VMS Foundation
Who we are & what we do
In honor of the late Virginia Maitland Sachs, the foundation is led by industry leaders continuing her philanthropic legacy. Together, we're compelled to assist historically under-served youth and young people who deserve the opportunity to start a career in the maritime industry.
Founder and son of Virginia Maitland Sachs, he has worked in the shipping industry since graduation from New York Law School in 1968. Clay has been employed by International Registries since 1976 and is now a managing partner and an owner of the company. He is President of the Trust Company of the Marshall Islands, the statutory Maritime Administrator of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. He believes, just as his mother did, that the industry needs to support & assist underprivileged younger people who deserve the opportunity to start a career in the maritime industry.
Sophia Brown, VP & Treasurer
A graduate of the American University, with a B.S.B.A. in International Business, has been in the shipping industry for 10 years. She is the General Manager at International Registries, Inc.’s New York office and serves as Executive Director on the Board of New York Maritime Inc. (NYMAR). She's the host of "Women in Shipping", an interview video series for NYMAR, where female industry leaders discuss their careers and provide advice for other women in maritime. Ms. Brown is one of the founders and Vice President of the Virginia Maitland Sachs Foundation.
Tom Sullivan, Secretary
With thirty years in the tug/barge industry, and Alumni of SUNY Maritime '81, Tom currently oversee's the operations of Polaris New Energy, an LNG bunker fuel provider. He joined the VMS Foundation as Secretary with a vision to use his resources to create youth awareness and maritime career pathways for many.
Honorable John G. Ingram, Board Member
Hon. John G. Ingram is a native New Yorker, SUNY Maritime Alumni, Navy Veteran, Volunteer Firefighter, and a Maritime Law specialist among many other things. His illustrious career as a Judge and Litigator practicing admiralty law has led to hundreds of successfully litigated cases representing container ship companies, cruise ship owners, terminal operators, passengers and harbor workers, seafarers, docking pilots, a major towing company and the Port of Albany. A former ship's officer, he sailed as Second and Third Mate aboard US Flag freighters, container ships, and passenger liners. Judge Ingram joins the VMS Foundation as a board member advocating in support for historically under-represented young people to have access to affordable Maritime studies and career opportunities that were available to him in his youth.