MARITIME RISK SYMPOSIUM
Introduction: Littoral Disruptions and Cascading Consequences on Private Industry
Session Abstract
This session explores how disruptions in coastal and port environments—from cyber intrusions to geopolitical tensions—create ripple effects across industries reliant on maritime trade.
Session Takeaway
Attendees will gain insight into the interdependencies among military, Coast Guard, and commercial stakeholders, and learn strategies for assessing risk, strengthening resilience, and coordinating responses to protect critical economic and operational interests.
Session Speakers
Randy Pugh - Moderator
ATI
Randy Pugh served 34 years as a U.S. Marine, first as an enlisted Combat Engineer and then as a Signals Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and MAGTF Intelligence Officer. He commanded Second Radio Battalion and Marine Corps Intelligence Schools and served in combat in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Southern Philippines. From 2023-26, he was the Naval Postgraduate School’s Vice Provost for Warfare Studies and Director of the Naval Warfare Studies Institute. Col Pugh earned degrees from the U.S. Naval Academy, the Naval Postgraduate School, Marine Corps University, and the Naval War College.
David Wulf
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Dave Wulf has led organizations and programs in the homeland-security, law-enforcement, regulatory, and maritime arenas. As Director of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Dave led a team that worked collaboratively with industry members to enhance security at America’s highest-risk chemical facilities. Dave also served as DHS’s acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection, leading partnership initiatives across all 16 critical-infrastructure sectors.
Earlier in his career, Dave established ATF’s National Center for Explosives Training and Research, led the ATF Canine Program, and served as the bureau’s Senior Counsel for Field Operations. Capping his 30-year government career, Dave was commissioned as a Rear Admiral in the United States Maritime Service and was privileged to serve as Deputy Superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. As a Boston native, Dave was very pleased to be at Fenway Park for the 2025 Secretaries Cup game, a thrilling 39-38 Kings Point victory!
Dave currently serves as President & CEO of the Center for Cross-Sector Coordination, a Washington, D.C.-based trade association focused on the security and resilience of America’s critical infrastructure. He also leads a strategic-consulting firm, CrossStar Strategies.
Dave has two daughters and lives in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife Debbi and a very-vocal beagle named Molly.
Dr. Simon Veronneau
Naval Post Graduate School
Dr. Simon Véronneau is a Research Associate Professor in Defense Analysis at the Naval Postgraduate School, Director of the KRAKEN RAS Battle Lab, Guest Professor at Universiteit Antwerpen, and Associate Editor of the Journal of Transportation Security. His research focuses on maritime security, defense innovation, autonomous systems, strategic competition, disruptive technologies, and critical operations. A former RAND Management Scientist, he has advised military and private-sector leaders on defense and maritime strategy. He holds a Ph.D. in Operations Management from HEC Montréal and was a visiting Ph.D. scholar at NYU Stern’s Department of Operations Management and Information Systems. He is a licensed Master Mariner with command and senior deck officer experience on cruise, ferry, Coast Guard, and merchant vessels.
Adil Ashiq
Pole Star Global
Adil Ashiq is Head of Partnerships at Pole Star Global, a multinational maritime data and technology company serving port authorities, governments, ship owners, and commercial clients with solutions for optimization, maritime domain awareness, sustainability, risk and compliance, market analysis, and maritime intelligence. A graduate of the California Maritime Academy with degrees in Marine Transportation and Business, he sailed professionally and earned his Master’s License, commanding vessels by the age of 27. After transitioning ashore, Adil held roles in strategy, operations, consulting, and data at major corporations, bringing a practical seafaring perspective to complex commercial and policy challenges. He later earned his master’s degree and is based in Los Angeles, California.
