SUNY Maritime College has announced the appointment of Rear Admiral John Okon as the institution’s 12th president. Okon will assume the role on July 1, 2024, succeeding Rear Admiral Dr. Michael A. Alfultis, who led the college for a decade.
“As a SUNY Maritime alumnus, Rear Admiral Okon, ’91, has a great perspective on the student experience and how we can move forward to encourage and support more students to pursue careers in the maritime industry,” said SUNY Board of Trustees and Chancellor John B. King Jr. “At the same time, his extensive background in the U.S. Navy in support of intelligence, technology, meteorology, and oceanography, will help guide SUNY Maritime as it builds on its academic programs to ensure SUNY students are well positioned to succeed after graduation.”
Rear Admiral John Okon is a naval officer with over three decades of service. He was recently appointed as the vice commander of the U.S. Fleet Cyber Command’s Tenth Fleet. His responsibilities spanned several areas, including operating and defending navy networks, delivering tailored signals intelligence, and providing training.
Okon has previously directed funds, maintenance, and research to support U.S. Navy and Marine Corps intelligence, cryptology, electronic warfare, and other fields. Okon also served as the Navy’s chief strategist for a community of 1400 military officers and was responsible for long-term planning of career progression, training, education, and talent management.
“This is an outstanding opportunity and I am thankful to the SUNY Board of Trustees, Chancellor, King, College Council Chair Thomas J. Higgins, and the search committee for their confidence in my appointment,” said Rear Admiral Okon said. “As an alum of this prestigious maritime campus, I am excited about the new resources dedicated from the federal and state government, and for Chancellor King’s commitment to our students’ success. I can’t wait to lead SUNY Maritime College as it enters its next chapter.”
RADM Alfultis announced his retirement in July, following nearly a decade as President of SUNY Maritime College. During his tenure, he played a key role in the advancement of the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) program. The first of five NSMVs, Empire State VII, was delivered in 2023 and is currently in use at Maritime College.
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