Amanda Symonds is president and owner of Chesapeake Marine Training Institute in Hayes. The institute offers maritime training to the workboat community, recreational boating industry, government agencies, and shipping companies throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

A 2001 internship with CMTI was Symonds’ first exposure to the institute, which was founded by Guy Sorensen in 1992. She was able to participate through Gloucester High School’s Academy of Finance. After graduation, she went to Longwood University for a short time before returning to Gloucester and seeking out CMTI again. She rejoined the team there as a receptionist while also studying at Rappahannock Community College, where she earned her associate’s degree in Arts and Science.

Over time, Symonds’ responsibilities at CMTI increased. She began serving mariners as a licensed consultant handling applications before advancing to office manager and then general manager. When Sorensen made the decision to retire in 2016, ...