Admissions Phone: 207-326-4311

Kathryn Kana portrait
Kate Kana
Director of Admission
207-326-2373
kate.kana@mma.edu
Focus Majors: undecided, MEO/MET/MSE-5

Kate joins the admissions team with a passion for the maritime industry, having sailed the East Coast, West Coast, and the South Pacific extensively. Now ashore she is eager to share her love of the sea and the maritime industry with the next generation of seafarers. To hear more about Kate’s background, check out the interview on the official MMA podcast Words with Wesley here!

Ross Cottrell portrait
Ross Cottrell
Assistant Director of Admission
207-326-2366
ross.cottrell@mma.edu
Focus Majors: International Business & Logistics

Ross brings extensive camp management and graphic design to the admissions team leading the coordination for groups visits and field trips to campus. Outside of work you will find Ross in the woodshop or supporting his son in his eagle scout project!

Marc Gousse portrait
Marc Gousse
Assistant Director of Admission
207-326-2376
marc.gousse@mma.edu
Focus Majors:

Marc, a graduate of MMA, spent his early career at sea but found his true passion teaching high school students. Having a fulfilling career as teacher, superintendent, and principal of high schools in Maine he is returning to his alma mater to continue to promote the school that set him up for success.

Zach Sawyer portrait
Zach Sawyer
Assistant Director of Admission
207-326-2664
zach.sawyer@mma.edu
Focus Majors: PEO/PET/MSE-4

Zach is returning to his roots in Castine having spent summers in the town with a long family history working at the Academy. His early career lead him to restaurant management and hospitality and even ran his own restaurant in Castine with his wife serving some of the best wood-fired pizzas you will ever try. With a passion for the town, community, and the school you will find Zach eager to share what stands Castine and MMA apart.

Jeffrey Cockburn
Jeffrey Cockburn
Transfer Enrollment Specialist
207-326-2348
jeffrey.cockburn@mma.edu
Focus Majors: Transportation and Ocean Studies

Jeff’s career took him seaside after graduating Maine Maritime with an Unlimited USCG deck license. His sea going career spanned research vessels to a Penobscot Bay Harbor Pilot and many vessels in between. With a rewarding career at sea he is excited to share his knowledge and help promote a rewarding lifestyle to the next generation. With a life ashore he is diving into the challenges/ excitement of a new puppy named Trevor!

Beth Sims portrait
Beth Sims
Graduate Enrollment Specialist
207-326-2620
beth.sims@mma.edu
Focus Majors: Graduate Programs

Beth’s introduction to Maine Maritime has been through her son who attends the school as a student seeking an unlimited license. As a strong promoter for the school, and a great excuse to move to beautiful Maine, she has relocated to Castine from Delaware and changed careers from teaching to promote the graduate programs at MMA. Outside of work you will find her happily behind her camera as a professional photographer.

Mary Fairweather portrait
Mary Fairweather
Administrative Assistant

Mary has a long family history in the area and is living back in the area that is most close to her heart. After a career in teaching she found the excuse to move full time to the area. In addition to the strong skills she brings to the admissions team her cupcake decorating skills are top notch!

Valerie Mason portrait
Valerie Mason
Receptionist

Valeria’s background is rooted in hospitality having run and owned a hotel for many years with her husband. Now, without the demands of their own business Val is able to spend more time with her grandchildren and party planning, with which, she is excellent at orchestrating.