Who we are
Founded in 2007, TMA BlueTech™ is a powerhouse in the U.S. Blue Economy and a global leader among BlueTech clusters. With 115 members spanning 9 countries across four continents, TMA unites a diverse network of innovators driving sustainable solutions for ocean and water industries.
Our mission is clear: to foster innovation, create high-quality Blue Jobs, and champion the development of cutting-edge, sustainable technologies that address critical challenges and opportunities in the Blue Economy. By leveraging education, policy, and technology, we bridge gaps, spark collaboration, and pave the way for a sustainable future.
Through dynamic events, knowledge sharing, strategic networking, groundbreaking research, workforce development initiatives, and international outreach, TMA amplifies a unified “Blue Voice.” This voice inspires global understanding, protection, and sustainable use of our planet’s precious ocean and water resources.
Meet the Team
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LinkedIn
mclassen@tmabluetech.orgMatt Classen serves as the Executive Director of TMA BlueTech, where he has strengthened TMA's position as a leading blue economy cluster in Southern California. Under his leadership, TMA has expanded its influence through international trade missions and global dialogues, promoting both economic growth and positive environmental impact. A sought-after speaker at global forums, Matt has cultivated strong relationships with policymakers and academic institutions, driving efforts to forge strategic partnerships across the Pacific Rim and North Atlantic. His work advances key initiatives in defense readiness, decarbonization technologies, and ocean science. Through collaboration with regional partners and flagship events like BlueTech Week, Matt is helping transform Southern California into a global hub for maritime defense, ocean resilience, and climate innovation.
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Partner
Considine & Considine
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LinkedIn
lkurokawa@miracosta.eduLinda Kurokawa is the Executive Director of MiraCosta College's Community Education and Workforce Development. She is also the Director for MiraCosta’s Technology Career Institute (TCI). Linda has been in education for the past 25 years, 15 of these at MiraCosta College. She has a Master’s degree in Education with a specialty in Curriculum Design and a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science. Linda is also an Executive Board member of the San Diego Maritime Alliance. In 2018 she won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the California Association of Community and Continuing Education as well as a 2017 Excellence in Economic Development Award from the San Diego County North Economic Development Council.
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LinkedIn
mbjones@tmabluetech.orgMichael Jones is the Board Chair Emeritus of TMA and TMA Foundation. He founded TMA in 2007 after noticing that San Diego has a strong cluster of maritime technology companies. His background is in finance and international relations, having spent 8 years as a commercial lender and 31 years as an investment banker. He is an angel investor, a member of the Board of Directors of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, and a member of the Board of Governors of the Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System (SCCOOS). Michael speaks five languages and travels extensively.
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Brendan Gray is the Chairman of the Board of The Maritime Alliance BlueTech (TMA), a nonprofit based in San Diego that promotes sustainable ocean and water industries. He works as an independent board member, helping the Executive Director with strategy and collaboration with other Blue Tech groups in the U.S. and beyond. Brendan also advises Atargis Energy Corporation, which provides renewable energy from ocean waves. Previously, as Vice President of Operations at Interactive Data Corporation, he managed global operations, strategy, and communications. A US Naval Academy graduate, Brendan served 30 years as a Naval Aviator, including five years as Deputy Commander for Navy Region Europe, overseeing the security and operations of U.S. Navy bases in Europe. He has significant experience in building international partnerships, leading a team from five countries to establish requirements for the P-8A aircraft.
Board of Directors
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CEO
Ocean Motion Technologies
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CEO
Earthwise Sorbents
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Assoc. Prof., Environmental and Ocean Sciences
University of San Diego
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Senior Business Development Manager
Neko Energy
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Director
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
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Chief BlueTech Strategist
MITRE
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Director, Strategy & Marketing
ThayerMahan
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COO
Strategic Robotics Systems
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Tech Development
Quartus EngineeringDirector
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President and CEO
BioLargo
Board of Advisors
We are dedicated to fostering innovation in BlueTech and generating sustainable Blue Jobs that benefit our oceans and waterways. By promoting environmentally responsible practices and supporting the science-driven industries focused on ocean health, we are creating vibrant job opportunities that not only support our communities but also help protect our marine ecosystems. Together, we can make waves for a healthier ocean and a thriving Blue economy.