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.

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.

B.S. Accounting and Education, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. M.B.A Suffolk University.

Captain Elizabeth Simmons, LP.D is the Vice President of External Affairs encompassing both the Enrollment Management and Advancement departments at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. She is responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of short and long range strategies, goals, and objectives for the Office of Enrollment while managing relationships with the Academy’s external stakeholders at the local, state, and federal level.

A 1997 Marine Safety and Environmental Protection (MSEP) graduate of Massachusetts Maritime Academy, she worked in both the environmental and human resources fields before coming back to the academy in 2002. Since returning, she has succeeded in increasing women and minority enrollment while exceeding the strategic goals of growing the overall student population. Elizabeth has earned a masters in facilities engineering, holds a doctorate degree in law and policy from Northeastern University and enjoys volunteering and giving back to multiple community organizations.

Currently she is the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) USA New England Chapter President, immediate past President and Board Chair for Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, serves on the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School Steam Engineering Advisory Board, and is a member of Congressman Keating’s Service Academy Nomination Committee. Elizabeth is proud to serve as a mentor and role model in promoting women in the maritime and associated trades.

A native of Yarmouth, Massachusetts Elizabeth grew up sailing the waters of Lewis Bay in iconic Beetle Cats and Cape Cod Knockabouts. Currently, Elizabeth lives in Onset, MA.

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and History from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA.

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University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, M.B.A. and B.S. Marketing

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Northeastern University, M.Ed., Boston College, B.A.