AU/NMI Key Executive Leadership MPA with a Focus in Maritime Affairs Program

WASHINGTON, DC American University (AU) and Northeast Maritime Institute (NMI), Fairhaven Ma., have begun accepting applications for the next two year session of the Key Executive Leadership Masters Degree in Public Administration (MPA) with a focus in maritime affairs. The next cohort will begin studies in February 2012.

The program is targeted to GS/13. 14 and 15 federal managers or those at an equivalent level in state and local governments or in the private sector who are interested and involved in the many aspects of maritime affairs. Successful students will obtain a Key Executive Leadership Masters Degree in Public Administration from American University, a public management program ranked sixth in the nation. It is the only Executive MPA program accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. Classes are held 3 days a month, Friday, Saturday and Sunday over a two-year period. This permits students to continue in their jobs as they pursue an advanced degree.

This master’s degree program provides a focus on maritime public policy and public administration principles together with the leadership competencies necessary to implement what is learned.

The first program began in February 2011, with students from the US Coast Guard, NOAA Corps, US Navy, the Shipbuilders’ Council and the Embassy of Panama began an intensive 2-year program with senior leadership speakers from the US Coast Guard, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and industry. ADM James Loy (USCG RET), former Commandant of the USCG, was the keynote speaker and provided insight on the maritime community and national and international policy development.

In addition to the rigorous academic classes, students heard from distinguished speakers that included RADM Brian Salerno, Deputy Commandant of Operations for USCG; James Caponiti, Assistant Administrator for MARAD; RADM James Watson, Deputy Commander of the USCG Atlantic Area; CAPT Rodger McDonald, Secretary General for the International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations; Eric Dawicki, President of NMI; Dr. John Spencer, Director of the Office of Marine Safety, National Transportation Safety Board; Frank Wood, a risk management expert for the USCG; Philip Grossweiler, offshore oil production expert; and William Campbell, financial management expert.

All the speakers commended the students for their recognition of the importance of the maritime community to the global economy as well as for their willingness to devote their personal time to preparing themselves for senior leadership positions.

Robert Tobias, Director of AU’s Key Executive Leadership Programs, noted “I am pleased this new program is underway in fine fashion and look forward to our next cohort starting in February 2012. The first student cohort is upbeat about the learning experience they are experiencing and I am confident that the next cohort will be as positive about the program as well. It’s a great growth opportunity for the students and for the maritime community at large”

Northeast Maritime Institute president, Eric Dawicki, a graduate of the American University Key Executive Leadership MPA program, stated “I am pleased with program. Last summer’s event in the Gulf demonstrated the need for government agencies and the maritime industry personnel to understand each other’s responsibilities and capabilities so they can to work better together. This program is intended to enhance this understanding among the students and make them better managers in the maritime community of today and senior executive leaders of tomorrow.”

For further information including how to apply or to become a sponsor for students in the program, please go to http://www.american.edu/spa/key/nmi or email key-nmi@american.edu