Samuel Diedrick is an experienced operations and project management professional with a strong background in the maritime transportation industry, naval logistics and renewable energy. Sam graduated from the University of Portland Pamplin School of Business, December 2021, with a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Operation and Technology Management.
Sam was born and raised in Roseville, Minnesota. He attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point NY, as a Midshipman from 2006 – 2010. As part of the Academy’s rigorous Sea Year program, he spent 365 days at sea aboard U.S. Flagged Merchant Marine ships transporting: commercial cargoes along the U.S. eastern seaboard to Northern Europe, military hardware and equipment to/from the Middle East and fuel to Navy and Airforce installations throughout the pacific.
Sam graduated with a B.S. in Maritime Operations and Technology, obtaining an unlimited Third Mates Merchant Marine License, Qualified Member of the Engine Department (All Ratings) Merchant Marine Credential and a commission as an Ensign Strategic Sealift Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves.
Sam spent many years traveling the world as a Merchant Marine Officer with the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command, from 2010 – 2015. During his career with Military Sealift Command, Sam served aboard the Naval Auxiliary, USNS Patuxent, in support of anti-piracy operations and the Global War on Terror.
Underway aboard USNS Patuxent conducting refueling operations with USS Wasp, in the Arabian Sea, 2011
Sam also served aboard USS Mount Whitney based out of Gaeta, Italy.
Sam remained active with the Navy reserves, serving with Military Sealift Command, Seattle, WA, Naples, Italy and most recently in Manama, Bahrain before being honorably discharged May 2021.
Underway Mediterranean Sea, USS Mount Whitney, 2013
As a civilian, Sam continued to work in the maritime industry with Crowley and Foss Maritime Company, eventually obtaining his Unlimited Master (Captain) Merchant Marine Officer credential. For Foss Maritime Company Sam worked on a project developing an innovative vessel transferring clean alternative fuels to container vessels in Jacksonville, FL. In 2019, he was promoted to Port Captain and relocated to Portland, Oregon to manage the daily operations of a fleet of tugs on the Columbia River System and to start his MBA at the University of Portland. He currently resides in Portland with his wife and two young children.
Strategic Sealift Officers in Manama, Bahrain, 2019
What are you doing now (as a UP Pamplin alumnus)?
I continue to work for Foss Maritime company as Port Captain. This includes managing daily operations, project management and onshore wind equipment transportation projects out to Eastern Washington and Idaho.
Tug Point Vicente, St. John’s Barge and Tug P.J. Brix towing onshore wind blades on the Snake River, 2020
I am looking to leverage my project management, naval leadership and maritime backgrounds into new international opportunities, construction, and operations of offshore wind farms.
In my spare time I enjoy traveling, learning about different cultures, hiking, the outdoors, reading, brewing beer, cooking, and wine tasting. I recently took my family to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, as a post-graduation celebration.
Why did you choose UP Pamplin for your MBA?
I selected the University of Portland’s Pamplin School of Business for my MBA due to its reputation and strong alumni group. I received quality education from excellent professors with small class sizes. A customizable program with a strong alumni base were strong points drawing me to the UP Pamplin School of Business.
Sam & Marianne’s wedding in St. Paul, MN 2016
What advice would you give someone considering graduation education?
My advice to others is to be aware that it will be a worthwhile sacrifice. Getting an MBA while working full time with children is a huge sacrifice, requiring a lot of support from family and friends to help you achieve your goals.
Prior work experience will give you additional insight, maturity and focus towards your course work. Additionally, get a mentor to provide guidance in course selection and aligning courses with your career.
Diedrick family in Chichen Itza, Mexico, December 2021
If you’re working in the same field as your program, attend part time if possible. From my personal experience attending UP part time, I was able to bring real life experiences to the classroom and use what I had learned in class in my workplace. My coursework was very applicable to my daily work, making the courses more meaningful, while making me a better leader and manager at work.
