The Nexus Between Florida’s
Ocean Health and Economic Prosperity
A Leadership Meeting & Luncheon
Wednesday November 5, 2025
Coral Ridge Yacht Club, Fort Lauderdale
On November 5, 2025 from 11:00AM to 3:00PM, the Florida Ocean Alliance hosted an Innovative Leadership Luncheon and Panel Discussion, bringing together thought leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and advocates to south Florida to explore actionable strategies for a sustainable and prosperous ocean economy.
Speakers and their respective presentations are below. Click the button to view the presentation.
Glenn Wiltshire, FOA President, Deputy Port Director, Port Everglades
Colin Polsky, Ph.D.,
Associate Vice President, Broward Campuses,
Florida State Office of Ocean Economy housed at
Florida Atlantic University
Charles Colgan, Ph.D.,
Director of Research,
Center for the Blue Economy
Duane E. De Freese, Ph.D.,
Executive Director,
Indian River Lagoon Council
Valerie Seidel,
President,
The Balmoral Group
John Englander,
Director, NSU’s Rising Seas Institute,
Halmos College of Arts & Sciences,
Nova Southeastern University
Becky Prado,
Florida Coastal Resiliency Leader, Moffatt & Nichol
Danielle Irwin,
Senior Director,
Cummins Cederberg
Susan Zellers,
Program Director,
Ocean Exchange
Thank you to all of our speakers, attendees, sponsors, and contributors for making the 2025 luncheon and panel discussion a resounding success, highlighting the pivotal role of Florida's ocean economy in our state's future.
Event Contact: Paola Espitia at paola.espitia.foa@gmail.com
