Denée Blanchard

About Denée Blanchard

Operations leader with 18+ years of experience running complex, high-stakes operations in live environments and has now expanded into the music industry.For over 10 years, I’ve served as an expedition ship captain, overseeing all operations including:Crew leadership, training, mentoring, morale Route planning and execution Logistics coordinationBudgeting and fiscal managementEmergency response and decision-makingProcurement and vendor managementMulti-vendor load coordinationRapid turnaround logistics managementSafety oversight and risk managementUS & international regulatory complianceMaintaince planning, budgets, and execution Guest experience oversight I’m known for being organized, productive, calm under pressure, and solutions-focused, with a leadership style built on clear communication, strong team culture, and leading by example. Experience highlights:Conducted expeditions for many ultra-high-net-worth individuals, Fortune 100 founders, A-list entertainers, and senior public officials Impeccable safety and security record 23 shipyard and drydock and rebuild projects Leadership of multidisciplinary, cross-cultural teamsUltimate end-to-end responsibility for the entire operationProven ability to lead crew through long work rotations, tight living conditions, and high-intensity schedules while maintaining good morale Most recently, I’ve been involved in the early-stage development of an unreleased Seattle-based indie rock project, contributing across: Strategy and business structure Artist development and branding Digital infrastructureBusiness planning and legal onboarding Touring, venue, and festival research Recording / studio sessions for debut albumRelease and marketing strategyPublishing registrationThis experience has been a hands-on extension of my leadership and operational background, one I’m interested in continuing to explore, particularly in roles that support artists, tours, and production teams.

Experience

1. Ship Captain

   Uncruise Adventures

   Dec 2015 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   Operations leader with over a decade of experience captaining 120–192’ passenger vessels, managing complex teams and high-stakes operations with a flawless safety record. Recognized for calm, decisive leadership in dynamic environments where precision, adaptability, and accountability are critical.Held full operational responsibility for vessel navigation and voyage planning, crew leadership and training, onboard HR and payroll, budgeting and scheduling, guest satisfaction and safety, off-vessel expeditions, regulatory compliance, and annual Coast Guard inspections. Led shipyard planning and execution, managing budgets, communications, and overseeing all projects and teams including welding, major structural reconstruction, carpentry, finish work, painting, and all vessel engineering systems. Maintained deep knowledge of regulatory standards, while handling contingencies and real-time problem solving to keep operations on schedule, compliant, and safe. My goal is always team alignment, operational excellence, and delivering an exceptional experience, while maintaining a mission-first mentality: getting the job done and supporting the team along the way.

Education

• Edmonds College

  Associate's degree

• Pacific Maritime Institute

  Masters 200-ton Near Coastal license, Maritime Studies