Massachusetts Maritime Academy Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Massachusetts Maritime Academy has 5 executives leading key functions including information technology, academic administration, institutional leadership, corporate aviation, and professional association management.

Committed to excellence in maritime education, Massachusetts Maritime Academy fosters rigorous academic standards and professional development to prepare students for global leadership roles within the maritime industry.

Leadership Roles at Massachusetts Maritime Academy

  • President - Richard Gurnon
  • President - Francis McDonald
  • Corporate President & Founder & Pilot - Scott Keller
  • APA Chapter President - Edward Vacha
  • Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Anne Fallon
  • Richard Gurnon - President

    Richard Gurnon, the President at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, manages the overarching strategic vision and academic governance of the institution. Overseeing long-term institutional growth, the President ensures alignment with state educational mandates and maritime industry requirements. This leadership role involves cultivating partnerships with industry stakeholders to enhance undergraduate and graduate degree programs. By prioritizing student outcomes and professional readiness, Richard Gurnon directly impacts the reputation of the college within the maritime sector. Ultimately, the President drives the expansion of professional studies, ensuring the academy remains a premier destination for maritime-related education while maintaining fiscal stability and academic excellence across all departments.
    Richard Gurnon

    Francis McDonald - President

    Francis McDonald, the President at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, architects the operational framework and campus development strategies. Overseeing the physical and logistical infrastructure of the college, the President ensures that facilities meet the rigorous demands of maritime training. This leadership role involves managing internal resources to support faculty research and student success in specialized fields. By optimizing campus operations, Francis McDonald directly impacts the daily functionality of the institution. Ultimately, the President coordinates with the board to implement policies that sustain the academy's status as a leading regional college, focusing on the continuous improvement of educational delivery and the enhancement of the student experience within the maritime community.
    Francis McDonald

    Scott Keller - Corporate President & Founder & Pilot

    Scott Keller, the Corporate President & Founder & Pilot at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, directs the specialized aviation training programs and corporate outreach initiatives. Overseeing the integration of flight operations with maritime logistics, the Corporate President & Founder & Pilot ensures that students gain unique cross-disciplinary skills. This leadership role involves managing high-stakes training environments that require precision and technical expertise. By bridging the gap between maritime and aviation sectors, Scott Keller directly impacts the career versatility of graduates. Ultimately, the Corporate President & Founder & Pilot drives innovation in professional studies, ensuring that the academy provides cutting-edge training that meets the evolving needs of global transportation and logistics industries.

    Edward Vacha - APA Chapter President

    Edward Vacha, the APA Chapter President at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, directs the professional association activities and faculty advocacy efforts. Overseeing the engagement of academic staff within the broader professional community, the APA Chapter President ensures that faculty interests align with the institutional mission. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the academic body and the administration to promote collaborative governance. By fostering a culture of professional development, Edward Vacha directly impacts the quality of instruction and research output. Ultimately, the APA Chapter President strengthens the internal community, ensuring that the academy maintains a high standard of academic excellence and professional integrity across all maritime-related degree programs.

    Anne Fallon - Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Anne Fallon, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, directs all digital infrastructure and academic technology initiatives. Overseeing the modernization of campus networks, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures seamless integration of data systems across the institution. This leadership role involves protecting sensitive research information while supporting the technological needs of students and faculty. By implementing robust cybersecurity protocols, Anne Fallon directly impacts the operational efficiency of the college. Ultimately, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer secures the digital environment necessary for high-level maritime training and administrative success, maintaining the integrity of the academic mission across all regional operations.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Massachusetts Maritime Academy Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Massachusetts Maritime Academy?
    Massachusetts Maritime Academy is led by Richard Gurnon (President), along with executives such as Francis McDonald (President) and Scott Keller (Corporate President & Founder & Pilot).
    Who is part of Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s executive team?
    The executive team of Massachusetts Maritime Academy includes leaders such as Richard Gurnon (President), Francis McDonald (President), Scott Keller (Corporate President & Founder & Pilot) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Massachusetts Maritime Academy have?
    Massachusetts Maritime Academy has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Massachusetts Maritime Academy includes roles such as President, President, Corporate President & Founder & Pilot, APA Chapter President, Vice President & Chief Information Officer.