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About the Foundation
The SS United States Preservation Foundation, Inc. is an active Florida not-for-profit corporation dedicated to the preservation, documentation, interpretation, and public understanding of the SS United States and related historical artifacts.
Established to advance educational and preservation-focused initiatives, the Foundation works to honor the vessel's historic, cultural, maritime, and national significance while promoting informed public engagement and responsible stewardship.
Consistent with its charitable purpose, the Foundation advocates for preservation-oriented solutions for the SS United States and supports efforts that advance public education, historical interpretation, and long-term remembrance for future generations.
Board-led and governed by its adopted Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, the Foundation's work is carried out by directors, officers, advisors, and volunteers committed to preserving and advancing the legacy of America's Flagship.
Our Leadership
The Foundation is guided by a dedicated team of directors, officers, advisors, and volunteers who bring experience in historic preservation, maritime heritage, public engagement, communications, environmental stewardship, research, and organizational leadership.
Together, they work to advance the Foundation's mission while promoting informed public dialogue, responsible preservation, and the enduring legacy of the SS United States.
Board of Directors
Johnathan Radzewicz
President & Co-Founder
John serves as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the SS United States Preservation Foundation, Inc., where he provides strategic leadership and oversees the Foundation's mission to preserve, interpret, and advance the legacy of the SS United States.
John is a dedicated member of the U.S. Merchant Marine, bringing years of expertise in sailing and maintaining commercial vessels of unlimited tonnage. With a deep passion for history, John is also an amateur maritime and naval historian, specializing in the vessels and tactics of the WWII era.
His commitment to preserving America's heritage is evident in his active role as a Civil War and WWII reenactor, where he strives to bring pivotal moments in our Nation's history to life and foster a greater understanding of their significance.
Steve Perry
Vice President & Co-Founder
Steve serves as Vice President of the SS United States Preservation Foundation, Inc., where he supports the Foundation’s strategic direction and provides maritime engineering insight related to the preservation and future of the SS United States.
Steve is a seasoned marine engineer with an extensive and diverse career spanning both shore and sea within the maritime industry. With expertise in ship engineering, technical operations, and new vessel construction, he has been a licensed U.S. Merchant Marine Engineer under the U.S. flag since 1985. As a proud U.S. Merchant Mariner and a retired Commander of the U.S. Navy Reserve, Steve brings over four decades of distinguished service and unmatched experience to his field.
His deep knowledge of SOLAS regulations, coupled with his detailed understanding of ship design and operations, positions him as an authority in the maritime sector. A resident expert on all things related to the SS United States, Steve is a passionate advocate for preserving this iconic liner.
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Carlos Camacho Jr
Chief Communications Officer & Co-Founder
Carlos serves as Co-Founder and Chief Communications Officer of the SS United States Preservation Foundation, Inc., where he leads strategic communications, public engagement, advocacy initiatives, and outreach efforts in support of preserving and advancing the legacy of the SS United States. He also served as one of the Foundation's representatives in the federal Section 106 review process concerning the SS United States.
He also serves as New Jersey Ambassador for Veterans for America First and Latinos for America First, where he is actively engaged in community outreach, civic engagement, and initiatives supporting veterans and communities across the nation.
Drawing upon these roles and his commitment to public service, Carlos authored several of the Foundation's principal advocacy initiatives and policy proposals, including Operation Liberty Shift, the proposed America 250 Maritime Heritage Act, and related executive order concepts designed to advance maritime heritage preservation, veteran initiatives, and public engagement.
Professionally, Carlos is a dedicated diesel mechanic with experience in emergency vehicle fabrication, specialty vehicle construction, and safety operations, bringing hands-on expertise in technical craftsmanship, problem-solving, and project execution.
Beyond his mechanical and construction experience, Carlos maintains a longstanding interest in communications and the study of American history, particularly in both naval and land-based contexts. His passion for public engagement, preservation, and historical understanding continues to shape his work and advocacy efforts.
Katrina Hodges
Secretary & Co-Founder
Katrina serves as Secretary of the SS United States Preservation Foundation, Inc., where she supports the Foundation’s governance, organizational administration, and preservation initiatives in furtherance of its mission to preserve and advance the legacy of the SS United States.
Katrina, a proud recipient of the Rising Stars 20 Under 40 NWOC Award, has dedicated her life to the preservation of aviation and maritime heritage. At the age of 21, following her diabetes diagnosis, she channeled her determination into rescuing warbirds, amassing an impressive collection of aviation relics, including the A-26 Invader, a British nuclear bomber, and the AN-2, among others.
Her passion for preserving history extends beyond aviation. A lifelong fascination with iconic ocean liners such as the RMS Titanic and the SS United States ignited her commitment to safeguard these treasures for future generations. Katrina is unwavering in her advocacy for the preservation of America's legacy, ensuring pivotal moments in history remain alive to educate and inspire.
Erik James
Treasurer & Co-Founder
Erik serves as Treasurer of the SS United States Preservation Foundation, Inc., where he provides financial oversight and strategic guidance in support of the Foundation’s mission to preserve and advance the legacy of the SS United States.
Erik comes from a proud family with a strong military and naval background, fostering his love for ships and the sea from an early age. Growing up near the water in South Florida, he inherited a passion for maritime travel inspired by his family's extensive air and ocean journeys during the golden age of ocean liners.
With over 25 years of experience in marketing and finance, Erik's career began at International Auto Shows with SAAB AB and Volkswagen as a Product Specialist. His expertise extends to investing and banking, with roles at Wells Fargo and PNC Bank.
Erik's fascination with the SS United States was kindled in childhood, listening to stories of his family's travels aboard iconic liners like the Mauretania, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, and QE2. That passion deepened during college when he first saw the SS United States docked in Philadelphia, inspiring his involvement with the original Coalition, Conservancy, and Save the Classic Liners Campaign.
Nicole Chase
Chief Research & Development Officer
Nicole serves as Research and Development Officer of the SS United States Preservation Foundation, Inc., where she supports research, data analysis, project development, and preservation planning in furtherance of the Foundation’s mission to preserve and advance the legacy of the SS United States.
Nicole is a highly experienced data analytics professional with nearly 12 years of expertise across a variety of industries. She excels in gathering, analyzing, and reporting on data, backed by her strong project management skills. With a scientific background, Nicole has also presented her academic research at conferences across the United States, further showcasing her analytical and communication talents.
Nicole first encountered the SS United States in Philadelphia last October, where she was immediately captivated by its towering yet comforting presence. Inspired by this iconic ship, she is driven to utilize her scientific expertise, data insights, and project management skills to contribute to its preservation for future generations.
Justin Hruby
Chief Sustainability Officer
Justin serves as Chief Sustainability Officer of the SS United States Preservation Foundation, Inc., where he supports the Foundation’s environmental, sustainability, and public resource protection initiatives in furtherance of its mission to preserve and advance the legacy of the SS United States.
Justin A. Hruby is a United States Air Force Reserve veteran. He was named Top Graduate of both his basic training unit and Air Transportation technical school, and holds bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Studies and Political Science from Gustavus Adolphus College.
His academic and professional interests center on environmental law, public and private accountability, and the protection of public resources. Justin previously worked with Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, as part of its Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Team. He also has experience in the numismatic field as a former coin grader with NGC and as a buyer’s representative and appraiser of collectible coins and currency.
An avid historian with a particular interest in early twentieth-century architecture, Justin was drawn to ocean liners for their scale, craftsmanship, and artistic beauty. As a historic preservationist, he views the SS United States as an irreplaceable national symbol of American engineering, labor, technology, and art.
Meet our Team
Gary Francis Quigg
Historic Preservation Officer, M.A., R.P.A.
Gary serves as Historic Preservation Officer to the SS United States Preservation Foundation, Inc., where he provides guidance on historic preservation, cultural resource issues, interpretation, and the historical significance of the SS United States. He also served as one of the Foundation's representatives in the federal Section 106 review process concerning the SS United States.
Gary is a consultant specializing in Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Both a qualified professional historian and archaeologist, he has been researching, evaluating, and interpreting cultural resources for over twenty-five years through Section 106 review, online publications, field reconnaissance and related excavations, museum exhibitions, and television documentaries.
Gary has completed numerous Section 106 investigations, assessing properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. He has also served as a consultant evaluating historic aviation sites for the United States Air Force, United States Army, and The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery throughout the United States as well as in the United Kingdom, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Kiribati.
Gary received an Emmy Award for his documentary work on PBS, and his most recent film, The Foot: A Community Remembered, has received an Emmy nomination as well as a number of national and international awards. He received his B.S. from Ball State University and M.A. from Indiana University.
Hunter Krone
Social Media Advisor & Founder, SSUSA
Hunter serves as Social Media Advisor to the SS United States Preservation Foundation, Inc., where he supports the Foundation's digital outreach, public engagement, and communications initiatives in furtherance of its mission to preserve and advance the legacy of the SS United States. He is also the founder of the SS United States Alliance, an online community dedicated to advocating for the preservation and continued legacy of the historic liner.
Hunter is a passionate history enthusiast and dedicated healthcare professional. He became involved with the SS United States Preservation Foundation after connecting with members through his SS United States Alliance Facebook page, combining his love for history and his drive to preserve important landmarks.
Although his interest in ocean liners was sporadic throughout his childhood, he discovered the SS United States only two years ago. Since then, he has been a vocal advocate against the proposed reefing project, viewing it as an unnecessary and wasteful loss of the ship's potential as an attraction.
Having lived in Florida, Hunter understands the value of artificial reefs but firmly believes that the SS United States, as one of the last remaining iconic ocean liners, should be preserved as a historic treasure for future generations.
Daniel Lanier
Social Media Advisor
Daniel serves as Social Media Advisor to the SS United States Preservation Foundation, Inc., where he supports the Foundation’s digital outreach, public engagement, and communications initiatives in furtherance of its mission to preserve and advance the legacy of the SS United States.
Daniel Lanier, an amateur historian hailing from the Appalachian Mountains, has long held a passion for preserving the past. With years of experience in tourism and public relations, Daniel quietly supported the SS United States Conservancy until it became clear that the situation was slipping out of control.
Frustrated by the overwhelming demand for action, he resolved to step up and be the change that so many were calling for.
Since then, Daniel has worked tirelessly to save the ship, dedicating his time and energy to ensuring that this iconic piece of American history is preserved for future generations.
Ed Burgoon
Sustainability Advisor
Ed serves as Sustainability Advisor to the SS United States Preservation Foundation, Inc., where he supports the Foundation’s environmental review, sustainability research, and preservation initiatives in furtherance of its mission to preserve and advance the legacy of the SS United States.
A lifelong enthusiast of the sea and maritime heritage, Ed has committed himself to environmental work with over 5 years of expertise in remediation. Coupled with 10 years of experience as an auto mechanic, he brings strong technical and mechanical abilities to every project he takes on. His passion for ships spans all time periods, and he finds immense joy in preserving the legacy of these incredible vessels.
As a Philadelphia native, he grew up with the SS United States. Captivated by her towering presence from an early age. From the moment he saw her, she became a part of his life that he simply cannot let go of. This personal connection fuels his dedication to this project and his determination to safeguard this iconic ship for future generations to come.
Jonathan M. Grow
Chief Marketing Advisor
Jonathan serves as Chief Marketing Advisor to the SS United States Preservation Foundation, Inc., where he supports the Foundation’s marketing strategy, public engagement, and outreach initiatives in furtherance of its mission to preserve and advance the legacy of the SS United States.
Jonathan is a U.S. Army veteran and small business owner based in Boise, Idaho. He specializes in air-cooled Volkswagen and Porsche repair, while also lending his expertise as an Automation Installation Specialist for an Austrian-based Intralogistics company. With a deep-seated passion for mechanical systems and a curiosity for "what makes them tick," Jonathan's pursuits are as diverse as his skillset.
From vintage small engines and automobiles to aircraft and ships, Jonathan's interests encompass “anything old and mechanical, with or without an engine.” His extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for mechanical history, ingenuity, and design set him apart as a distinct and respected figure in the automotive and engineering communities.
Hockey Bergenfort
Chief Digital-AI Advisor
Hockey serves as Chief Digital AI Advisor to the SS United States Preservation Foundation, Inc., where he supports the Foundation’s digital strategy, AI-assisted content development, online community engagement, and public outreach initiatives in furtherance of its mission to preserve and advance the legacy of the SS United States.
Hockey, a Swedish enthusiast of history, ocean liners, cars, computers, and team sports, lives a fulfilling life in Sweden with his beloved wife and son. His passion for ocean liners truly ignited when he connected with his friend Hunter on Reddit through a shared appreciation for ocean liner photography.
Inspired by his determination to save the SS United States, he joined his efforts, starting with a Discord group and eventually collaborating and becoming a member of the SS United States Preservation Foundation.
Since then, his admiration for the SS United States, fondly known as the "Big U," has grown immensely. To Hockey, she stands alongside the RMS Queen Mary as one of the most beautiful and iconic ships still in existence, a true treasure worth preserving for future generations.
Ren-Horng Wang
Chief Illustration Advisor
Ren serves as Chief Illustration Advisor to the SS United States Preservation Foundation, Inc., where he develops conceptual artwork and visual renderings that help envision the SS United States as a preserved national landmark and floating destination.
Ren's fascination with ocean liners began in childhood, leading him to first see the SS United States in Philadelphia through his connection with Mike Alexander. During his student years, he funded the Lusitania Resource (www.rmslusitania.info), establishing himself as a passionate advocate for preserving the history of ocean liners.
As an artist, Ren channels his creativity into drawing and painting historical and fictional ships under the names Arridanchu on DeviantArt and Imaginaryliners on Instagram. His visual artistry also serves the SS United States Preservation Foundation, where he creates conceptual art renderings to envision the ship as a floating destination in various cities.
As an AmeriCorps NCCC alumnus who helped rebuild the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, Ren embodies a dedication to renewing American communities and celebrating our national heritage.
