Board of Directors

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 President and Director

Judith Underwood is a serial impact entrepreneur, experienced executive, and educator dedicated to climate resiliency, clean water, secure oceans, and the blue economy. Her work focuses on fostering collaborative partnerships and tactical bridges between academia, industry, and government to drive sustainable technology development. 

As the CEO and Co-Founder of Blue Innovation Labs, a public benefit corporation, she leads the development of the first blue-tech innovation hub on the U.S. Eastern seaboard. Under her leadership, Blue Innovation Labs has become a member of the Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium (UTIC) and the World Economic Forum’s 1000 Ocean Startups (1000os) consortium, further strengthening its role in connecting the North Atlantic BlueTech cluster to the global ecosystem. In her role as CEO, Judith curates the Northeast's oldest blue-economy incubator, which has provided long term expert industry support, technology development, dual-use advising, and network introductions to over 30 startups.

In addition to her leadership at Blue Innovation Labs, Judith founded the Blue Institute, a nonprofit 501c3 creating leadership and solutions for a healthy, resilient planet. Since co-designing it's premier entrepreneurial program the Blue Excelerator BX in 2020, she has led the accelerator's efforts to support 62 startups from across the globe, providing her expertise to help founders scale their climate-impact technologies. 

Judith’s commitment to sustainable development is built on over 25 years of experience in scientific development and technology transfer at global institutions, including MIT, the United Nations, and the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, Italy. She holds a Master’s degree from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts from UMass Boston, with additional graduate studies in environmental management, national security studies, and innovation & entrepreneurship. Beyond her primary roles, Judith serves as an elected Water & Wastewater Commissioner and supports the deep-tech and dual-use ecosystem through advisory and mentorship work with organizations such as NATO DIANA and MIT VMS.

 Director

Erica Hansen is a senior engineering leader with over 20 years of experience in the design, development, and commercialization of advanced technology products across multiple customer verticals. With a proven track record of leading technical teams through every phase of the product roadmap—from initial research and development to final production, testing, and sign-off—she excels at clarifying product vision and driving innovation.

Throughout her career, Hansen has demonstrated expertise in building, structuring, and mentoring distributed teams of up to 175 staff, while managing complex program budgets ranging from $50M to over $500M. Her technical leadership spans ecosystems including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), Computer Vision, and robotics. Notably, she played a key role in the Navy’s Advanced Undersea Prototyping (AUP) and Large Displacement Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (LDUUV) programs, where she led strategies that doubled investment in submersible autonomous robot technology.

Hansen’s work is characterized by a commitment to security and operational excellence, including the design and implementation of critical cybersecurity and anti-tamper technologies for first-of-their-kind submersible autonomous vehicles. Her leadership style focuses on cultural transformation and fostering environments that deliver positive results for stakeholders and customers alike. Previously, she held Top Secret and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearances.

Her academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Rochester and an International Business Certificate from Georgetown University. She is also currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Management at Harvard University. Her professional credentials include Level III certifications in Test & Evaluation, System Engineering, and Program Management.

Currently serving as the Director of Engineering at Tethers Unlimited, Hansen continues to lead teams in developing next-generation robotics, software, and hardware products. She remains dedicated to advancing technological frontiers and delivering high-impact solutions for complex engineering challenges.

 Director

John Neagley is a retired Navy Rear Admiral and the founder and principal of Blue Native Consulting, LLC, where he provides executive program management and strategy development consulting services. With over 35 years of executive experience, he has a distinguished background in supporting all aspects of program and systems development for maritime technologies and leading complex operational and acquisition organizations. A collaborative leader and skilled problem solver, he is adept at creating strategic opportunities and guiding teams to help organizations realize their full potential within the blue economy.

His extensive Navy career culminated in his role as Program Executive Officer (PEO) for both Unmanned and Small Combatants and the Littoral Combat Ships program. In these capacities, he was responsible for the development, testing, fielding, and sustainment of the Navy’s unmanned and autonomous underwater and surface vehicles, as well as the FFGx and Littoral Combat Ship shipbuilding programs. Additionally, as a Flag Officer, he served as Deputy Commander for Fleet Readiness at the Navy Warfare Information Command (NAVWAR), where he oversaw the installation, support, and modernization of the Navy’s critical communication systems, computers, and networks.

Beyond his executive leadership, Neagley is actively involved in advisory roles, lending his expertise to organizations such as Dolphin Labs Ocean, Ocean Aero Inc., and the StartBlue Accelerator Program at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, supporting the next generation of advanced science and engineering startups. His career is defined by his ability to bridge the gap between complex military requirements and innovative commercial solutions.

Neagley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology from the University of New Hampshire. His advanced education includes a Master of Environmental Management in Environmental Leadership from Duke University, a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, and a Master of Science in Management from the Naval Postgraduate School. Additionally, he possesses a Navy subspecialty in Financial Management.

 Director (Ex Officio)

Rear Admiral (USN Ret.) David Duryea is a native of Orchard Park, New York. He graduated from the University of Rochester earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Geomechanics. He serves on the Blue Institute's Board of Directors, a nonprofit 501c3 that is public beneficiary of Blue Innovation Labs.

A retired Submarine Officer, Duryea’s served on 4 submarines including Commanding Officer of the USS Florida Gold (SSBN 728). Shore duty assignments include a tour at the United States Strategic Command and Force Engineer, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. 

As an Acquisition Corps member, he served as Program Manager, Advanced Submarine Systems Development Office, Program Manager, Submarine Imaging and Electronic Warfare Systems (PMS 435) and Program manager, Special Operations Forces Undersea Mobility Program Office (PMS 399). As a Flag officer, he served as Naval Sea Systems Command, Deputy Commander for Undersea Warfare and Commander, Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC)/Director, Undersea Technology (SEA 073).  

He retired from the Navy on Nov. 1, 2014. After retirement, he was the Vice President for Finance and Management at the State University of New York at Cortland from 2015–2018. Duryea is currently Director of Sea, Land, Air Division at Systems Planning and Analysis (SPA) in Alexandria, VA.   

 Director (Ex Officio)

Dr. Robyn E. Hannigan is President of the Blue Institute, a nonprofit 501c3 public beneficiary of Blue Innovation Labs, where she leads fundraising, grant strategy, and external engagement in support of the Institute’s mission to advance resilient oceans and waters through interdisciplinary science, education, and public engagement. She works closely with Blue Institute Founder Judith Underwood to strengthen governance, partnerships, and institutional visibility.

An internationally recognized scientist and academic leader, Dr. Hannigan has served as President of Ursinus College, Provost at Clarkson University, and Founding Dean of the School for the Environment at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Across these roles, she led complex academic enterprises, advanced interdisciplinary research, and strengthened mission-driven institutions with strong public purpose.

Dr. Hannigan is an accomplished researcher and innovator, having led multiple startup companies, secured significant external funding, and mentored students and faculty across career stages. She has also served as a Program Officer at the National Science Foundation. She has been a trusted advisor to the Blue Institute since its incorporation in 2016.

She holds a B.S. in Biology from The College of New Jersey, an M.S. in Geology from SUNY Buffalo, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Science from the University of Rochester.