James "Jim" Benedetto started full time with the Academy in July 2006. Besides being the engineer aboard the T/V Ranger, he is also responsible for the safe operation, trouble-shooting, maintenance and repair of marine engines and other Marine Department assets. Jim has been a gas and diesel mechanic for over 25 years. He has owned and operated his own charter boat for many years. He has USCG 100 ton Masters License and is a certified GM Master Technician.
Dr. Brock is an Assistant Professor in the Emergency Management Department with seventeen years of experience. Additionally, she has over 25 years of experience as an Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Specialist at the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment. Her expertise spans EHS, OSH, Public Health, Environmental Science, and Emergency Management. Dr. Brock provides assessments, education, training, compliance assistance, research, and system management approaches to various public sector facilities.
Dr. Marina Brock enjoys a diverse academic and professional background, holding a B.A. in Environmental Economics from Simmons University, an M.S. in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering from Columbia Southern University, and a Ph.D. in Emergency and Protective Services from Capitol Technology University. Her primary work and research interests are advancing local and regional government initiatives in Safety and Risk Management System Development, Emergency Management, and Public Health. Mainly, she focuses on identifying barriers and gaps and facilitating the implementation of Environmental, Safety, and Health (EHS) competencies. Dr. Brock is dedicated to evolving, implementing, and evaluating effective strategies toward safety/risk management systems and local operational strategy.
Dr. Brock has authored and co-authored several articles and has been a lecturer and mentor across New England. Her outstanding contributions have earned her prestigious awards, such as the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Excellence Award and the Massachusetts Governor’s Award for Toxic Use Reduction (TUR). Notably, her innovations in prevention and mitigation have been recognized nationally and have served as a model for state and local governmental agencies nationwide.
Recognized for her leadership and collaboration efforts, Dr. Brock was nominated for the Harvard School of Government’s Innovations in Government Award. She also has served as a national representative for local governments on the EPA Government Advisory Committee (GAC) with the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and was appointed Chairman of the GAC in 2021. Dr. Brock continues her active assessment and research in this area with her students.
- Bachelors in Marine Environmental Science from the United States Coast Guard Academy, 2012
- Masters in Homeland Security from Northeastern University
- Professor Sam Coonan is a full-time faculty member in Massachusetts Maritime Academy's Emergency Management Department and a commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Her first tour was as the Law Enforcement Officer on the USCGC DEPENDABLE out of Cape May, NJ where the ship conducted primarily counter-drug and maritime law enforcement missions. For her Response Ashore tour she was stationed at Sector Sault Sainte Marie, MI. While at Sector Sault Ste. Marie, her primary duties included Federal On-scene Coordinator (R), Search and Rescue Operations Planner, and Tactical Law Enforcement Coordination Planning.
- While working on her Masters degree, Professor Coonan taught Physics/Chemistry and coached Basketball/Lacrosse at the high school level. She also worked on several private contracts for FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard via the American Bureau of Shipping Group. In her free time she enjoys hanging out with her two dogs, Maximus and Ace.
John Edwards took over as the head coach of the men's crew team in the Spring of 2022, replacing longtime head coach Alex Machi who retired at the conclusion of the 2021 Fall season.
Coach Edwards has been with The Academy for two decades working in the small boats department and other areas of Massachusetts Maritime.
Since taking over the men's rowing team he has earned his US Rowing Level 2 Coach Certification.
Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s Head Coach Winthrop John Edwards, a trailblazing figure in the world of rowing whose journey into the sport defies convention. While many head coaches boast collegiate rowing pedigrees, Coach Edwards charted a unique path.
His love affair with rowing began later in life, diving into the sport at the masters level. Without the traditional college rowing background, Coach Edwards passion for the water and dedication to the craft propelled him into the heart of competitive rowing. His journey from novice to seasoned rower, competing fiercely in regattas, embodies resilience, learning, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Coach Edwards brings an unparalleled perspective, blending hands-on experience, a deep understanding of the sport, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing and shaping the next generation of rowing champions.
