Community

through networking, collaboration, and innovation.

Past Speakers

Millicent Pitts

Milly is the executive director of the international non-profit, Ocean Exchange, that gives non-dilutive funding to innovative start-ups that support healthy oceans and a sustainable Blue Economy. She previously was an executive in the chemical/materials industry for 30 years. living in Houston, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Valencia (Spain). In addition to her role at Ocean Exchange, she is a mentor with Creative Destruction Labs (Oceans ) in Halifax, in on the Leadership Team of OceansVisions.org, and has previously mentored or judged in collaboration with other partners such as Clean Tech Open and NREL. She leads the Ocean Exchange efforts to grow and communicate with the community of ocean and blue tech innovators. She gols an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

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Milly is the executive director of the international non-profit, Ocean Exchange, that gives non-dilutive funding to innovative start-ups that support healthy oceans and a sustainable Blue Economy. She previously was an executive in the chemical/materials industry for 30 years. living in Houston, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Valencia (Spain). In addition to her role at Ocean Exchange, she is a mentor with Creative Destruction Labs (Oceans ) in Halifax, in on the Leadership Team of OceansVisions.org, and has previously mentored or judged in collaboration with other partners such as Clean Tech Open and NREL. She leads the Ocean Exchange efforts to grow and communicate with the community of ocean and blue tech innovators. She gols an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Greg McNeal

Greg was the first in his family to graduate college, he then learned how to build businesses, and went on to raise nearly $100M in capital from Microsoft, Sony, Rakuten, Airbus, Qualcomm, Baidu, and some of the top investment funds in the world.

​He co-founded and sold his first company, AirMap, a multinational aerospace, and defense firm honored as an Inc.com “25 Most Disruptive Company” and a Consumer Electronics Show “Innovation Award” recipient. Now he advises companies and entrepreneurs and serves as Chairman of the Board at SailPlan.

​As a tenured professor, he also teaches courses related to technology at Pepperdine University, where he is an affiliated faculty member with the Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship.

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Greg was the first in his family to graduate college, he then learned how to build businesses, and went on to raise nearly $100M in capital from Microsoft, Sony, Rakuten, Airbus, Qualcomm, Baidu, and some of the top investment funds in the world.

​He co-founded and sold his first company, AirMap, a multinational aerospace, and defense firm honored as an Inc.com “25 Most Disruptive Company” and a Consumer Electronics Show “Innovation Award” recipient. Now he advises companies and entrepreneurs and serves as Chairman of the Board at SailPlan.

​As a tenured professor, he also teaches courses related to technology at Pepperdine University, where he is an affiliated faculty member with the Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship.

Daniel Kleinman

Daniel Kleinman is the Founder & CEO of Seaworthy Collective, as well as a regenerative systems thinker and marine roboticist who spent 5 years piloting, testing, and designing unmanned underwater vehicles for ocean science, exploration, and naval research. Daniel holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida and a Master’s of Professional Science in Exploration Science from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, where he founded Seaworthy Collective in 2020. Daniel has been recognized as a 30 Under 30 by the University of Miami, a Future Climate Leader by the Aspen Institute, a TEDxBoston Planetary Stewardship speaker, and the youngest Laureate of Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s Prize for Innovative Philanthropy.

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Daniel Kleinman is the Founder & CEO of Seaworthy Collective, as well as a regenerative systems thinker and marine roboticist who spent 5 years piloting, testing, and designing unmanned underwater vehicles for ocean science, exploration, and naval research. Daniel holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida and a Master’s of Professional Science in Exploration Science from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, where he founded Seaworthy Collective in 2020. Daniel has been recognized as a 30 Under 30 by the University of Miami, a Future Climate Leader by the Aspen Institute, a TEDxBoston Planetary Stewardship speaker, and the youngest Laureate of Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s Prize for Innovative Philanthropy.

Natalia Naranjo

Natalia Naranjo is the National Impact Director at BODAI Capital and helps lead the team producing Oceans Week Mexico. She is a global leader in climate and sustainability, having been recognized at EarthX 2023 for her efforts in establishing the first environmental committee in her region to implement tangible measures to reduce pollution, improve water use, and preserve natural areas. Natalia graduated from Tecnológico de Monterrey with a degree in sustainable engineering and her track record of driving positive change is indicative of her unwavering commitment to making a difference in climate and the blue economy.

See bio

Natalia Naranjo is the National Impact Director at BODAI Capital and helps lead the team producing Oceans Week Mexico. She is a global leader in climate and sustainability, having been recognized at EarthX 2023 for her efforts in establishing the first environmental committee in her region to implement tangible measures to reduce pollution, improve water use, and preserve natural areas. Natalia graduated from Tecnológico de Monterrey with a degree in sustainable engineering and her track record of driving positive change is indicative of her unwavering commitment to making a difference in climate and the blue economy.

Sidney McLaurin

Sidney McLaurin is the CEO of Fleet Robotics, a company he co-founded to develop automated mobile robots for maintaining large industrial structures, starting with the maritime industry. Fleet’s robots are known for their ability to walk on vertical surfaces, even underwater while ships are in motion. Sidney incubated the concept while a Partner at Material Impact, a Boston-based venture fund. Before that, he played a key role in scaling Lime from a single market to a global presence as its first GM. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Florida and transitioned into climate entrepreneurship with an MBA and an Environmental Management degree from Duke University. Sidney’s passion for climate stems from his upbringing in Mississippi, and he is a mentor and advisor in the climate startup ecosystem, including helping to establish a new incubator in London.

See bio

Sidney McLaurin is the CEO of Fleet Robotics, a company he co-founded to develop automated mobile robots for maintaining large industrial structures, starting with the maritime industry. Fleet’s robots are known for their ability to walk on vertical surfaces, even underwater while ships are in motion. Sidney incubated the concept while a Partner at Material Impact, a Boston-based venture fund. Before that, he played a key role in scaling Lime from a single market to a global presence as its first GM. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Florida and transitioned into climate entrepreneurship with an MBA and an Environmental Management degree from Duke University. Sidney’s passion for climate stems from his upbringing in Mississippi, and he is a mentor and advisor in the climate startup ecosystem, including helping to establish a new incubator in London.

Ray Wang

Ray is an experienced investor and operator. He currently is a Principal at Saw Mill Capital, a New York-based private equity fund focused on industrial services, niche manufacturing, and specialty distribution. He previously worked at Schooner Capital, where he invested in public equities and early-stage tech companies. Ray’s operational experience includes leading business operations and finance at Skyryse, devising growth and supply chain strategy at Walmart eCommerce, and advising various clients at the Boston Consulting Group. He holds an MBA from the Wharton School, an MA in International Studies from University of Pennsylvania, and a BA in Economics and History from Yale College.

See bio

Ray is an experienced investor and operator. He currently is a Principal at Saw Mill Capital, a New York-based private equity fund focused on industrial services, niche manufacturing, and specialty distribution. He previously worked at Schooner Capital, where he invested in public equities and early-stage tech companies. Ray’s operational experience includes leading business operations and finance at Skyryse, devising growth and supply chain strategy at Walmart eCommerce, and advising various clients at the Boston Consulting Group. He holds an MBA from the Wharton School, an MA in International Studies from University of Pennsylvania, and a BA in Economics and History from Yale College.

Damien Claire

Damien Claire is the Atlantic Sapphire’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer. Prior to joining Atlantic Sapphire, Mr. Claire was the President of Platina Seafood, Inc. Mr. Claire’s experience includes positions in several industries around the world. From 2009 to 2014, he served as Sales/Analyst for South Pacific Specialties in Miami. From 2004 to 2008 he also acted as Vice President of Business Development for Global Outsourcing in Chile. Damien earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Business Administration from Lander University in South Carolina.

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Damien Claire is the Atlantic Sapphire’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer. Prior to joining Atlantic Sapphire, Mr. Claire was the President of Platina Seafood, Inc. Mr. Claire’s experience includes positions in several industries around the world. From 2009 to 2014, he served as Sales/Analyst for South Pacific Specialties in Miami. From 2004 to 2008 he also acted as Vice President of Business Development for Global Outsourcing in Chile. Damien earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Business Administration from Lander University in South Carolina.

Phil Purcell

Philip is the CEO/president of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF). MIASF promotes advocacy and professionalism on behalf of the marine industry, which provides an annual $18.5 billion economic impact to South Florida and supports 142,000 jobs regionally. 
Prior to joining MIASF in 2014, Phil was a partner and held senior management positions with Westport Shipyard of Washington State, the largest yacht builder in North America. During his tenure, Westport grew from a small company to a leader in the industry within the United States and internationally. ​
Phil brings a unique perspective to the marine industry, having traveled extensively around the globe. Embracing other cultures and working in emerging markets has allowed him to be engaged in the international marine business and implement collaborative processes to grow opportunities, research, and new ideas. Phil’s vision is to leverage his experience, knowledge, and personal relationships with industry and educational leaders for the betterment of the region.

See bio

Philip is the CEO/president of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF). MIASF promotes advocacy and professionalism on behalf of the marine industry, which provides an annual $18.5 billion economic impact to South Florida and supports 142,000 jobs regionally. 
Prior to joining MIASF in 2014, Phil was a partner and held senior management positions with Westport Shipyard of Washington State, the largest yacht builder in North America. During his tenure, Westport grew from a small company to a leader in the industry within the United States and internationally. ​
Phil brings a unique perspective to the marine industry, having traveled extensively around the globe. Embracing other cultures and working in emerging markets has allowed him to be engaged in the international marine business and implement collaborative processes to grow opportunities, research, and new ideas. Phil’s vision is to leverage his experience, knowledge, and personal relationships with industry and educational leaders for the betterment of the region.

Katherine O’Fallon

Katherine has been the executive director of the Marine Research Hub since October 2022. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology from Long Island University, where she focused on coral reef ecology and conducted research on coral bleaching in Hawaii. Katherine began her career as a marine biologist and educator in Curaçao, later becoming a PADI Open Water Instructor. In 2002, she moved to Fort Lauderdale, where she earned her master’s in marine science and education from Nova Southeastern University. With nearly 20 years at New River Middle School in Broward County, she served as a teacher and Marine Magnet Coordinator, helping the school achieve National Certified Magnet status in 2018. Katherine has also been a part of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida’s Plywood Regatta committee for over a decade, and she is involved with Leadership Broward Class XLIII and the ClimateReady Tech Hub Steering Committee.

See bio

Katherine has been the executive director of the Marine Research Hub since October 2022. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology from Long Island University, where she focused on coral reef ecology and conducted research on coral bleaching in Hawaii. Katherine began her career as a marine biologist and educator in Curaçao, later becoming a PADI Open Water Instructor. In 2002, she moved to Fort Lauderdale, where she earned her master’s in marine science and education from Nova Southeastern University. With nearly 20 years at New River Middle School in Broward County, she served as a teacher and Marine Magnet Coordinator, helping the school achieve National Certified Magnet status in 2018. Katherine has also been a part of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida’s Plywood Regatta committee for over a decade, and she is involved with Leadership Broward Class XLIII and the ClimateReady Tech Hub Steering Committee.

Sponsors

SailPlan is a leading innovator in the BlueEconomy industry based in South Florida. As a top maritime data platform, it provide analytics and efficiency solutions that empower shipowners, fleet operators, managers, and governments to achieve strategic business outcomes through rich fleet data.

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SailPlan is a leading innovator in the BlueEconomy industry based in South Florida. As a top maritime data platform, it provide analytics and efficiency solutions that empower shipowners, fleet operators, managers, and governments to achieve strategic business outcomes through rich fleet data.

Ocean Exchange is a global ecosystem whose mission is to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions for healthy oceans and the sustainable Blue Economy.

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Ocean Exchange is a global ecosystem whose mission is to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions for healthy oceans and the sustainable Blue Economy.

The Marine Research Hub (MRH) boosts Florida’s Blue Economy by uniting sectors to turn research into jobs, business growth, and marine protection. Based in South Florida, MRH elevates the region’s oceanographic research, transforming technology into marketable goods and attracting talent.

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The Marine Research Hub (MRH) boosts Florida’s Blue Economy by uniting sectors to turn research into jobs, business growth, and marine protection. Based in South Florida, MRH elevates the region’s oceanographic research, transforming technology into marketable goods and attracting talent.

Boatwork’s boating directory connects boaters with top marine services nearby. Browse profiles of the best boat mechanics, marinas, and yacht detailing services near you. Read reviews, view photos, and get free quotes all from one place.

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Boatwork’s boating directory connects boaters with top marine services nearby. Browse profiles of the best boat mechanics, marinas, and yacht detailing services near you. Read reviews, view photos, and get free quotes all from one place.