Captain Carolyn Kurtz is maritime pilot at the Port of Tampa, and a member of the Tampa Bay Pilots Association. Growing up in Queens, New York, Captain Kurtz attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. After graduating in 1986, she was hired as a third mate and served on board cargo ships all over the world, rising to the rank of Chief Mate. In 1995, Captain Kurtz began the first ever woman pilot in the state of Florida when she was hired to guide ships in and out of the Port of Tampa. She has earned numerous accolades and awards for excellent service throughout her career.