Elizabeth Simmons, LP.D, CAPT-MMA is the Vice President of External Affairs at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. In this role she is responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of short and long range strategies, goals, and objectives for the Academy Foundation while managing communications and relationships with the Academy’s external stakeholders. She handles both public and private relationships at the local, state, and federal level along with overseeing the Academy’s extensive alumni network.
A 1997 Marine Safety and Environmental Protection (MSEP) graduate of Massachusetts Maritime Academy, she worked in both the environmental and human resources fields before returning to the academy in 2002. For close to two decades she worked with and oversaw the offices of Admissions and Enrollment and succeeded in increasing women and minority enrollment while exceeding the strategic goals of growing the overall student population.
Elizabeth has a Masters in Facilities Engineering, holds a Doctorate degree in Law and Policy from Northeastern University and enjoys volunteering and giving back to multiple community organizations. Currently she is a board member for the Governor’s Seaport Economic Council, Boston’s Historic North End Mariners House, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School Steam Engineering Advisory Board, Chair for the Cape Cod Canal Chamber of Commerce, Ship Operators Cooperative Program (SOCP), and is a member of Congressman Keating’s Service Academy Nomination Committee. She is also the immediate past chapter President for the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) USA New England, immediate past President and Board Chair for Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, and served as the Academy appointed representative for the Governor’s Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey Advisory Board. Elizabeth is proud to give- back and serve as a mentor and role model in promoting women in the maritime and associated trades.
A native of Yarmouth, Massachusetts, Elizabeth grew up sailing the waters of Lewis Bay in iconic wooden Beetle Cats and Cape Cod Knockabouts. The teamwork, skills, and knowledge instilled through sailing and being on the water have continued in her adult life. Currently, Elizabeth lives in Onset, MA and is on or near the water as much as possible.