TAMUG graduate appointed to direct National Transportation Safety Board's Office of Marine Safety.    

(Galveston, Texas – Jan. 30, 2012) – Tracy Murrell, a graduate of Texas A&M University at Galveston, and former resident of Plano, has just been appointed as director of the National Transportation Safety Board’s Office of Marine Safety. The NTSB Office of Marine Safety investigates major marine accidents on or under the navigable waters, internal waters, or the territorial sea of the United States as well as accidents involving U.S.-flagged vessels worldwide.

Murrell received a bachelor’s degree in marine transportation from TAMUG in 1998 and earned a master’s in business administration from Nova Southeastern University.

Dr. Donna Lang, TAMUG vice president for Academic Affairs, commented about Murrell’s positive attitude and leadership skills.

“Outstanding,” Lang said. “I am proud of all of our Sea Aggie graduates, but Traci is exceptional. Even as a student, she always had a big smile, strong work ethic and capability to get the job done. It does not surprise me to see her in a national leadership role.  

NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman, who announced Murrell’s appointment on Jan. 17, said she is pleased to welcome such an “outstanding mariner” to the agency.  

“Tracy Murrell is an accomplished leader with more than 20 years of experience in the maritime safety industry,” Hersman said. “She has a proven track record of achieving safety results, to the NTSB team.”

Murrell, who also holds a U.S. Coast Guard master’s license, served as associate vice president, marine operations, in the UK for Royal Caribbean. She managed a worldwide fleet of more than a dozen ships with a budget exceeding $53 million and a staff of more than 600.

A former chief safety officer for Royal Caribbean, she was the company's expert in safety-related legal cases, led accident and near-miss investigations, wrote reports detailing root-cause analyses and corrective actions and also developed and implemented policies and procedures to enhance safety.

She also worked for several other shipping companies, including Arco Marine, Maersk Line, Ltd., and SeaRiver Maritime. Murrell begins her job at the NTSB on Jan. 22.