LT. Zachary Dias graduated from Mass. Maritime in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Transportation. Upon graduation sailed in the US Merchant Marine for nearly a decade with the US Navy’s Military Sealift Command earning his Unlimited Masters License - his professional sailing experience is aboard Combat Logistics Force Dry Cargo/Ammo ships, and primarily, US Navy Ocean-going Tugs and Salvage & Rescue vessels where he completed several open-ocean tows, real world salvage missions, Dry Docking, Multi-point moors, and command time. Notably, was apart of the crew completing the successful salvaging of SS EL FARO’s Voyage Data Recorder in 2016.
LT. Dias also served as a USCG Maritime Instructor, with Military Sealift Command, in which he taught USCG STCW courses, created MSC towing curriculum, and Anti-Terrorism Officer courses.
LT. Dias joined the MMA faculty in 2022 where he completed a Masters Degree in Maritime Business Management and pursues a career in the Navy Reserve Strategic Sealift Officer Force.
LT. Dias is a Master of Unlimited Tonnage Upon Oceans, Master of Towing Vessels Oceans, USCG Designated Examiner, USCG Qualified Instructor and a member of the Maritime & Port Executors.
LT. Dias volunteers his time with the youth program US Naval Sea Cadet Corps where he teaches/mentors young men and women who have an interest in the sea services.
- Retired ExxonMobil Marine Vetting Manager
- USCG Unlimited Master License
- Graduate Certificates in Engineering Management, Project Management and General Management
- Marine industry consultant
- Author: International Safety Management Code A Practical Guide for Mariners and Managers
- Bachelor of Science in Maritime Transportation from United States Merchant Marine Academy, 1977
- Master of Business Administration from Corporate Finance Adelphia University, 1989
- Master of Arts in Adult and Continuing Education from Columbia University, 1992
- Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University, 1996
- USCG Unlimited Master license
- Chief Examiner Commercial Radio Services
- General Radio Telephone Operators License with Radar Endorsement
- Amateur Radio Operator, Advanced Class
- Master Point Counterpoint II
- Seaman’s Church, Center for Maritime Education, Director of Operations. 1987-1997
- Senior Navigation, Seamanship and Shiphandling Instructor, United States Navy, 2005-present
James F. Kane serves as Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Operations for the A.D. Makepeace Company, a land holding company in southeastern Massachusetts. In that role Jim oversees all facets of land use planning, permitting and plan implementation whether it is a residential, commercial, conservation/open space or a renewable energy use. He is also responsible for all infrastructure planning, development and execution to serve company and regional needs for water, waste-water, property and open space management as well operational profit and investment for each division.
Jim has worked cooperatively and successfully with the many towns in which the company owns land to develop and implement innovative zoning by-laws to guarantee conservation of critical open space habitats that serve to protect unique landscapes while allowing for the development of traditional New England villages.
While with Makepeace, Jim undertook and completed an extensive analysis of alternative energy opportunities within the Company’s holdings. Project and market viability analysis included large-scale solar, hydro-electric generation, geothermal and wind energy.
Prior to returning to Massachusetts and joining the A.D. Makepeace Company, Jim served as Deputy Executive Director/CFO of the Republican Governors Association in Washington DC where he was responsible for all financial and administrative operations and national polling and political advertisement. In the years before joining the RGA, Jim served in various senior roles in the Weld/Cellucci administration, first in the Governor’s office as Deputy Chief Policy Advisor and at the Massachusetts Government Land Bank where he oversaw the merger of two quasi-public agencies, Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency and Massachusetts Government Land Bank into MassDevelopment, and the redevelopment of Fort Devens. He later served as Chief of Operations at the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.
Jim earned an undergraduate degree in economics and political science from College of the Holy Cross and a master's degree in public administration from Clark University and is in his third term as a member of the Shrewsbury Board of Selectmen, and presently serving as Chairman of the Beal Early Childhood Center Building Committee. Jim resides in Shrewsbury with his wife Hannah and three wonderful children.
Albion Llewellyn is an accomplished Associate Professor and Master Mariner with over 18 years of maritime expertise, including a decade of sea service operating cruise ships and drill ships. He brings specialized knowledge in Dynamic Positioning operations, ship stability, and shipyard project management to both academic and professional settings. Renowned for his approachable demeanor, attention to detail, and student-centered teaching philosophy, Professor Llewellyn creates dynamic, effective learning environments that promote long-term student success. A committed advocate for maritime sustainability, he conducts research on the environmental impact of maritime assets and is actively engaged in initiatives aimed at closing the diversity gap within the maritime profession. His work reflects a deep dedication to innovation, inclusion, and excellence in maritime education and industry advancement.