Maine Maritime Academy has named Jerald S. “Jerry” Paul as the college’s 15th president. Paul, current president of Capitol Access and a 1989 graduate of the institution, will take office this spring.
Paul succeeds William J. Brennan who steps down from the position in April after 12 years at MMA.
“Jerry has the background, experience, and personal demeanor that is ideally suited to lead MMA at this important time in our history,” said Brennan.
“I ask the entire MMA family and the Castine community to join me in congratulating him. We are eager to have him and his family join us.”
A marine engineering technology major, Paul graduated in the top 5 percent of his class with two minors at MMA.
A marine engineering technology major, Paul graduated in the top 5 percent of his class with two minors at MMA, powerplant management and nuclear engineering. After MMA, he earned a degree in nuclear engineering, conferred with high honors, and a doctorate of law, conferred cum laude.
Paul held an unlimited tonnage U.S. Coast Guard 3rd engineer license and a Maine third class engineer license. He sailed on merchant marine vessels intermittently and served as an engineering officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He later served as a reactor engineer on shoreside nuclear reactors.
For more than 20 years, he practiced law as a member of the federal and Florida bar, including advocacy as a government affairs consultant and strategist.
Paul served as a deputy administrator of the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration with oversight and management of nuclear defense programs, nuclear nonproliferation, and naval reactors.
As a former senior official within the U.S. Department of Energy, Paul has been engaged throughout domestic and international energy markets. He has operated an energy consulting firm specializing in regulatory policy and development of energy technology.
He formerly served as an elected member of the Florida House of Representatives.
“I am honored to be offered this opportunity to return to my alma mater and lead the Academy that provided me with the tools that enabled me to achieve success,” said Paul. “My wife, Kristy, and I are eager to come back to Castine. We love this town, its maritime heritage, and especially its people, including our local friendships. We look forward to beginning the transition in the new year.”
Paul will take the helm as the college celebrates its eighth decade and prepares to welcome a new training ship, expands academic offerings, and builds upon its reputation as a world-class maritime training institution.
