IASARC was founded by a diverse group of passionate SAR experts

IASARC’s Founder

Matthew Mitchell

Matthew has more than 24 years of military and law enforcement experience, including a 20-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he specialized in search and rescue coordination. 

Our Vision

“We envision a world where every life in distress that can be saved is saved.”

Portrait of IASARC founder Matthew Mitchell

Our Team

With no inter-governmental body or other authority in a position to advance SAR coordination as a recognized profession, these experts established IASARC for that purpose. To fulfill this mission, three independent yet complimentary mission sets were selected: professional certifications, advocacy for improved law and regulation, and scientific advancement.

Portrait of IASARC Board of Directors member Julie-Anne Wood

Julie-Anne Wood

Board of Directors

Assistant Director of Policy, Standards, and International for His Majesty’s Coastguard (HMCG).

Portrait of IASARC V.P. of Certifications David Morris

David Morris

V.P. of Certifications

 Staff Officer of Technical Services for His Majesty’s Coastguard.

Portrait of IASARC Chief Communications Officer Anastacia Visneski

Anastacia Visneski

Chief Communications Officer

20 years Communication Strategist in USCG and Amazon Web Services. Professor of Crisis Communications.

Portrait Chief Administrative Officer Jessie Virga

Jessie Virga

Chief Administrative Officer

U.S. Navy veteran. SAR mountain team member. Homeland Security expert. Experience at DOD and DHS.

Portrait of IASARC Board of Director Member William "Russ" Webster

William “Russ” Webster

Board of Directors

Retired captain with the U.S. Coast Guard. A maritime historian, author, and strategic leader.

Dana Tulis

Board of Directors

Former Director, Emergency Management for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Portrait of IASARC V.P. of Technology

Doug Lothian

V.P. of Technology

Former Chief Technology Officer for Zelim Ltd., and Director of Offshore Survival Systems.

Portrait of IASARC General Counsel Member James Daugherty

James Daugherty

General Counsel

Career Maritime Safety Officer and attorney with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Portrait of IASARC Chief Financial Officer Mark Allen

Mark Allen

Chief Financial Officer

Financial manager and officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. 10 years of federal financial management.

Portrait Board of Directors Member Jean Houde

Jean Houde

Board of Directors

Founder and CEO of IAMSAR solutions. Retired Royal Canadian Air Force SAR Mission Coordinator.

Steve Glassey

Board of Directors

Founder and CEO of the International Public Safety Qualifications Authority.

Picture of Eric Neustadter the chief technologies officer for IASARC

Eric Neustadter

Chief Technology Officer

Nine years as VP of Tech at The Pokémon Company International. 14 years building Xbox Live.

Want to work with IASARC?

There is a need for dedicated individuals willing to lend time and talent so IASARC can flourish.

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