Organization
Alaska Tanker Company — Our structure and staff
Sam Norton: CEO
Responsible for providing overall strategic direction and guidance to ATC and for assuring that operations are conducted in a manner that results in no accidents, no harm to people, and no damage to the environment.
Sam was appointed Chief Executive Officer and President of ATC’s ultimate parent company (Overseas Shipholding Group) in December 2016.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chinese Language and Literature from Dartmouth College.
Prior to his appointment as CEO and President of OSG, Sam co-founded SeaChange Maritime, LLC, an owner and operator of container ships, and served as its Chairman and CEO. He also served as a senior executive officer at Tanker Pacific Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. Additionally, he started a related business, Tanker Pacific Offshore Terminals. Previous to his work in the Ofer Group, he planed a lead role in the Asian distressed assets group of the First National Bank of Boston.
Chris Merten: COO and Fleet Manager ATC
Responsible and accountable for assuring operations integrity and risk management while leading ATC operations both ashore and onboard ship in delivering reliable, cost effective and incident free transportation of petroleum.
Education:
Chris Merten holds a B.S. degree in Marine Engineering Systems from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Additionally, he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Naval Reserve as a Lieutenant. Mr. Merten is also a graduate of the Stanford University Executive Leadership Development Program.
Experience:
Chris Merten has over 25 years of technical and administrative experience in the maritime industry. He initially sailed as a shipboard engineer for several years before moving ashore to work as a Marine Surveyor with the American Bureau of Shipping. Mr. Merten worked as an Engineering Superintendent for ATC beginning in 2002. He advanced to Engineering Team Leader in November 2014 and onto his current role of Chief Operating Officer in February 2018.
Capt John Merrigan: Marine Team Leader and Deputy Fleet Manager ATC
Accountable for ensuring vessels operate in accordance with the highest marine standards, while remaining fluent with all seagoing and in-port operations, and local, state and federal regulations. Development of fleet marine technical training, professional development of fleet officers.
Education:
Captain John D. Merrigan holds a B.S. degree in Marine Transportation from Massachusetts Maritime Academy. He is also a graduate of the Stanford University Executive Leadership Development Program.
Experience:
Captain Merrigan has over 25 years’ experience in the maritime industry. He holds a Master license, Oceans Unlimited and several First Class Federal and State pilot licenses; Captain Merrigan sailed as Master for more than 10 years and has been an instructor at various maritime institutions. Prior to advancing to the Marine and Labor Relations Team Leader, he worked as the Marine Technical Superintendent. Before joining Alaska Tanker Company, Captain Merrigan served in various positions for Marine Transport Lines.
Jeff Reynolds: General Administrator ATC
Responsible for support functions for the ATC offices and fleet.
Education:
Jeff holds a BSc from the Marriott School at BYU. Additionally, he has an MBA from PSU. He has completed executive education programs at both Harvard & Stanford Universities, and holds numerous professional certifications, including the SHRM-SCP, AEI CCLA, IIA AIC, etc.
Experience:
Jeff has over 25 years’ experience in financial services, risk & insurance, and the marine industry. He is a noted public speaker, with many years’ practice in private and public settings. He has served in various clubs and capacities with Toastmasters International.