Massachusetts Maritime Academy Executive and Leadership Team

Edward Vacha, the APA Chapter President at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, manages professional advocacy and faculty representation within the academic community. Overseeing the alignment of professional standards with institutional goals, the APA Chapter President facilitates communication between the faculty body and the administration. Edward Vacha coordinates initiatives that promote academic excellence and professional development for educators across the college. By fostering a collaborative environment, the APA Chapter President strengthens the collective voice of the faculty in shaping the future of maritime-related degree programs. This leadership role involves navigating complex organizational dynamics to ensure that faculty interests remain central to the strategic mission of the Academy. Through consistent engagement with academic leadership, Vacha supports the maintenance of high educational standards and the overall professional growth of the teaching staff within the regional maritime education landscape.

Scott Keller, the Corporate President & Founder & Pilot at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, directs the strategic vision and operational execution of specialized maritime training programs. Overseeing the integration of practical pilotage expertise with academic instruction, the Corporate President & Founder & Pilot ensures that students receive hands-on experience consistent with industry requirements. Scott Keller manages the deployment of training assets and maintains rigorous safety standards across all maritime operations. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, the Corporate President & Founder & Pilot drives the development of high-impact professional studies. This leadership role involves managing external partnerships and ensuring that the Academy remains at the forefront of maritime innovation. Through the application of extensive pilotage experience, Keller enhances the practical training capabilities of the institution, ensuring graduates possess the technical proficiency required for success in the global maritime industry.

Francis McDonald, the President at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, directs the overarching strategic mission and institutional growth of the college. Overseeing the expansion of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the President ensures that the Academy maintains its regional accreditation and academic reputation. Francis McDonald manages relationships with state stakeholders and industry partners to secure funding and support for maritime-related research. By prioritizing student success and career readiness, the President drives the development of curricula that meet the demands of the modern maritime workforce. This leadership role involves guiding the Board of Trustees and executive staff toward long-term financial and academic sustainability. Through the implementation of comprehensive institutional policies, McDonald fosters an environment of excellence, ensuring that the Academy continues to provide high-quality education in engineering, logistics, and environmental science to students across the region.

Richard Gurnon, the President at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, directs the administrative operations and long-term strategic planning for the institution. Overseeing the enhancement of campus facilities and the recruitment of top-tier faculty, the President ensures that the Academy remains a leader in maritime education. Richard Gurnon manages the alignment of academic programs with evolving industry standards, focusing on the integration of new technologies into the maritime curriculum. By fostering strong connections with maritime organizations and government agencies, the President drives initiatives that expand the reach and influence of the college. This leadership role involves balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for continuous innovation in degree offerings. Through the promotion of a culture of discipline and academic rigor, Gurnon secures the future of the Academy as a vital contributor to the maritime sector, preparing students for complex roles in global trade and engineering.

Anne Fallon, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, directs the digital infrastructure and technological strategy for the institution. Overseeing campus-wide network security, data management, and academic software integration, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that all digital resources support the specialized maritime curriculum. Anne Fallon manages the implementation of advanced cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive research data and student records across the Buzzards Bay campus. By modernizing classroom technology and administrative systems, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer drives operational efficiency for faculty and staff. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to align technical capabilities with the evolving needs of maritime engineering and logistics programs. Through the continuous optimization of information systems, Fallon secures the technological foundation necessary for the Academy to maintain its status as a premier regional accredited college.