2020 Admiral's Dinner e-Journal

HONOREES

Michael Roberts President of American Maritime Partnership and Senior Vice President at Crowley Maritime

Mike grew up in western Michigan and earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, graduating with high honors. Upon graduation he moved to Washington, DC where he began work in the transportation sector while pursuing a law degree at night. He received his juris doctor degree from American University, Washington College of Law, graduating cum laude. His career in Washington spans more than 40 years and includes service in government as well as private practice. As General Counsel, Mike represented Crowley Maritime on the major issues affecting the industry, including the Maritime Security Program, Jones Act, and economic regulation. Mike is a founding board member of the American Maritime Partnership (AMP) which was established in 1995 to represent the domestic maritime industry. AMP is the largest maritime legislative coalition ever assembled which emphasizes that a strong domestic maritime industry is critical for America’s economic, national, and homeland security, and is best supported by maintaining the Jones Act as the foundation of America’s domestic maritime policy. In January 2020, Mike was appointed President of AMP where he welcomes the challenges and celebrates the successes of the industry. Throughout his career Mike has become well acquainted with many SUNY Maritime College graduates andofficers, several of themnow friends. He admires their perseverance, especially now during COVID-19. Having recently testified before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation in the U. S. House of Representatives, Mike said he feels proud to play a part in keeping the American maritime industry operating safely and successfully. In his free time, Mike loves to play golf in Jacksonville with son Kurt and son-in-lawMike. They plus daughter Katie enjoyed a lock-down visit that began in March and lasted until June! During this time, Mike and wife Barbara enjoyed cooking competitions with the kids every Saturday. Mike’s secret – everything tastes better with a little crema!

16