John Waggoner
(Biology, B.S.,1979, & Business Administration, M.B.A., 1989)
John W. Waggoner graduated in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences. In 1989 he earned a master’s in business administration from Cal Poly and was chosen as the Outstanding MBA of the Year. He began his career in the sport fishing industry and served as the director of Marine Operations for Hornblower Dining Yacht’s fleet of 29 vessels before co-founding HMS Global Maritime in 1994. As president, CEO and principal, Waggoner grew the company from one employee to more than 900, with four divisions: ferries, overnight cruises, government services and consulting & technical. HMS Global Maritime is the largest operator of high-speed car and passenger ferries in the nation and the first private high-speed vessel operation chosen to serve the United States military. Recently trusted with the transport of President Barack Obama, HMS Global Maritime has received a Public Service Commendation from the U.S. Coast Guard. The company recently christened the largest paddlewheel steamboat in the world, the American Queen. Waggoner’s daughter Marissa graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in psychology in 2001.