Keynote update: O\u2019Connor to speak at Top Women in Maritime event
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Marine Log<\/em> has announced a change to the keynote address for Marine Log<\/em>\u2018s Top Women in Maritime Celebration<\/a>, taking place December 2 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans.<\/p>\n Rear Adm. Zeita Merchant<\/a>, Assistant Commandant for Workforce Management at the U.S. Coast Guard, is no longer able to keynote due to newly implemented service-wide travel restrictions. Merchant personally expressed her regret at being unable to attend. She will still be honored as one of Marine Log<\/em>\u2019s Top Women in Maritime award recipients for 2025.<\/p>\n Stepping in as keynote speaker is Elizabeth Bayly O\u2019Connor, Chief Counsel of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD). As a senior member of MARAD\u2019s leadership team, O\u2019Connor oversees the agency\u2019s legal strategy in support of its mission to strengthen and advance the U.S. maritime industry.<\/p>\n O\u2019Connor brings more than a decade of high-level legal experience to the podium. Before joining MARAD, she served as Senior Counsel to the House Committee on Homeland Security, advising members and staff on national security oversight and investigations. Her earlier roles include Assistant Chief Counsel with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and criminal prosecutor in Baltimore City. She holds degrees from the College of William and Mary, the University of Maryland School of Law, and the University of Baltimore School of Business.<\/p>\n The Top Women in Maritime Celebration recognizes 20 exceptional women whose work spans vessel operations, shoreside management, education, safety, logistics, and more. The event features networking, refreshments, and the official recognition of the 2025 award class inside the museum\u2019s U.S. Freedom Pavilion.<\/p>\n Presented with support from premier association sponsor Women in Maritime Operations<\/a> (WIMOs), along with returning sponsors WISTA USA<\/a> and Women Offshore<\/a>, the celebration continues to grow in attendance and industry engagement each year. Sponsorship opportunities remain available.<\/p>\n For more information, visit the event page<\/a>.<\/p>\n The post Keynote update: O\u2019Connor to speak at Top Women in Maritime event<\/a> appeared first on Marine Log<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n