Jim Merten serves as the USCG Sector Columbia River Marine Transportation Recovery Unit (MTSRU) Coordinator, Chair of the Sector Columbia River AMSC Cyber- Subcommittee and is the Sector Columbia River representative at Federal, State, Local, and Industry levels for maritime disaster recovery planning and mitigation efforts. As a Port Security Specialist, Jim is tasked with port recovery and re-opening while simultaneously facilitating the resumption of commerce within the COTP Zone. Jim is also a PhD Student at the University of Antwerp in Belgium where he is working on a Doctorate in Marine Transport and Economics. In his off time, Jim enjoys volunteering his time teaching kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, riding bikes, and camping with his two daughters. Jim received his Master’s in Emergency Management and Homeland Security from Arizona State University.
