New Leadership Takes the Helm at the Marine Exchange of Alaska
A shift in season brought monumental change to the Marine Exchange of Alaska (MXAK) this month with the retirement of Captain Ed Page, USCG (ret.) after 20 years as Executive Director. In his place, MXAK welcomed Captain Steve White, USCG (ret.) who retired from the U.S. Coast Guard in August 2021 after 31 years of active-duty service.
Steve joins MXAK with extensive maritime experience including seven tours in Alaska. In his last assignment, he served as Sector Commander and Captain of the Port for Southeast Alaska. When asked why he decided to accept the Executive Director position at MXAK, Steve said he was drawn to the mission and the people. “I worked closely with MXAK during my time with the Coast Guard and I was always impressed. What Ed has built benefits all mariners in Alaska and I’m honored to be a part of this team.”
Ed, known internationally for his contributions to maritime safety, will remain in Juneau and is available and committed to helping MXAK however needed. “This is a good time in my life and MXAK’s history for a new Executive Director to take the helm. After 50 years of being involved in the maritime field, I’m most proud of my role in establishing MXAK. Steve’s impressive career made him the best candidate for the job, and I trust he will steer MXAK on a good course.”
Ed founded MXAK in 2001 with the mission to provide information, communications, and services to aid safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally responsible maritime operations. Under his watch, MXAK is responsible for developing and maintaining a growing network of over 60 weather stations and 150 Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers installed throughout Alaska’s expansive coastline. Data collected from the sites is monitored at MXAK’s 24/7 Vessel Tracking Operation Center and made available to mariners and the Coast Guard to help with search and rescue missions.
MXAK won’t be the same without Ed, but his legacy is ongoing. We are immensely grateful for his leadership and wish him the best in his retirement.