Eric R. Dawicki is an internationally respected maritime expert who has demonstrated leadership and industry-wide successes in the areas of maritime transportation, safety, security, and regulatory affairs, while also leading global advancements in maritime policy, education and training, and economic development.
A Master of Public Administration recipient with Concentrations in Public Affairs from American University in Washington, D.C., President Dawicki has led a distinguished career. With more than 33 years of experience in the maritime industry, his background combines policy and practical expertise with both theoretical policy development and real-world experience. This includes serving in the United States Coast Guard Reserve and the United States Merchant Marine, holding various shipboard positions, ship management specializing in LNG tanker operations, and providing consultancy to private shipping companies, port facilities and governments around the world on domestic and international regulatory instrument compliance.
Presently serving as President of Northeast Maritime Institute (NMI), Dawicki has developed it into the first private maritime college in the history of the United States, offering Maritime Science degrees and continuing education and comprehensive digital learning programs. This includes the development of innovative online learning simulators, training and certification platforms for mariners on a global scale. NMI also serves as a direct support to entities worldwide through the Center for Ocean Policy and Economics (COPE). In addition, Mr. Dawicki concurrently serves as Co-Founder, President and CEO of the Commonwealth of Dominica Maritime Registry, which has an international network of 28 regional offices and close to 400 vessels, many of which operate across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Asian and Black Sea.
President Dawicki’s additional accomplishments include membership to the United States National Maritime Security Advisory Committee during the Obama and Bush Administrations and has served as the Lead Delegate to the United Nations' International Maritime Organization representing both the United States and the Commonwealth of Dominica and was both on the Board of Governors and Executive Governor to the UN’s World Maritime University, chairing it’s thirty-year sustainability plan, which is now successfully operating.
Dr. Aaron Bresnahan brings extensive maritime, military, executive leadership, and strategic planning experience to the Northeast Maritime Institute Board of Trustees. He previously served as President and Managing Director of Wartsila North America, Inc., a smart technology company employing approximately 900 people in the United States. He also served as a member of the Wartsila Corporation Marine Business Management Team and as Vice President, Americas, where he was responsible for achieving marine business financial, operational, and safety targets throughout the Americas.
During his 23-year tenure with Wartsila, Dr. Bresnahan held a range of senior executive, director-level, and general management roles with both domestic and global responsibilities in the maritime sector. His previous roles included Chairman of the Board and President of Wartsila Dynamic Positioning Systems, Inc.; President, Board Member, and Shareholder Representative of Wartsila Defense, Inc.; and Chairman of the Board of Wartsila Canada, Inc.
Dr. Bresnahan currently privately advises companies on matters related to power systems and propulsion optimization. His areas of expertise include maritime operations, military service, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.
Dr. Bresnahan retired from the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Captain after 28 years of commissioned service as a Strategic Sealift Officer. He completed two command tours, serving as Commanding Officer of NR, MSCCENT HQ and later as Commanding Officer of NR, MSCEURAF HQ.
He has also held board and leadership roles with various Wartsila Corporation boards, the Navy League – Fort Lauderdale Council, the Naval Order of the United States, and the Association of the United States Navy.
Education & Certificates
Doctor of Business Administration, Liberty University, 2025
Certificate of Management Excellence, Harvard Business School Executive Education, 2021
Master of Arts in National Security & Strategic Studies, U.S. Naval War College, 2006
Master of Business Administration, Regent University, 1993
Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering Systems, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, 1991
U.S. Coast Guard 3 A/E License, Unlimited HP, Engine, Steam, and Gas Turbine, renewed for continuity
Hannah E. Dawicki is the Director of Open Innovation at the Center for Ocean Policy and Economics (COPE°), where she supports the development of strategic initiatives, working groups, fellow engagement, digital operations, and cross-sector collaboration across maritime commerce, ocean science, policy, and technology.
In her role at COPE°, Hannah helps advance the organization’s mission as a safe and transparent digital platform for convening leaders from industry, academia, government, nonprofit organizations, and civil society. Her work focuses on supporting open dialogue, building collaborative networks, coordinating project development, and helping translate complex maritime and ocean challenges into practical pathways for action.
Beyond her role at COPE°, Hannah serves as the Director of Digital Operations at Northeast Maritime Institute and Chairwoman of the Northeast Maritime Institute Foundation. Through these roles, she has supported digital learning, communications, website development, curriculum and course operations, grant-related initiatives, scholarship programs, and organizational strategy.
Hannah graduated from American University in Washington, D.C., in 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and a minor in Communications. Her academic work focused on global equality and development, sustainability, and global peace and security.
Prior to her work with COPE° and Northeast Maritime Institute, Hannah completed an internship with the Atlantic Treaty Association in Brussels, Belgium, where she conducted research on NATO-related activities and contributed to the organization’s Annual Report. She also completed an internship with the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center, where she supported current event tracking, event coordination, and reporting. From 2018 to 2021, Hannah served as a Catalyzer for Rockflower, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting women and girls globally, where she contributed to annual planning, partner initiatives, and fundraising efforts.
