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 to explore and drive solutions that intersect maritime defense, clean tech, and ocean resilience sectors
Our mission is to foster collaboration, open significant commercial opportunities for our members, create high-quality Blue Jobs, and accelerate solutions that improve operational efficiency and enhance ocean and maritime resilience.
Through dynamic events, strategic networking, and international outreach, we amplify the Blue Voice, advancing maritime defense and driving new technologies for a thriving Blue Economy.
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
Earthwise Sorbents
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Director, Strategy & Marketing
ThayerMahan
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Assoc. Prof., Environmental and Ocean Sciences
University of San Diego
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Chief BlueTech Strategist
MITRE
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Senior Business Development Manager
Neko Energy
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Director
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
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VP Solutions
NORBIT
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CEO
Ocean Motion Technologies
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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
Discover how TMA BlueTech is making an impact through strategic initiatives that drive innovation, create job opportunities, and foster collaboration across key sectors of the Blue Economy. Our Impact Initiatives focus on advancing technologies in maritime defense, clean tech, and ocean resilience, positioning our members to tackle global challenges while creating sustainable commercial opportunities. To learn more about the transformative work we're doing, explore our full range of Impact Initiatives.