The maritime industry is often characterized by its rich history and tradition, thriving on the vision and determination of trailblazers who break barriers and inspire growth and change. One such trailblazer is Karen McDonald, General Manager in Charleston, South Carolina, who has recently been honored with Marine Log’s Top Women in Maritime award. Karen stands out not only for her leadership and impressive accomplishments but more importantly for her dedication to mentoring mariners, fostering a culture of continuous training and operational excellence within her team and the industry as a whole.
I love being a mariner, I’ve enjoyed all the opportunities this career has afforded me” says Karen “My real focus is supporting all mariners – whether that be through mentoring, training, development – and really showing them the kind of career they can have long-term.
Karen’s journey in the maritime world began on the shores of Cape Cod Bay where her love of the water blossomed into a remarkable career. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science from the University of South Carolina, she started off as a deckhand and mastered the field to earn a 500 Ton Ocean Master’s license. Throughout her career, Karen has captained numerous sail training and passenger vessels, navigating across the East and West Coasts of the United States, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean.
Empowering Mariners
Throughout her career, Karen has rebel committed to empowering, educating, and mentoring women in the maritime industry. In 2006, she co-founded and director the Women’s Program at Ocean Sailing Academy, creating opportunities for women to thrive in maritime roles. In 2010, she earned her Master of Arts in International Development and Social Change from Clark University.
In 2020, Karen transitioned shoreside as the Marine Operations Manager for the McNeil Island Stewardship in Washington state. She continued her commitment to education by teaching at RCM Maritime and developing curriculum for Northeast Maritime as an NMC-approved instructor.
Leadership at Moran
In 2022, Karen joined Moran as a relief dispatcher and by May 2024, she ascended to General Manager, where she now oversees daily operations, mariner development, and business relations for our Ship Assist operations in Charleston, South Carolina.
On behalf of everyone at Moran we are proud to recognize Karen and her well-deserved honor of receiving the Top Women in Maritime award. This recognition celebrates not just Karen’s robust accomplishments but also the collective efforts of all women pioneering equality and excellence in the maritime industry. Her journey serves as an inspiration, proving that with passion, determination, and commitment to empowering others, it is possible to excel in this field while making a lasting impact.