 years since I graduated from the Marine Institute, in MI and the programs it delivers. I have had the opportunity to meet and work with so many talented individuals who have also received their introduction to the industry from MI. I thoroughly enjoy being involved with MI’s Industry Advisory Board and having the opportunity, from time to time, to attend graduations and scholarship presentations where we can all acknowledge the success of its students.”