Our Team

Ocean Exchange Board Member Team

Bill Merz

Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy (retired)

Bachelor’s degree in Ocean Engineering (merit) from the U.S. Naval Academy. Master’s degrees from The Catholic University and Naval War College.

MIT’s Seminar XXI and Virginia’s Darden School on Strategic Thinking. Member of the Council on Foreign Relations, serves in several defense advisory and board positions. Recently retired from the Navy and accepted a position with Entergy in Houston.

Three positions at the Navy 3-star level. Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, “Chief Requirements Officer” (OPNAV N9), “Chief Operating Officer” (OPNAV N3N5). Authored Navy/Marine Corps Warfighting Concepts and maritime elements of the National Defense Strategy, Nuclear Posture Review and Navy’s “Blue Arctic. Senior Navy liaison for AUKUS.

Career submariner, commanded the nuclear deep-sea vessel (DSV) Submarine NR-1, the attack submarine USS Memphis (SSN 691), and Submarine Development Squadron 12. Served as Chief Engineer aboard USS Boise (SSN 764) and for 3-years headed the Naval Reactors Line Locker.

Over the course of twelve global deployments his crews earned eight unit awards, five Battle “E”s, was recognized as the top ship in the fleet and completed the fastest ever under-ice polar transit. Swims, surfs, golfs.

Honorary Navy Chief Petty Officer.

Contact Us

Ocean Exchange invites you to learn more about Awards Program, our ecosystem and success of our award winners and participants. Together, we can chart a powerful course to help ensure the future of our oceans and the Blue Economy.

Testimonials

Participating in Ocean Exchange as an AUV subject matter expert was a meaningful way to share Anduril’s perspective on operational autonomy and AUV deployment. The event brought together diverse stakeholders focused on advancing practical, impact-driven maritime technologies, and provided a valuable platform for meaningful and inspiring discussions that delved into the complexities and opportunities spanning the full spectrum of ocean innovation.

 
Jessie Gray
Engineering Project Manager, Anduril

Ocean Exchange consistently brings together some of the most promising innovators in sustainability, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to support their work through the Solutions Review Team. Each year after attending the annual conference, I leave energized by the quality of ideas presented, the mission‑driven entrepreneurs involved, and the collaborative environment that drives meaningful progress for our oceans and The Blue Economy.

 
Rick Claar
Partner/President, The Martec Group

The Guy Harvey Foundation has been a proud partner with Ocean Exchange for the past few years as it provides a wonderful platform for innovations to be shared, meaningful networking to take place and overall supports the growth of the ocean economy and conservation efforts. We’ve been fortunate to provide awards for both collegiate and high school categories, participated on the judging panel and are inspired by the problem solving solutions presented by each candidate. If you want a good dose of inspiration, definitely look to supporting, attending or participating in the events!

 
Jessica Harvey
Chief Executive Officer, Guy Harvey Foundation

Being a voting delegate at Ocean Exchange reminded me why I do this work—watching students and industry leaders alike push the boundaries of what’s possible for ocean health and the blue economy. Deep thanks to Moffatt & Nichol for supporting our time and commitment.

 
Lynette Cardoch
Vice President Director, Resilience and Adaptation, Moffatt & Nichol

At Carollo Engineers, water is all we do—so we’re passionate about protecting our oceans. Attending the Ocean Exchange connected us with innovators advancing the blue economy, including those driving reuse and improving wastewater treatment and water quality. Events like this highlight how essential cross-sector collaboration is to solving global water challenges and creating a more sustainable future.

 
Dave Sobeck
Executive Vice President, Carollo Engineers