Our Team

Ocean Exchange Executive Team

Susan Zellers

Program Director

Susan Zellers is an accomplished dynamic leader, with a background in association management, workforce development, economic development, advocacy, community coalition building and event management.

For two decades, she led the Marine Trades Association of Maryland as their Executive Director.  In that role she worked as a state lobbyist for recreational boating interests, representing the boater and the trades.  She initiated the Marine Trades Industry Partnership for Workforce Development through a grant from the State of Maryland which was recognized nationally for pre-apprentice training.  She planned and coordinated conferences, trade shows and social events for the organization.

Prior to MTAM, Susan held the appointed position of Director of Economic Development for the City of Annapolis.  Here she served as a liaison with the business community while working to recruit new businesses to Annapolis and Maryland.

In December of 2021, she was awarded the ‘Chesapeake Bay Ambassador’ award by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan.  One of the highest and most prestigious awards that the state confers upon citizens who are active leaders in supporting a better Chesapeake Bay. Through the pandemic, she served on the City of Annapolis’ and the State of Maryland’s business recovery task forces.  She has served on national task forces for recreational boating career marketing and been active in the National Marine Trades Council.  In Maryland, she chaired the Visit Annapolis board of directors and served on the Executive Directors Council to Maryland Tourism Development. 

Zellers is a graduate of The Ohio State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.  Go Buckeyes! 

With an empty nest and the new-found ability to work remotely, Susan relocated to Sarasota, FL in September of 2021. 

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

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

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