Mike Cortese

Founder

Mike is an experienced professional with 21 years of experience in the United States Coast Guard and 10 years of experience in contracting and consulting. He served at several training centers and in command positions at Small Boat Stations and Sectors. His last tour of duty was as Chief of Response (Director of Operations) for one of the largest Sectors in the Coast Guard. His areas of expertise are in response plans, operations, emergency response and vessel/facility security. He holds a Master’s of Science degree in Environmental Management from American Military University, a Master’s of Science degree in Instructional Design from Florida State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business with minors in Finance and Accounting from Virginia Military Institute.  
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Patrick Smith

Founder

Patrick Smith has over three decades of experience in the maritime industry. He managed the regulatory compliance and vetting program for one of the largest tug and barge companies with over 130 vessels and 4000 barges. He has served as Chairman of the Board for the Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau; one of the primary Third-Party Organizations for the inland towing industry. As an officer in the Coast Guard, he negotiated international agreements while serving under the U.S. Ambassador to Canada and supervised 9 commands with over 350 personnel as Chief of Response of Sector Houston-Galveston. He is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and has an MBA from Loyola College in Maryland with highest honors.

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