Joshua Berger

Having founded Washington Maritime Blue during his time as Governor Jay Inslee’s Maritime Sector Lead for the State of Washington, Joshua was appointed as President & CEO in 2021 to help lead the organization’s growth and leadership in the global Blue Economy as a strategic alliance to accelerate innovation for a sustainable and inclusive maritime and ocean economy. Formerly, Joshua’s role with the state served as a policy liaison between maritime industry stakeholders, the Governor’s office, legislature and state agencies. As Director of Maritime Economic Development, he focused on building public/private partnerships, and ensuring a 21st century workforce. In his role, Joshua managed the development of Washington State’s Strategy for the Blue Economy for a sustainable, decarbonized maritime industry alongside the development of a Maritime Innovation Center.
Joshua serves on multiple Boards and Advisory Committees supporting maritime and ocean clean technology, innovation and ocean literacy. Before joining the Department of Commerce in 2015, Joshua served as the founding Director of the Washington Maritime Federation and brings extensive maritime industry experience to his position. Joshua earned a master’s degree from Antioch University Seattle in Participatory Planning. He is also a licensed and professional Merchant Mariner having worked in the towing industry and aboard traditional sailing ships as platforms for education and training.
Washington Maritime Blue is a non-profit, strategic alliance formed to accelerate innovation and sustainability in support of an inclusive blue economy. We are a partnership between industry, public sector, research & training institutions, and community organizations. Maritime Blue works to create a world-class, thriving, equitable and sustainable maritime and ocean industry through knowledge sharing, joint innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization, business and workforce development.