U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Vivien Crea to Headline WISTA Luncheon

WISTA USA’s Fourth Annual Luncheon to take place at the CMA Shipping 2009 Conference on March 23rd.

Stamford, February 9 -- Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) USA announced today that United States Coast Guard’s Vice Admiral Vivien Crea will be the keynote speaker at its 4th Annual Luncheon in Stamford, CT. The luncheon is being held in conjunction with this year’s Connecticut Maritime Association (CMA) Shipping 2009 Conference. The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 23rd at the Hilton Stamford Hotel.

As Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard, VADM Crea is the first woman to serve in the number two position of a military service. VADM Crea, the former Commander of the Coast Guard Atlantic Area (LANTAREA), was confirmed by the United States Senate to her historic post in June 2006. As the Chief Operating Officer and Agency Acquisition Executive, she is responsible for the design, acquisition, modernization, and delivery of Coast Guard services to the American public and the execution of Coast Guard missions. She helped develop and implement the Commandant’s policies on diversity, equal employment, antidiscrimination, and anti-harassment, and chairs the Coast Guard’s Leadership Council. As the Coast Guard’s second in command, VADM Crea is the first woman from any service, as well as the first service member from the Coast Guard, to serve as the Presidential Military Aide.

“We are delighted that Admiral Crea has agreed to be the keynote speaker at WISTA USA’s 4th Annual luncheon which kicks off the CMA Shipping 2009 Conference,” stated Jeanne Grasso, President of WISTA USA. “She represents women in leadership positions within the maritime community who, through professional accomplishments, have a profound effect on our industry with their positive contributions. She is unparalleled as a role model for both the Coast Guard, and industry,” she continued.

WISTA is an international organization for women in management level positions involved in the maritime transportation business and related trades, worldwide. WISTA USA has over 90 members, and last year hosted the WISTA 2008 Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana where more than 200 women from other National WISTA Associations (NWAs) around the world attended. The WISTA 2009 Annual Conference will be hosted by WISTA UK in London in September.

The cost for the luncheon is $55 for WISTA members and $70 for non-members. Reservations can be made by contacting Marlene Boyer at [email protected] . Applications to join WISTA USA will be available and accepted at the event.

For more information about WISTA USA please visit www.wista.net