Mystic, Conn. (April 17, 2017) — Mystic Seaport has named Christopher Gasiorek Vice President for Watercraft Preservation and Programs. Gasiorek will be responsible for the operation, preservation, and programming of the Museum’s watercraft collection, and oversee management of the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard.
A graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, Gasiorek is a professional mariner with more than 25 years of experience in a diversity of maritime positions. He holds an unlimited tonnage master’s license from the U.S. Coast Guard, and he has served on tugs, bulk carriers, research ships, training ships, and racing yachts. He has circumnavigated the world twice.
Gasiorek was the Director of Watercraft Operations and Training at the USMMA from 2007 to 2014, where he oversaw the operation of more than 100 vessels ranging from the 224-foot Kings Pointer to sailing dinghies. He was responsible for maintenance, cadet training, shore support, facilities improvements, and the command of cadet-crewed training voyages.
As a maritime educator, Gasiorek has served as classroom and underway instructor for numerous Safety at Sea Seminars, including training for NOAA’s shipboard officers and USCG-approved instruction in Bridge Resource Management, Leadership and Management, and Safety of Life at Sea. He is involved with Tall Ships America and is a past relief captain and mate of South Street Seaport’s 1893 schooner Lettie G. Howard. He currently serves on the board of the USMMA Sailing Foundation, where he has been intimately involved in their yacht donation program.
“Chris Gasiorek brings to the position demonstrated experience and expertise in strategic planning, budgeting for a multi-million dollar waterfront operation, personnel management, and close work with government and civilian stakeholders at all levels,” said Mystic Seaport President Steve White. “We believe his extensive maritime experience, proven leadership, and knowledge of sail education and waterfront management will place us firmly in the forefront of 21st-century museums.”
Gasiorek is a resident of Mystic, CT. He will assume his duties in early June.
About Mystic Seaport
Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Founded in 1929, the Museum is home to four National Historic Landmark vessels, including the Charles W. Morgan, America’s oldest commercial ship and the last wooden whaleship in the world. The Museum’s collection of more than two million artifacts includes more than 500 historic vessels and one of the largest collections of maritime photography in the country. The newly opened Thompson Exhibition Building provides a state-of-the-art gallery to host compelling, world-class exhibitions, beginning with the current show SeaChange. The Collections Research Center at Mystic Seaport provides scholars and researchers from around the world access to the Museum’s renowned archives. Mystic Seaport is located one mile south of Exit 90 off I-95 in Mystic, CT. Admission is $28.95 for adults ages 15 and older and $18.95 for children ages 4-14. Museum members and children three and younger are admitted free. For more information, please visit https://mysticseaport.wpengine.com/ and follow Mystic Seaport on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
