Jerry Cronin

Executive Director

Jerry brings to OpenSeas a lifetime of living near deep water and experience as a U.S Coast Guard officer, entrepreneur, program director and international businessperson. In addition to his role in OpenSeas, he created and directs the TempO program at Old Dominion University's Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, helping individuals, organizations, and regions create and grow innovation-based businesses and economies.

Previously, he served in a business development role which took him around the globe, helping to develop solutions incorporating the use of simulation in the aviation, trucking, and maritime industries. He created the civil and commercial practice area at a Fortune 500 training center of excellence, developing holistic training solutions for challenges ranging from major software rollouts to global animal pandemics. He served as principal of an environmental consulting company, and as vice president of an environmental engineering company. As a USCG officer, he was a top expert on the enforcement of fisheries and other regulations.

A long-term member of the Norfolk Sunrise Rotary, he has served in every leadership position in that organization, and he serves on the Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council Board of Directors.

Jerry lives in Norfolk with his wife and two dogs.


Sharon Scanell

Dojo Program Manager

Sharon Scannell is the Program Manager at the Strome Entrepreneurial Center (SEC) at Old Dominion University, working with both existing companies and prospective entrepreneurs to build strong resilient profitable businesses. At the SEC, she develops programs and delivers content on ideation, communication and real-world business fundamentals and lead’s the Center’s efforts to expose company founders, students, faculty, and community leaders to lean startup principles. Sharon believes training in sold business practices, innovative ideas, and determination lead to entrepreneurial success. She is committed to entrepreneurship with experience as a technology startup founder, turnaround specialist, and small business consultant in a variety of industries. Sharon has successfully managed multimillion-dollar manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and retail outlets and has coached company founders from idea stage to mature operations. Sharon holds a MBA from the College of William and Mary and a BA in Communications from the University of Michigan.


Dan Jakab

Department of Defense Skillbridge Fellow

Dan Jakab joined OpenSeas as a Department of Defense Skillbridge Fellow, at the beginning of a new professional journey following two decades as a U.S. Marine Corps officer. Dan brings broad international experience and a career filled with leadership and management in dynamic environments to OpenSeas. He aims to grow professionally by applying his planning and program management skills to the robust maritime sector and emerging offshore wind industry opportunity in Hampton Roads. Dan holds master's degrees from Naval Postgraduate School, New England College, and Troy University, which followed his undergraduate studies at the University of San Diego. Additionally, he is Project Management Professional (PMP) certified. Dan resides in Virginia Beach with his wife and daughter.