CME Staff

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

CME – Houston

Jonathan Burson operations and talent development professional with 12 years of experience in the maritime industry. A systems thinker who is proficient in creating management systems for training functions, implementing learning management systems (LMS), creating performance improvement training programs, evaluating learning impact, and implementing competency assurance programs. He began his career at Kirby Inland Marine, implementing a learning management system and developing training processes and programs that served over 3,000 users. He comes to SCI from Marine Well Containment Company, where he led the creation of operations training. This included the development of two training simulators used to deliver and ensure the continuous readiness of process operators and vessel bridge teams. Jonathan has a BS in Management Information Systems.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

CME – Paducah

Originally from Columbus, GA, Kelly has been with SCI’s CME-Paducah since November 1997. Prior to that, she worked at AFLAC worldwide headquarters in the Conventions and Meetings Department. Kelly graduated from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN with a major in political science and a minor in history.

INSTRUCTOR

CME - Paducah

Capt. Stephen Douglas brings decades of inland maritime experience, including 18 years as a Port Captain with Western Rivers, Marquette Transportation, and AEP River Operations. Having advanced from deckhand to captain, Capt. Douglas has extensive experience navigating the Mississippi River and its tributaries. At CME, he draws on his operational expertise to provide classroom and simulator-based instruction, helping prepare mariners through practical, safety-focused training.

INSTRUCTOR

CME – Houston

Captain Kelly Fitzpatrick brings nearly fifteen years of experience in the maritime industry to her role at CME Houston. Most of her experience has been on towboats pushing chemical barges on the Western Rivers, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and inland waterways where she previously worked as Relief Captain for Kirby Inland Marine. Capt. Fitzpatrick graduated with a BS in Marine Operations from New York Maritime College. She brings a scope of knowledge spanning both inland and offshore aspects of the industry. Her licenses include: First Class Pilot Houston Ship Channel of Tug and Barge Combinations Unlimited Tonnage from LB 25/26 to Atkinson Island; Master of Towing, Great Lakes, Inland Waters, and Western Rivers; Master Unlimited, Inland Waters; and Second Mate Unlimited, Oceans.

INSTRUCTOR

CME – Paducah

Captain Jim Ferguson brings over 15 years of maritime industry experience. Starting as a deckhand, he advanced to the pilothouse, operating on western rivers and Gulf Intracoastal waterways. He holds a USCG Master of Towing license for Inland-Great Lakes and Western Rivers, along with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Organizational Leadership.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/INSTRUCTOR

CME – Houston

Having worked on the waters for three decades, and much of that time as a captain, Captain David Howell brings wide-ranging experience and knowledge to his position as Simulator Instructor at SCI–Houston. A lead or senior captain for most of his career, for 24 years Captain Howell worked on supply boats, offshore towing boats, and wire boats. He has experience up and down the East Coast, Gulf Coast, and many ports internationally. Capt. Howell spent several years at John E. Graham & Sons, Mag Marine Service, Brown Water Marine, Bud’s Boat Rentals, and North Bank Towing, training and mentoring younger mariners. Before joining SCI, he worked as Lead Captain at Buffalo Marine Service, where his leadership impacted the budding careers of many towboat crews. Captain Howell holds several licenses and certifications, including US Coast Guard Master 200 Ton Near Coastal, US Coast Guard Master of Towing Vessels, Western Rivers and Inland Waters, and Unlimited Radar.

SIMULATION & DATABASE MANAGER

CME – Houston

Matthew Hyner brings his background in computer graphics and multimedia development, specializing in the use of real-time 3D computer environments and Geographic Information Systems. A graduate of Pratt Institute’s department of Computer Graphics and Interactive Media, he has worked over the years on simulation projects focusing on urban planning, architecture, and training in the past for several government agencies, educational institutions, and private corporations including the FAA, US Air Force, Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Authority and Housing and Urban Development. Since joining SCI, he has worked to assist in developing simulation areas based on proposed engineering drawings for use in feasibility and navigation studies for maritime construction projects that may pose potential hazards to marine navigation.

INSTRUCTOR

CME - Houston

Capt. Jess Laywell brings extensive maritime leadership experience, most recently serving as a Nautical Captain with Ingram Barge Company, where he led vessel operations, safety, and crew performance. Jess has built a career defined by operational excellence, continuous learning, and strong leadership. At CME, he will support classroom and simulator instruction, helping prepare the next generation of mariners through hands-on, safety-focused training.

BUSINESS RELATIONS MANAGER

CME – Houston

Lisa came to SCI in 2016 to spearhead the development of the e-learning program. She brings her knowledge of digital media and online learning, along with almost 10 years of experience in the maritime industry. Lisa previously worked at CDP and Kirby Inland Marine. While at CDP she worked closely with SCI to support CME customers as they completed their annual training, so joining SCI was a natural step for her.

Graduating with a BA in Religious Studies and Ancient Mediterranean Studies at Trinity University, Lisa is currently in the process of attaining a Master’s in Digital Media at the University of Houston – Clear Lake.

TEST DIRECTOR & SIMULATOR INSTRUCTOR

CME - Houston

A Master Mariner with more than a decade at sea and 15 years of maritime training experience, Capt. Pipchenko brings extensive expertise in navigation, ship handling, bridge resource management, and simulator-based instruction. In his new role, he will lead CME’s navigation feasibility studies, including simulation preparation and validation, participant debriefs, and final reporting, and will also support simulator training courses. Alex holds a Ph.D. and a Doctor of Engineering in Navigation and Traffic Control and has authored or co-authored more than 50 publications. He also brings experience developing maritime e-learning and VR/AR training technologies through Learnmarine.

INSTRUCTOR

CME – Houston

Capt. Joshua Puckett brings more than 30 years of maritime experience, including service as a captain with Kirby Inland Marine and TxDOT Galveston Ferries and as a Relief Captain with Blessey. A U.S. Army veteran with more than a decade of service, Puckett holds USCG Master of Towing Vessels and Master 1,600 GRT Inland credentials and is a USCG Designated Examiner. He has extensive experience training and mentoring mariners throughout their careers.

LMS ADMINISTRATOR

CME - Houston

Yonni Tompkins brings experience in both the insurance and education sectors and studied at the University of Akron. Outside of work, Yonni enjoys fitness, coaching, and exploring new technology.

FACILITY COORDINATOR/SIMULATOR OPERATOR

CME – Paducah

Buck has been employed with SCI’s Center for Maritime Education since the opening of the Paducah facility in 1997. In addition to Buck’s current position as Building Facility Coordinator and Simulator Operator, he also maintains a level 2 maintenance certification on the Polaris simulator. Buck is actively involved with the emergency services: he is a 26 year, 400+ hour certified Firefighter, and he was an EMT with his local ambulance service for 20 years. Buck is married to Carissa, his wife of twenty-eight years, and has two sons, Tyler and Cody.

SIMULATOR OPERATOR AND IT SPECIALIST

CME - Paducah

A native of Murray, Kentucky, Tom brings nine years of information technology experience, including five years with Crounse Corporation supporting technology operations in the inland river industry. He and his wife, Kim, have two sons, Zach and Brody. Tom's combination of technical expertise and maritime industry experience makes him a strong addition to the CME team. description