About Kathy A. Smith

I’ve been fascinated by ships and the sea since childhood.

I grew up in a small seaside village right next to a marina where I spent many long hours happily chatting with the fishermen and sailors who came to work on their boats. It wasn’t until many years later that I decided to indulge my passions. This is a snapshot of what I’ve accomplished since 2011.

Founder and host of the Fascinated by Shipwrecks podcast.
This subject matter is near and dear to my heart. The podcast launched in November 2024, with world-renowned maritime archaeologist James Delgado. It completed its journey in November 2025. I founded and hosted this special podcast, along with my sister, Victoria, who is no longer with us. Skills utilized: interviewing, writing, editing, project management. 
https://www.youtube.com/@FascinatedbyShipwrecks

Marine shipping feature trade writer 2011-2023.
I’ve been a professionally published writer since 1993. In late 2010, I decide to give marine trade writing a whirl, and to my surprise, I fell in love with it from the start. My first article was published in 2011. I wrote for the majority of well-known marine trade publications. I authored a news column and wrote regularly for Pacific Maritime Magazine. I also wrote for such industry standards as Maritime Reporter and Engineering, Marine News, and Seaports Magazine. This work required excellent interviewing and writing skills, and the ability to meet crucial deadlines. In that time period, I interviewed over 500 executives from several industry sectors.

Maritime Executive and Operations Support.
I am a highly experienced operations and executive support professional with 20+ years supporting founders and small teams in an ever-changing business landscape. Known for bringing structure, clarity, and consistency to day-to-day operations through strong communication,
proactive problem-solving, and streamlined systems. I’ve spent much of my career supporting founder-led and family-run businesses, particularly within marine and industrial sectors, environments where strong relationships, adaptability, and trust are essential. 

I’m excited to launch West Coast Marine Conversations to share new perspectives on our ever-evolving industry, while highlighting the people who shape it every day.