Chris Ostrander

Chris is an oceanographer and business development executive with 20+ years of experience building and leading complex organizations, advancing mission-driven partnerships, and guiding durable growth for a range of academic, government, and private organizations.  He currently serves as co-chair of the Ocean Research Advisory Panel; supporting the White House’s cabinet-level Ocean Policy Committee effort to advance ocean research priorities, facilities, and domestic investment.  

Prior to joining the Marine Technology Society, Chris served in a range of leadership roles at the University of Utah spanning technology licensing and commercialization, industry partnerships, foundation & corporate philanthropy, and research administration. Before Utah, Chris served as the assistant dean and director of strategic initiatives for the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. While in Hawaii, he was the co-founder and director of the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS). He has launched multiple companies and helped entrepreneurs and institutions raise more than $450 million in research and philanthropic capital. 

Chris received his undergraduate and graduate education from the United States Military Academy at West Point (geography), the Johns Hopkins University (political theory), and the University of Hawaii (physical oceanography).