Mike Popovich joined Nuka Research as a Project Manager in 2012 after serving 26 years with the U.S. Coast Guard both on active duty (21 years) and as the First Coast Guard District’s civilian Environmental Equipment Specialist.
Mike has extensive experience in the Marine Environmental Response field, having served in Louisiana, Florida, and the New England area during his Coast Guard career. Mike deployed to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on three separate occasions and in different capacities, including initial oil skimming operations in the Gulf as well as serving in the Unified Area Command.
In addition to his extensive field experience, Mike has an equally strong background in contingency planning, training, ICS and all-hazards incident management. He is an accomplished facilitator and trainer, and continues to provide instruction in on-water oil spill response operations to Coast Guard and industry responders.
Mike’s current project work with Nuka Research includes oversight of a long-term Geographic Response Plan development, training, and testing program for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, development of Inland Geographic Response Plans for EPA Region 1, as well as assisting with the development of oil spill response planning guidance for several major clients.