(WASHINGTON) — Brendan O’Shea has been named deputy director-associate general counsel for the American Pilots’ Association (APA). He started work in this position Monday.
O’Shea retired from the U.S. Coast Guard as a commander earlier this year. A 2001 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy with a bachelor of science degree in government, he was also awarded a juris doctor degree from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law and a master’s of law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.
During his career with the Coast Guard, O’Shea served in several operational, staff and legal positions, including service aboard two Coast Guard cutters. His most recent assignment was as legislative counsel in the Coast Guard Office of Congressional Affairs. Prior to that, he was detailed to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) General Counsel’s Office, where he advised DHS leadership on operational law issues and was also assigned to the Department of Justice’s admiralty office. He also served in the Coast Guard’s Offices of General Law and Claims and Litigation.
In addition, O’Shea was in private practice for two years, where he represented individual and corporate clients in civil matters including intellectual property disputes and business litigation.
“We feel very fortunate to be able to add Brendan to our team at the APA,” said APA President Capt. Jorge Viso. “He brings with him an impressive background in legal affairs and advocacy, policy development and maritime operations. This background, combined with his strong work ethic and character, make him a perfect fit for his new role with APA.”
The APA has been the national association of the piloting profession since 1884. Virtually all of the more than 1,200 state-licensed pilots working in the coastal ports and approaches of the United States, as well as all the U.S.-registered pilots operating in the Great Lakes system, belong to APA member pilot groups.
APA pilots handle well over 90 percent of all large oceangoing vessels moving in international trade in the waterways of the United States. The official responsibility of these pilots is to protect the marine environment as they ensure the safe and efficient movement of maritime commerce.
– American Pilots’ Association
