Our Team
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Dan McSweeney
Co-Founder
Dan McSweeney leverages his expertise in communication and management to deliver results for government, nonprofit, and business entities. With graduate degrees in International Affairs and Business Administration from Columbia and Fordham, he navigates complex challenges with ease. But what sets Dan apart is his unique blend of military precision, gained from his experience as a Marine officer, and personal dedication to preserving the SS United States, a legacy he inherited from his father, a crew member on the iconic ship. As a co-founder of the SS United States Conservancy, Dan played a pivotal role in driving efforts to preserve this national treasure. Now, as a co-founder of the New York Coalition to Save the SS United States, Dan continues to be dedicated to preserving the SS United States, ensuring the ship remains an iconic symbol of American ingenuity and progress for generations to come. -
John Quadrozzi, Jr.
Preservation Partner, Owner of GBX™
John Quadrozzi Jr. is a visionary entrepreneur. His true passion, however, lies in preserving the rich history of New York City. John's love for preservation extends to the waterfront, where he's committed to revitalizing the Columbia Street Wharf/Quay. In 2015, he made a bold pledge to provide a home for the legendary SS United States, offering his property at no cost until funds could be raised to save the iconic ship. Despite challenges and setbacks, John's commitment to this project has never wavered. Today, John is at the forefront of the reimagined GBX™, Gotam Park, and Columbia Street project, a visionary plan that will transform the waterfront into a thriving hub of activity. With the SS United States at its heart, this project promises to revitalize the community, create jobs, and preserve a piece of American history.
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Michael Lewis
Executive Program Director
Michael’s lifelong passion for, and career in, the maritime world began while cruising the oceans during his childhood. This early interest led him to serve six years in the US Navy, where he developed a deep appreciation for the intricacies of naval engineering. As a certified senior project manager, Michael has leveraged his expertise to lead high-profile projects, including submarine design work at the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics. He holds two degrees from the Rhode Island School of Design, and has furthered his education through studies at Harvard and the US Navy Civil Engineer Corps Officers School. As a President's Management Council Fellow, he has honed his skills in federal government management, contracts, and leadership. Michael's love for preserving historic landmarks, particularly the SS United States, is rooted in his personal experiences and professional expertise. He is dedicated to ensuring that this iconic vessel is protected for future generations, and he brings his unique blend of skills and passion to the preservation effort. -
Jason Wade
Chief Preservation Officer
Jason's interest in historic preservation began with a childhood fascination of Ocean liners, Egyptology, Archaeology and Paleontology. When visiting the Queen Mary, Jason re-discovered his passion for the iconic ocean liners of a bygone era. Upon learning about the preservation efforts of the SS United States, he decided to pursue a career in preservation. For a decade, Jason has explored and documented urban landscapes, developing a deep understanding of the complex relationships between cities, architecture, and community. His experience has given him a unique perspective on preserving historic sites and landmarks. As Chief Preservation Officer, Jason works to protect and promote the SS United States, bringing a background in videography, photography, and storytelling to the role. He is committed to finding innovative ways to share the ship's story and preserve it for future generations.
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Matt Lesiw
Chief Science Officer
As a geologist with a diverse career spanning amateur high-powered rocketry to environmental remediation, Matt’s unique blend of skills and experience has proven invaluable to the Coalition. His environmental expertise has been instrumental in navigating EPA regulations and protocols related to ship reefing, but his passion for SS United States goes beyond technical expertise – it's driven by a deep appreciation for America's history and symbolism. In his free time, Matthew moonlights as a Revolutionary War reenact. His ultimate dream is to see the SS United States restored to its former glory, serving as a powerful symbol of American ingenuity and progress – and what better 250th birthday gift to the nation? As a dedicated member of our crew, Matthew brings his remarkable expertise, passion, and dedication to the preservation of the SS United States. -
James S. Kaplan
Co-Founder & Director
As the Founding Partner of Greenberg & Kaplan, LLP, James has spent over 30 years navigating the complexities of taxation law, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for justice - but his story didn’t begin in the courtroom, it began on the streets of New York City - where he fell in love with the rich history and vibrant culture of the five boroughs. As a writer and walking tour historian, James has brought the city's hidden gems and history to life through his words. He's the recipient of a Medal of Excellence from the U.S. Army Adjutant Reserves Corps Retired Officers for his efforts to promote General Horatio Gates, and he's co-founder and former President of the Lower Manhattan Historical Association. With his unique blend of legal expertise, historical knowledge, and community spirit, James is a driving force behind our coalition's efforts to save this iconic landmark.