Leach Appointed to National Towing and Safety Advisory Commitee

U.S. Senator Susan Collins is pleased to congratulate Captain Timothy Leach, Current Director of Career Services and Cadet Shipping at Maine Maritime Academy (MMA), on receiving his appointment from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to serve on the Towing and Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC).  Senator Collins, who is the Ranking Republican on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, wrote to DHS recommending Captain Leach for the position.

The Towing Safety Advisory Committee was created to serve as a deliberative body to advise the Secretary of Transportation, via the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, on matters relating to shallow-draft inland and coastal waterway navigation and towing safety.

“Tim’s extensive background and experience in the maritime industry will be invaluable for the Towing Safety Advisory Committee,” said Senator Collins.  “I was delighted to recommend Tim to the committee, and I know he looks forward to working with the Department of Homeland Security as it develops ideas and recommendations regarding navigational and towing safety issues.”

“I have been involved with training countless numbers of graduates from Maine Maritime Academy for the last 30 years,” said Captain Leach.  “I know that highly trained people coming from the maritime academies have had a positive impact on vessel design, operation and safety.  I am looking forward to taking part in the important work that TSAC is involved with and I think I will bring a unique prospective to the board as the result of my maritime training background.”

Captain Leach has more than 30 years experience working at MMA as an Adjunct Faculty member. He has taught classes for the Engineering Department including Diesel Technology, and Engineering Systems and Design; and for the Marine Transportation Department, including Shiphandling, Workboat Operations, and Tug and Barge Operations.  He also played an integral role in developing the first tug/barge training program in the country.

Captain Leach holds an Associate of Science in Marine Engineering from Southern Maine Technical College, a Bachelor of Science in Small Vessel Operations from Maine Maritime Academy, and a Master of Science in Maritime Management from Maine Maritime Academy’s Loeb-Sullivan School of Business.  He lives in Castine with his wife Gay and has two sons, Bret, a graduate of the Naval Academy, and Christopher, a student at the Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point.