Admiral Melissa Bert

Admiral US Coast Guard (Retired)

Melissa Bert is an innovative leader, lawyer and strategist. She provides independent consultancy in strategic planning, organizational leadership, national security law and policy, criminal litigation, maritime and international law, diplomacy and capacity building, Intelligence law, negotiation and mediation. She has also served as a Captain of the Port, Officer in Charge of Marine Inspection, and Federal On Scene Coordinator for oil and chemical spills. She recently transitioned from her role as the Judge Advocate General and Chief Counsel of the Coast Guard. She previously served as the Coast Guard’s Director of Governmental and Public Affairs, where she synchronized the service’s external engagement with Congress, the Inter-agency, the media, and strategic partners and stakeholders.

Her military service included with the Joint Force as Deputy Director of Operations for the U.S. Northern Command overseeing homeland defense and defense support for civil authorities for North America, as well as theater security cooperation with Mexico and The Bahamas.

As a lawyer, she was Chief of the Coast Guard’s Maritime and International Law Office, and previously held positions as a prosecutor and military judge. For her legal expertise she was awarded the Young Military Lawyer of the Year for the Coast Guard by the American Bar Association in 1997 and the Judge Advocates Association Outstanding Career Armed Services Attorney Award in 2006. Her operational tours included command of Coast Guard Sector Juneau, responsible for the shipping, ports and waterways of Southeastern Alaska; as Chief of Staff for the Seventh Coast Guard District, overseeing Coast Guard operations in the Southeastern United States and Caribbean; as well as two tours at sea, including one as the executive officer of a cutter.

Core to her beliefs in advancing the next generation of talent, Melissa founded the Coast Guard Women’s Leadership Initiative; a grassroots-endowed nonprofit that actively supports and provides formal mentoring, leadership development, and business networking opportunities for young women in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Melissa holds a J.D. from George Washington University and a B.S. in Government from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. She was a fellow in residence with the Council on Foreign Relations and Harvard University’s National Security Program; and published author featured in the New York Times, the Miami Herald, and the Boston Globe. She is a Life Member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a Proctor in Admiralty.

Caroline Jupe

CEO – International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF)

Caroline is charged with the responsibility of leading the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF). IMRF is an international, non-governmental organisation (NGO) that supports search and rescue (SAR) organisations with the development and improvement of maritime SAR capacity around the world. This is done by providing guidance, facilitating training and enabling SAR providers to share knowledge and expertise between members across the IMRF community. Its work spans some of the most important issues facing maritime SAR and is vital to raising and maintaining standards, as well as improving overall global SAR capability.  Our influence is amplified through our consultative status at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

Caroline is an experienced leader and innovator who was previously the IMRF's Head of Fundraising and Projects where she was responsible for end-to-end creation, development and delivery of new programmes, conferences and events in addition to securing funding from a broad range of sources. Since 2016, she has passionately championed new initiatives for the benefit of IMRF’s members.   
 
Caroline has worked in the UK charity sector for 16 years having worked in a number of fundraising positions at Action on Hearing Loss and The British Heart Foundation. She also spent two years volunteering in New York City, USA, on a variety of Education Training and Employment projects.

Matt Christensen

Vita Inclinata Executive Vice President

Matt currently leads Vita Inclinata’s Aerospace division as Executive Vice President and is focused on developing an advanced safety ecosystem for helicopter search-and-rescue and MEDEVAC providers.

He brings a wealth of experience and expertise from over 25 years in high-tech product development and manufacturing companies spanning from startups to enterprise-level organizations. His extensive

knowledge and innovative mindset perfectly fit within Vita’s mission to build technology that brings people home… every time. Matt holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance & Management from Rockhurst University and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Iowa. He also serves on the Board of Directors of several technology companies in the US.

Andreea Hronec

Strategic Product Manager and Domain Sales Frequentis Maritime

Andreea Hronec, Frequentis AG

Andreea Hronec is Strategic Product Manager and Domain Sales for the Frequentis’ Maritime product suite MarTRX^TM. 

She has been working within the Frequentis Group for more than 4 years focusing on the Incident Management System for Search and Rescue operations and has been appointed in September 2022 to support the strategic product management for the entire Frequentis maritime product portfolio. Understanding the mission-critical responsibilities of the customers and enabling them to perform time-effective operations and save lives with the support of a state-of-the art system is her passion and key mission at Frequentis.

Prior to Frequentis, Andreea accumulated 10 years of experience in international Sales and Business Development, following her studies in International Management and Marketing at the University of Vienna, Austria

Major Miriam

UAE SAR Senior Paramedic

Major Mariam AL Zaabi  is an Emirati born and raised in AbuDhabi the capital of UAE. After obtaining a degree in Paramedic Science from HCT and Medic One Australia, she began her career with ground AbuDhabi police Ambulances quickly distinguishing herself through exceptional patient care and a keen ability to perform under pressure. Seeking to amplify her impact, She pursued advanced certifications in critical care, a Masters in paramedical science, and an Intensive care paramedic, in a specialized role with HEMS and in 2022. 

As a HEMS Critical Care Paramedic, she became an integral part of a team that performs rapid medical interventions in the most challenging environments. From high-stakes trauma cases to complex medical evacuations, her expertise and calm demeanor have made a difference in countless lives. Her commitment to continuous learning and excellence in pre-hospital critical care has set a benchmark within the community and among peers.

During her career, she worked on many aspects such as educating the Community about the importance of first aid and how to call the ambulance for any Emergency to minimize the risks. She also worked with the infection control team to put the ambulance Sterilization and cleaning standard to prevent infection. She also moderated the longest GMCs parade driving safe and the largest first aid lecture in one venue both recorded (Guinness World Record) with the youth police team.

Dr. Yemaya Bordain

President of the Americas at Daedalean AI

Yemaya Bordain, PhD, is the President of the Americas at Switzerland-based Daedalean AI, a company creating AI-powered flight control and navigation systems to provide pilot assistance today and to enable autonomously flying aircraft in the future. In August 2022, she joined Daedalean AI as President of the Americas to launch its presence on the two continents. Based in the United States, she oversees a portfolio including the company’s global efforts in innovation, business development, product management, marketing, communications, and partnerships. Previously, she spent seven years at Intel Corporation developing industry-leading advances in partnerships with top global OEMs including Lockheed-Martin Corporation, Collins Aerospace, Indra Sistemas, and Mercury Systems. She earned a BS in electrical engineering and an MS in computer science at Clark Atlanta University and a PhD in electrical and computer engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Eng. Abdulla Almarar

Head of Space Projects Section

Eng. Abdulla Almarar manages Space Projects Section at the UAE Space
Agency (UAESA), where he overlooks a number of space projects and a
team of space engineers who support these space projects and
missions.
Eng. Almarar joined the UAE Space Agency shortly after its
establishment in 2014 as Space Technology Senior Specialist in the
Space Mission Directorate and moved his way up to Section Head of
Space Projects in mid-2018.
His responsibilities include developing space mission program
objectives and requirements, developing the program budgets, and
recommending new capabilities to support current and future missions
in the UAE Space Agency. He also coordinates with all stakeholders
involved in Space missions and programs to ensure successful
execution. He has actively participated in critical milestone reviews
where he was responsible for assessing progress, issues, risks and
provided essential recommendations.
He is a member of the mechanical team at Emirates Mars Mission (Hope
Probe), the first exploration mission from MENA region, and the Project
Manager of MeznSat, the UAESA’s first Scientific CubeSat detecting
Methane & CO2 emissions over the UAE designed and built by university
students and successfully launched in Sept 2020.
Eng. Abdulla Almarar worked in the United Arab Emirates Airforce and
Air Defense spending more than five years on several aerospace &
defense projects.
Eng. Almarar holds a BSc in Aerospace Engineering and a Masters degree
in Aviation Industry Management from Royal Melbourne Institute of
Technology in Melbourne, Australia.

Thomas Higgins

UAE SAR Safety

Retired CW5 Thomas Higgins, a distinguished Master Army Aviator, boasts over three decades of exemplary service in the field of aviation. Throughout his illustrious career, Tom has held pivotal roles as an instructor pilot, aviation safety officer, and accident investigator, contributing significantly to the enhancement of aviation practices.

His extensive expertise spans various challenging environments, including mountainous terrains, overwater expanses, desert landscapes, and high-density traffic areas. This diverse experience has honed Tom's skills, making him a seasoned professional capable of navigating complex aviation scenarios with precision.

Tom holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle University, complemented by numerous professional development courses. His commitment to continuous learning and mastery of aeronautical knowledge positions him as a valuable asset to the National Search and Rescue Center (NSRC), where he currently serves as the lead aviation safety manager.

In his role at NSRC, Tom brings forth a wealth of experience, dedicating his skills to ensure the highest standards of aviation safety. His leadership and dedication underscore his commitment to fostering a culture of excellence within the aviation community.

Carlo Tiana

Collins Aerospace

Over a 30-year career, Carlo Tiana has designed and developed airborne vision systems for commercial and military applications spanning the electromagnetic spectrum. Holding more than 60 patents, Carlo pioneered the regulatory, certification and marketing efforts that led to global adoption of these complex technologies. Mentoring the next generation of engineers via connections at global universities, Carlo also is involved in industry and government regulatory organizations focusing on vision systems and export reform.

Wayne Hayman

Senior Flight Paramedic UAE SAR

Wayne started his career in EMS after completing two years Military training and joined Durban Fire & Rescue in 1990 as an EMT Firefighter. 

During this time, he completed his firefighting and EMT training, finishing his advanced Care paramedic training in 2000 and then resigned from his station in 2003 as a Station Commander to Join the UAE Air force and Air Defense Helicopter Search & Rescue team. He has been witness to the growth and development of this Unit which has progressed over the years from a Single Bell 412 helicopter operated out of Abu Dhabi to now operating out of 5 bases covering the entire UAE, responsible for the clinical development, Maintenance of flying standards and training for the Flight Paramedics in the Battalion. 

During his time in the UAE he was fortunate enough to be part of the development and implementation of the Prehospital section for the department of Health, and as the Senior Examiner for the Department of Health Abu Dhabi he helps to maintain the standards of pre Hospital applicants applying to work in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

In order to keep up with the development of the NSRC in the Search & Rescue and HEMS fields, staff are expected to continuously train and study and over this time, and thus Wayne has completed his Bachelors in clinical practice, post graduate education in Intensive Care and a Masters in Critical Care now being able to license in the UAE as a Critical Care Paramedic.

Andrew Munro

Managing Director Smith Myers

Andrew was born in Glasgow, Scotland and joined the military in 1984, graduating from The Army College Harrogate in 1987.  After a +20 year career in the British Military which included numerous operational tours and rising to the rank of Warrant Officer, Andrew transitioned into the Defence & Aerospace Private Sector in 2003.  Since then, Andrew has started and led several businesses in the sector both in UK and in North America.  Andrew has been with Smith Myers since 2013 and is currently the Managing Director.

Mouza Al Sawafi

Air Navigation Inspector – Aviation Safety Affairs

In the day’s bygone, we were used to unrestricted freedom for transportation, even the airports were not that restricted. That is no longer the case, we go through one form or the other of security checks almost on daily basis.  However, it is the airports where this experience tends to irk more individuals than any other point.

Her primary role involved providing regulatory oversight for Search and Rescue (SAR) service providers to ensure that UAE SAR providers adhere to UAE regulations and ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices.  This role in the Air Space Management also included updating the UAE drone map and managing drone approvals in collaboration with the Inspectors.

Mouza is the first Emirati Female to successfully complete the Aeronautical Search and Rescue Operation course and graduating from Singapore Aviation Academy.  During the 3 years of working hard to achieve this, ANA management supported Mouza by providing the extensive theoretical and practical knowledge required for the role. Based on this hard work and commitment, Mouza went on to became a SAR inspector, and the first lady to do so.

Anouk Beltan

Business Developer
Collecte Localisation Satellites (CLS)

Anouk joined CLS 3 years ago to manage the commercial development of THEMIS SAR to provide SAR authorities with this powerful search planning solution.

Guillaume Vidoni

Product Manager
Collecte Localisation Satellites (CLS)

Guillaume has 20 years’ experience in maritime domain and acts as Product Manager of our in-house search planning solution THEMIS SAR since 7 years.

Abduladhim Mohamed Al Abdulrahman Sultan Alolama

Holds Higher Diploma in Electronic Engineering and applied computer science, Bachelor Degree in Engineering Management, Diploma in Artificial Intelligence. 2+ years’ experience in aviation safety, crisis management and emergency services including 2 years as an Heliport principal Inspector with Air Navigation and Aerodromes Department, GCAA. Responsible for the development and oversight of aerodrome, heliport, helidecks and vertiport regulations. UAE representative to ICAO Heliport Design Working Group (HDWG) and Vertiport Design Study Group (VDSG).

Eida Saeed Almansoori

Rear Admiral LH ITCG Giovanni Canu

Giovanni Canu is an Admiral of the Italian Coast Guard, currently head of the Plans and Operations Department at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Rome, the Department responsible of the Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.

He attended Naval Academy between 1985 and 1989 as a Line Officer of the Italian Navy, Telecomunication warfare specialist. After about 9 years of experience onboard Italian warships, he joined the Italian Coast Guard.

During his career, he served as harbourmaster of Maratea, Viareggio, Brindisi and he was responsible of “Informatics, systems and digital networks” branch of the VII Department “Advanced resources and technologies” at the Italian Coast Guard Headquarters in Rome. During the period 2008-2010 he was assistant of the Regional Maritime Director in Genova and he was also Regional Maritime Director of the North Sardinia in Olbia.

He obtained the Scientific High School Diploma and graduated in Maritime and Naval Sciences at the University of Pisa, as well as in International and Diplomatic Sciences at the University of Trieste.

He obtained, also, the “International Legal Advisor” Master in Rome.

Giovanni Canu is an Admiral of the Italian Coast Guard, currently head of the Plans and Operations Department at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Rome, the Department responsible of the Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.

He attended Naval Academy between 1985 and 1989 as a Line Officer of the Italian Navy, Telecomunication warfare specialist. After about 9 years of experience onboard Italian warships, he joined the Italian Coast Guard.

During his career, he served as harbourmaster of Maratea, Viareggio, Brindisi and he was responsible of “Informatics, systems and digital networks” branch of the VII Department “Advanced resources and technologies” at the Italian Coast Guard Headquarters in Rome. During the period 2008-2010 he was assistant of the Regional Maritime Director in Genova and he was also Regional Maritime Director of the North Sardinia in Olbia.

He obtained the Scientific High School Diploma and graduated in Maritime and Naval Sciences at the University of Pisa, as well as in International and Diplomatic Sciences at the University of Trieste.

He obtained, also, the “International Legal Advisor” Master in Rome.

Ahmed Saeed Alabdouli

Captain Safia Hosein

UAE SAR Maintenance Test Pilot & Examiner

Captain Safia Hosein is driven by a desire to push boundaries and inspire others to pursue their dreams. 

She is from the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago and is an accomplished helicopter pilot. She acquired her student pilot’s license at the age of seventeen even before gaining her driver’s license at a time where there were very few women in the industry.

She has logged thousands of hours as a VVIP pilot in the UAE and worked in the oil and gas industry early in her career. She has flown as Pilot in Command in eleven countries with a flawless safety record, flying royalty, foreign dignitaries, crew change and Medevac. She was the first female helicopter pilot in the UAE to fly as an aircraft commander for the Joint Aviation Command. With more than two decades of experience in the industry she has now transitioned to the National Search and Rescue Centre in Abu Dhabi where she works as a Maintenance Test Pilot and Examiner. Beyond her achievements in aviation Safia is equally passionate about mountaineering and last year became the first person from her country to summit the highest peak on the continent of Antarctica.

 Safia is deeply commitment to safety and professionalism as demonstrated throughout her career.