Maritime Administration Virtual Event: "Creating Culture Change: From Intent to Action"

Due to audio issues, initial minutes of the panel are unavailable. For the full transcript, please contact maradpressoffice@dot.gov.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) Acting Administrator Lucinda Lessley hosted a virtual, discussion panel titled “Creating Culture Change: From Intent to Action” with leaders from the U.S. Coast Guard, maritime industry, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and merchant marine alums on April 26, 2022 focusing on fostering shipboard culture that promotes fair and dignified treatment of all on board.  

The panel event included three panelists, women leaders with deep experiences in the maritime industry, legal, and safety community. The panelists were:  
•    Rear Admiral Nancy Hann, Director, NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) and Director, NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps 
•    Rear Admiral Melissa Bert, Judge Advocate General & Chief Counsel, U.S. Coast Guard 
•    Ally Cedeno, Women Offshore, US Merchant Marine Academy graduate 
 
Each shared their experiences on current challenges within the industry, focusing on way to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in a safe way for the next generation of mariners. The most prominent theme discussed around the culture topic was on transparency – transparency within organizational policies, communication practices, and accountability systems.