Meet Our Team
Staff
Patrick Gallagher
Executive Director
Before joining the Marine Exchange, Patrick spent 22 years in the Coast Guard, specializing in search & rescue and law enforcement. Patrick holds a BS in Natural Resource Conservation and an MBA in Finance & Accounting. His multifaceted background equips him to lead the Marine Exchange, where he strategically manages daily operations, fosters industry connections, and actively serves on several maritime committees.
Cynthia Reed
Deputy Director
Cynthia has been an integral part of the Marine Exchange team for over 30 years. Drawing on a background managing lube and oil inventory for Rainier Petroleum, she brings deep industry knowledge to everything she does for the organization. She manages the Marine Exchange’s administrative and financial functions, coordinates association support activities, and oversees corporate affairs.
Neil Caldwell
Operations Manager
With a background in U.S. Navy and government telecommunications, Neil has been an integral part of the maritime industry for over 20 years. At the Marine Exchange, he ensures operational readiness, supervises watchstanders, and maintains extensive databases of data. Neil also coordinates and creates custom reports for members, providing them with specialized data solutions.
Sara Zeman
Communications Director
Sara leads the Marine Exchange’s communications, outreach, and media strategy. She holds a degree in public relations and specializes in digital strategy, content development, material design, social media management, and event planning. She also manages the John Veentjer Youth Maritime Scholarship and plays a central role in the resources and campaigns that support Washington Maritime.
Debra Walker-Goedhard
Project Coordinator
Debra brings over 30 years of experience to her role, with a maritime career that began in 1994 at Hanjin Shipping. At the Marine Exchange, she coordinates enrollments for the Washington State Maritime Cooperative and the Emergency Response Towing Vessel, communicates with members, and manages a long list of administrative tasks.
Jessica Lieberman
Accounts Receivable
With a BS in business analytics and over a decade of experience in the maritime industry, Jessica brings a background in vessel logistics and supplies from her work in Ushuaia, Argentina, where she focused on invoicing and improving efficiency. Today she applies that same focus on client relations and billables as part of the Marine Exchange finance team.
Lydimar Fuentes
Executive Assistant
With a strong background in operational coordination, cross-functional work, and team support, Lydimar brings over five years of experience in the fashion industry to the Marine Exchange. Her strengths in calendar management, file organization, and clear communication are critical to supporting the daily operations of the Executive Director and broader team.
Marcel Williams
Watch Supervisor
Marcel has been a dedicated Watch Supervisor at the Marine Exchange for over a decade. Before joining, his professional journey spanned roles at Comcast, Washington Mutual Bank, and the U.S. Navy, where he built the range of experience he brings to the team today.
Arthur Lusis
Watch Supervisor
Arthur has been with the Marine Exchange for over 20 years. He shifted from a career as a Stone Mason to a volunteer-driven path after life-altering strokes in 1984. He earned Volunteer of the Year from the former Evergreen Stroke Association before becoming a switchboard operator at the Port of Seattle and later finding his way to the Marine Exchange.
Jim Luty
Watch Supervisor
Jim Luty brings a wealth of maritime experience to his role as a Watch Supervisor at the Marine Exchange. With a background in Early Childhood Education and years of service in the United States Navy and Coast Guard, Jim has been with the Marine Exchange for over 20 years.
Sean Maloney
Watch Supervisor
With a background in engineering, Sean joined the Marine Exchange in 2023. He previously served as Supervisor of Engineering Technicians at LAM Research, and his earlier career included a decade of service as a United States Navy Missile Technician.