Baltimore, MD – February 08, 2022 – The Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) announces the appointment of Mike Rodriguez as the Interim Director of MITAGS.
“I am pleased that Mike Rodriguez has agreed to take on the day-to-day administration of MITAGS’ academic programs and courses as we begin the process of bringing onboard a new Director,” said Eric Friend, MITAGS Executive Director. “Mike brings a wide range of experience and skills to our crew as we move our organization forward,” Eric continued.
“I have been fortunate throughout my career to work with great people in education, labor, government and the military. I am especially proud to be a part of the MITAGS team,” Mike said.
A 1979 graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Mike sailed as a member of the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots (MM&P). He came ashore in 1995 at Nautical Technology Corporation (NTC), a small data management company that developed the forerunner to some of ABS Group’s Nautical Systems products.
Mike returned to the USMMA in 1997 as an Academy Training Representative where he managed the shipboard training assignments for hundreds of Midshipmen, taught courses, and supported the Academy’s implementation of the International Convention for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
Mike began work at MM&P’s headquarters in 2001 where he was responsible for contract administration. He also represented MM&P and maritime labor on matters related to maritime security and safety at the International Maritime Organization, U.S. Congress, and several federal advisory committees.
In 2009, Mike joined the staff of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation where he contributed to the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 and worked on issues related to the Deepwater Horizon casualty.
As a Navy reserve officer, Mike served in several billets supporting military sealift and maritime security, including a deployment in 2006 to support special operations at sea, and service as a commercial maritime subject matter expert at Military Sealift Command.
In 2014, Mike was appointed as the Deputy Administrator at the Maritime Administration (MARAD). In 2017, he then became the 15th Superintendent of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy (TAMMA).
Mike retired from the Navy reserve in 2019 at the rank of Captain and returned to his home in Maryland early in 2020. Following the 2020 election, Mike served as the maritime subject matter expert on the Biden-Harris Transition Team.
Always a team player, Mike has also supported MITAGS as a Simulator Operator and occasional instructor in several subjects related to maritime operations and labor issues.
To read Mike’s full bio, please visit www.mitags.org/meet-our-crew.
Media Contact:
Lindsay Moran, Director of Marketing
410.684.7413
[email protected]
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About MITAGS
MITAGS is a nonprofit, vocational training center for individuals seeking to enter the maritime profession and for professional mariners seeking to advance their careers. With campuses in Baltimore and Seattle, it is the leader in maritime training, pilot programs, ship simulation and operational research, providing customized solutions for both individual companies and mariners, and members of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots. To learn more, visit our website at www.mitags.org.
MITAGS-MCC’s Nondiscrimination Policy can be viewed in its entirety at www.mitags.org/about-us and www.mccbwi.org/policy.html.
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