Elizabeth Simmons, LP.D, CAPT-MMA is the Vice President of External Affairs at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. In this role she is responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of short and long range strategies, goals, and objectives for the Academy Foundation while managing communications and relationships with the Academy’s external stakeholders. She handles both public and private relationships at the local, state, and federal level along with overseeing the Academy’s extensive alumni network.
A 1997 Marine Safety and Environmental Protection (MSEP) graduate of Massachusetts Maritime Academy, she worked in both the environmental and human resources fields before returning to the academy in 2002. For close to two decades she worked with and oversaw the offices of Admissions and Enrollment and succeeded in increasing women and minority enrollment while exceeding the strategic goals of growing the overall student population.
Elizabeth has a Masters degree in Facilities Engineering, holds a Doctorate degree in Law and Policy from Northeastern University and in 2025 became the Academy’s first female “Triple Buc” after earning a Masters in Maritime Business Management. She enjoys volunteering and giving back to multiple community organizations. Currently she is a board member for the Governor’s Seaport Economic Council, Boston’s Historic North End Mariners House, past chapter President for the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) USA New England, past President and Board Chair for Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, serves on the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School Steam Engineering Advisory Board, is serving as the board chair for the Cape Cod Canal Chamber of Commerce and is a member of Congressman Keating’s Service Academy Nomination Committee. Elizabeth is proud to serve as a mentor and role model in promoting women in the maritime and associated trades.
A native of Yarmouth, Massachusetts, Elizabeth grew up sailing the waters of Lewis Bay in iconic wooden Beetle Cats and Cape Cod Knockabouts. The teamwork, skills, and knowledge instilled through sailing and being on the water have continued in her adult life. Currently, Elizabeth lives in Onset, MA and is on or near the water as much as possible.