James (Jimmy) McGarvey, will receive the MS, Information Systems (MSIS) degree from the Madden College of Business & Economics at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York in May 2025; in 2024, he graduated with Honors with a BS, Business Analytics and Information Systems degree from Le Moyne, where he is a McDevitt Information Systems Research Fellow. Jimmy is also a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Arctic Domain Awareness Center (ADAC) - ARCTIC Research Fellow through the University of Alaska Anchorage whose research focuses on applying advanced analytic techniques in complex, safety-critical systems.

Martha R. Grabowski is the Distinguished Research Scientist in the Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York, where she leads research teams exploring the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on individuals, groups and organizations in mission- and safety-critical systems. Her research centers on the integration, impact and use of advanced technology, including wearable augmented reality devices, uncrewed aerial systems, advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence in safety- and mission-critical applications. Dr. Grabowski was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2024 in recognition of her work in ‘engineering information systems that promote transportation safety and for national leadership in marine transportation policy.’ Dr. Grabowski is a licensed former merchant marine officer and retired Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve. She received a B.S. in Marine Transportation/Nautical Science from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and an M.B.A., an M.S., Industrial & Management Engineering, and a Ph.D. in Management/ Information Systems from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In 2023, she received her FAA Part 107 Remote Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) Pilot’s license, and in 2024, she received her Certified Associate in Project Management certificate from the Project Management Institute.

Buddy Custard is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Alaska Chadux Network (ACN). He possess extensive knowledge and expertise working maritime operations from both the public and private sectors, including serving with the U.S. Coast Guard for over 30 years attaining the rank of Captain and as a senior manager for an oil exploration and production company operating in the U.S. Arctic Outer Continental Shelf for over 3 years.He served aboard seven Coast Guard cutters in both the Atlantic and Pacific regions, commanding four of the cutters while accumulating over 12 years of sea duty. Buddy further helped guide the Coast Guard’s efforts during many significant natural disaster relief efforts caused by earthquakes, flooding and hurricanes in saving lives, protecting the environment, and restoring the marine transportation system. Prior to leading ACN, Buddy served as President and CEO of the Alaska Maritime Prevention & Response Network, as well as General Manager of Alaska Chadux Corporation, guiding the consolidation of both organizations into ACN.Buddy is a graduate of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife biology with a minor in criminology. He earned a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, and is also a graduate of the Homeland Security Executive Leaders Program, Center for Homeland Defense and Security, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA.

Steven Gabelein is the Client Services Manager at the Alaska Chadux Network; previously, he was the Alaska Maritime Prevention & Response Network’s Planning & Technical Services Coordinator. He holds a BA in Environmental Studies and Political Science from Gonzaga University and spent nearly five months of his college career circumnavigating the globe aboard the MV Explorer as a student studying oceanography, global studies, and human effects on coastal systems. Prior to joining the Network, Steven worked for the Marine Exchange of Alaska, specializing in vessel tracking, marine safety, and oil spill prevention measures, and served as a deckhand aboard a fishing vessel in Southeast Alaska.