Having founded Maritime Blue during his time as Governor Jay Inslee’s Maritime Sector Lead for the State of Washington, Joshua was appointed as President & CEO to help lead the organization’s growth and leadership in the global Blue Economy. As a strategic alliance to accelerate innovation for a sustainable and inclusive maritime and ocean economy, Joshua works at home and abroad to support economic growth, address climate action, and serve communities’ interests.

 

Formerly, Joshua’s role with the state served as a policy liaison between maritime industry stakeholders, the Governor’s office, the legislature, and state agencies. As the Associate Director of the Sector Lead program and Maritime Economic Development, he focused on building public/private partnerships and ensuring a 21st-century workforce. In his role, Joshua managed the development of Washington State’s Strategy for the Blue Economy for a sustainable, decarbonized maritime industry alongside the development of the Maritime Innovation Center.

 

Joshua serves on multiple Boards and Advisory Committees supporting maritime and ocean clean technology, innovation, and ocean literacy. Before joining the Department of Commerce in 2015, Joshua served as the founding Director of the Washington Maritime Federation and brings extensive maritime industry experience to his position. During his career, he has developed a successful record of leadership in a number of positions including: Maritime Sector Business Development Manager for the Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County; Program Director and Marine Operations Manager at The Evergreen State College; and E3 Regional and Network Coordinator for the Environmental Education Association of Washington

 

Joshua earned a master’s degree from Antioch University Seattle in Participatory Planning. He is also a licensed and professional Merchant Mariner having worked in the towing industry and aboard traditional sailing ships as platforms for education and training, including nearly ten years as Captain and Restoration Project Manager of the historic schooner Adventuress. He lives in Seattle, WA, raising his children as sailors and stewards with his wife, Miranda.

 

Maritime Blue is a strategic alliance propelling the Pacific Northwest toward global leadership in ocean-based innovation. We foster collaboration among industry, government, academia, communities, and investors to create sustainable maritime and ocean industries. We empower our region to thrive in the Blue Economy by accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship, centering equity, addressing climate change, restoring marine ecosystems, and building a diverse workforce. Strategic focus areas include maritime decarbonization, renewable ocean energy, sustainable fisheries and seafood, healthy ocean ecosystems, and digital solutions.