IASARC was founded by a diverse group of passionate SAR experts
IASARC’s Founder
Matthew Mitchell
Matthew has more than 24 years of military and law enforcement experience, including a 20-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he specialized in search and rescue coordination.
Our Vision
“We envision a world where every life in distress that can be saved is saved.”
Our Team
With no inter-governmental body or other authority in a position to advance SAR coordination as a recognized profession, these experts established IASARC for that purpose. To fulfill this mission, three independent yet complimentary mission sets were selected: professional certifications, advocacy for improved law and regulation, and scientific advancement.
Julie-Anne Wood
Board of Directors
Assistant Director of Policy, Standards, and International for His Majesty’s Coastguard (HMCG).
David Morris
V.P. of Certifications
Staff Officer of Technical Services for His Majesty’s Coastguard.
Alexander Prather
Director of Web Development
Certified in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Lead web designer for a Calvary Chapel nonprofit.
William “Russ” Webster
Board of Directors
Retired captain with the U.S. Coast Guard. A maritime historian, author, and strategic leader.
Brian McNamara
V.P. of Advocacy
Associate Director and Professor at Tulane University, John Lewis Public Administration Program.
Matthew Walker
Director of User Experience
Marine Corps veteran. Google certified product designer and ABCO technology graduate.
Layne Carter
Board of Directors
Chief of the SAR Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) Division at US Coast Guard Headquarters.
Doug Lothian
V.P. of Technology
Chief Technology Officer for Zelim Ltd., and Director of Offshore Survival Systems.
Ryan Erickson
Chief of Staff
U.S. Coast Guard and Army veteran.17 years of SAR experience. HR team lead of 1,200 employees.
James Daugherty
General Counsel
Career Maritime Safety Officer and attorney with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Mark Allen
Chief Financial Officer
Financial manager and officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. 10 years of federal financial management.
Katy Grace Coppola
Director of Strategic Communications
17 years active-duty in the U.S. Coast Guard. A graduate student in strategic communications.
Want to work with IASARC?
There is a need for dedicated individuals willing to lend time and talent so IASARC can flourish.
Want to Donate to IASARC?
We can only succeed in our mission to ensure life-saving measures around the world with your support.