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 of IASARC Director of Industry Engagement

Pete Lowson

Director of Industry Engagement

Offshore Energy Lead with His Majesty's Coastguard. Previously SMC at MRCC Aberdeen, Scotland.
Portrait of IASARC Director of Web Development Alexander Prather

Alexander Prather

Director of Web Development

Certified in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Lead web designer for a Calvary Chapel nonprofit.

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.
Portrait of IASARC V.P. of Advocacy Brian McNamara

Brian McNamara

V.P. of Advocacy

Associate Director and Professor at Tulane University, John Lewis Public Administration Program.

Portrait of IASARC Director of User Experience Matthew Walker

Matthew Walker

Director of User Experience

Marine Corps veteran. Google certified product designer and ABCO technology graduate.
Portrait of IASARC Board of Director Member Layne Carter

Layne Carter

Board of Directors

Chief of the SAR Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) Division at US Coast Guard Headquarters.
Portrait of IASARC V.P. of Technology

Doug Lothian

V.P. of Technology

Chief Technology Officer for Zelim Ltd., and Director of Offshore Survival Systems.
Portrait of IASARC Chief of Staff Ryan Erickson

Ryan Erickson

Chief of Staff

U.S. Coast Guard and Army veteran.17 years of SAR experience. HR team lead of 1,200 employees.
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 of IASARC Director of Strategic Communication Katy Grace Coppola

Katy Grace Coppola

Director of Strategic Communications

17 years active-duty in the U.S. Coast Guard. A graduate student in strategic communications.

Portrait of IASARC V.P of HR Brandon Critchfield

Brandon Critchfield

V.P. of HR

USCG veteran. MS in Homeland Security Emergency Services Management.

Robert Rovetto

Director of Research

USCG-certified commercial master. PhD student. Independent consultant & researcher.

Want to work with IASARC?

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

Want to Donate to IASARC?

We can only succeed in our mission to ensure life-saving measures around the world with your support.