Alexandra Anagnostis-Irons, president of Total Marine Solutions, is no stranger to jumping straight into new and challenging endeavors. “It makes me crazy when things are stagnant, I like momentum!”
An active leader in the maritime industry, we sat down with Alex, the newest SUNY Maritime Foundation board member, who also happens to be the first woman and first non-Maritime College graduate on the Board, to discuss the future of the College and industry, the importance of giving back, and the hobbies that keep her going despite her busy schedule.
A lack of experience on and around vessels did not stop Alex from leaping into her first job with Bahama Cruise Line. While pursuing her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Accounting, Business Management, and International Sales at Barry University in Miami Shores, FL, Alex learned about the cruise industry and was hooked. After graduation, Alex transitioned to the Director of Technical Purchasing with what was then known as Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and built a strong connection with her vendors and technical support teams. Ten years later, Alex took a leap of faith and started her own company, Total Marine Solutions. “It really felt like jumping off a cliff,” Alex recalled. “Thankfully I had built the skills and confidence needed to take the leap.” Today, Total Marine Solutions provides MARPOL compliant solutions and support to the commercial, cruise, offshore, and yacht industries from its headquarters in Fort Lauderdale.
On the cusp of the 150th anniversary of the College, the arrival of a brand-new Empire State VII training ship, and the prioritized focus on clean initiatives within the maritime industry, Alex made the next leap to board member. “The Foundation cast a wide net, looking to bring someone in with a different view and background. Someone who wanted to get into the trenches and make a difference,” Alex mentioned. “I’ve known and worked with many Fort Schuyler staff, students, and alumni over the years, so it was easy decision to say yes. It feels like a whole new chapter for Maritime College and for me!”
Alex supports the maritime industry in a variety of roles, each of which she believes has made her a better professional and a change maker. From serving as Chair of Broward Navy Days which organizes Fleet Week Port Everglades, as a Director for the Coast Guard Foundation, and Executive Committee Member of Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades, to her previous roles as WISTA (Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association) USA President and WISTA International Secretary, Alex believes each of these roles has taught her how to succeed by taking both a humanist and business approach to growth. She believes great change might happen in a board room, but it’s up to the members to “dive in; be micro; get our hands into the work.” Alex notes that this is how significant change is made – and it’s happening right here with our current SUNY Maritime students.
“First and foremost, companies are looking to hire SUNY Maritime graduates because they have a thirst for continued learning, extensive frontline experience, are driven, and want to be part of a collaborative team,” Alex said. “I want to leave a legacy in the industry I love and be a part of positive movement forward. If your team or institution has helped you succeed, you have a responsibility to use your success and help the next generation succeed!”
That drive to help others succeed is something that Alex brings to her position on the board. “There’s a rich history at SUNY Maritime and we need to continually invest in the future of the College and students if we’re going to continue to make a difference,” Alex noted.
Between running a successful global business, her community involvement, and fulfilling her board duties, Alex still finds time for her passions: family and travelling. “I have nine nieces and nephews and love to have them stay over whenever possible. I learn so much from them!” she said. And in a global industry with no shortage of travel opportunities, what locations stand out most for Alex? “My husband, Patrick, was born and raised in Scotland. It is an incredibly beautiful country and we enjoy visiting as much as we can. A few years ago, we were fortunate to celebrate Easter in New Zealand and the masses and churches were really breathtaking.”
Alex took her seat on the board in January 2023, and will serve a three-year term.