MTS Elects Four to Board of Directors

Zande, Toll, Kocak, and Manley Elected as Vice Presidents
The Marine Technology Society (MTS) announced the results of its recent elections for positions on its Board of Directors. The following Vice Presidents were elected: Jill Zande, Education and Research; Ray Toll, Industry and Technology; Donna Kocak, Publications; and Justin Manley, Government and Public Affairs. Election results were announced at the Society’s Annual Meeting during OCEANS’11 MTS/IEEE Kona in Hawaii.
Jill Zande is the Associate Director and ROV Competition Coordinator for the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center. “Each year over 400 schools, middle through university, participate in MATE ROV competitions. I have developed strong working partnerships with many businesses, research institutions, government agencies and professional societies, and am well-experienced in fostering working partnerships among diversified groups. I look forward to bringing this experience and expertise to continuing the growth of MTS’ already robust student-focused educational programs and opportunities.”
Ray Toll works for NOAA’S National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) on an SAIC contract. “Part of my responsibilities as Vice President will be to foster increased relationships for MTS with industry and relevant associations. My background encompasses a wide range of experiences, including the Navy as a user and provider, as well as private industry. I believe strongly that we need a national infrastructure for ocean observation to advance our country’s priorities to address catastrophic events, marine spatial planning, and others. I will be working to pull together the extraordinary expertise available within our membership to present MTS as a venue that is program/agency neutral which can focus on operational systems nationwide and globally.”
Donna Kocak serves as an advanced program engineer with HARRIS CapRock Communications, Maritime Solutions Division. “Having developed an extensive publications list of my own, I am well-accustomed to working with editors. As well, I recognize the critical nature of information and research in our profession, and will work to leverage this background to develop a strategy that not only delivers timely and impartial information, but also delivers this information to the marine community and our government leaders to both solve problems and assist in better decision-making.”
Justin Manley is the Senior Director of Business Development for Teledyne Benthos. “MTS has raised its profile with government agencies and legislators as an impartial voice of marine science and technology expertise. In my second term in this position, I plan to continue to improve our public affairs efforts, increase MTS’ visibility among media outlets, and seek opportunities to educate the public about the vital contributions of marine science and technology.”