IYRS Maritime Leadership Institute
Building the leaders who will drive the future of the marine trades, strengthen maritime industries, and advance the blue economy.
Situated on Newport Harbor, the premier global maritime stage, at the intersection of maritime heritage, innovation, and workforce development, the Maritime Leadership Institute (MLI) at IYRS is developing the people who will lead the next generation of the maritime economy.
Across the marine sector, employers are navigating a rapidly changing workforce, evolving technologies, and increasing demand for skilled talent. From boat building and advanced composites to marine technology, manufacturing, shipyards, and waterfront operations, the industry needs more technical expertise. It needs leaders who can build high-performance teams, solve complex problems, embrace innovation, and create workplaces where talented people want to stay and grow.
IYRS Maritime Leadership Institute exists to meet that need.
By connecting leadership development with the realities of the maritime workplace, the Institute strengthens the talent pipeline, expands career opportunities, and helps organizations develop and retain leaders they need to thrive.
The maritime industry is growing. The need for exceptional leaders is growing with it.
5Filling Workforce Gaps. Growing the Talent Pipeline. Building Strong Leaders.
According to GrowBlue.org, the United States' Blue Economy is growing at twice the rate of the national economy.1
In Rhode Island, the opportunity is significant: the state's Blue Economy has an estimated economic impact of $5.2 billion and more than 36,500 jobs.1
The opportunity is clear and the IYRS Maritime Leadership Institute is designed to grow exceptional leaders.
Why IYRS?
Where maritime expertise meets leadership development.
Few organizations are as uniquely positioned as IYRS to bring together education, industry, and workforce development.
Located in the heart of one of America's most vibrant maritime communities, IYRS has built its reputation on preparing people for careers in the marine trades and advanced technologies through hands-on, industry-led education.
The IYRS Maritime Leadership Institute builds on that foundation. It brings the same practical, industry-informed approach to leadership development, expands networks, and prepares leaders for the challenges facing the maritime industry today.
What Makes the IYRS Maritime Leadership Institute Different?
Built for the blue economy
Programs designed specifically for maritime-related industries.
Practical and immediately applicable
Tools and strategies participants can use immediately.
Industry informed
Grounded in today's workplace challenges.
Cross-sector network
Connections across the maritime ecosystem.
Connected to industry
Direct access to mentors and leaders.
Designed for working professionals
Flexible and hybrid delivery models.
The future of the maritime industry depends on developing leaders who can bring people, innovation, and opportunity together.
– Ted Williams, CEO of Senesco
Who Is It For?
The Maritime Leadership Institute is for professionals who want to lead what comes next.
Whether you are an emerging leader ready for greater responsibility, an experienced professional taking the next step, or an employer committed to developing your people, the Institute provides opportunities to build leadership capacity across the maritime industry and blue economy.
Grow Your Leadership
Ready to take your leadership to the next level?
Join the interest list!
What Participants Gain
Leadership Development
Build the skills needed to lead with confidence, influence teams, navigate change, and drive results.
Industry Mentorship
Learn directly from accomplished leaders across the maritime sector.
Professional Network
Build lasting relationships with a cohort of ambitious professionals, mentors, employers, and industry partners.
Real-World Application
Turn leadership concepts into practical strategies you can immediately implement in the workplace.
Career Advancement
The Employer Advantage
When you invest in your people, you invest in the future of your organization. The strongest maritime organizations will be those that can attract, develop, and retain exceptional talent.
The IYRS Maritime Leadership Institute gives employers a meaningful way to invest in high-potential employees while strengthening their own leadership pipeline.
- Develop and retain high-potential employees
- Strengthen leadership succession pipelines
- Increase employee engagement and workforce resilience
- Support recruitment and retention strategies
- Create a culture of continuous professional growth
- Expand leadership capacity across the organization
Building Stronger Leaders. Strengthening the Industry. The IYRS Maritime Leadership Institute.