Board & Staff
Staff
Our team of scientists provides innovative scientific solutions to challenges threatening ocean health and marine life in our rapidly changing world. In addition to our researchers is a team that plays a critical role in helping accomplish our mission:
Corporate Officers
Donald B. Kent, M.S., President & CEO
Pamela K. Yochem, D.V.M., Ph.D., Chief Science Officer & Executive Vice President
Bethany Smith, M.B.A., Chief Financial Officer
Development & Community Relations
Chris Larkin, VP of Development
Frances Burnett, Director of Development
Susan Phillips, Florida Development Manager
Administrative Staff
Julie Carpenter, Human Resources Coordinator
Ed Earp, Facilities and Safety Manager
Dena Leon, Front Office Coordinator
Christine Truman, IT Manager
Laura Vega, Accounting Manager
Senior Research Scientists
Research Scientists
Research Assistants & Support Staff
Emily Bews
Chad Brewer
Agatha Fabry
Erica Fanning
Casie Farrell
Liz Gagneron
Greg Hacker
Rashid Hasirbaf
Samantha Hobin
Tim Lawton
Robert Ledesma
Chase Macherzak
Joe Matthews
Lauren Mazzola
Karen Miller McClune
Kristen Page
Jordan Pritzl
Savannah Vasey
Ian Zander
Other Affiliated Scientists
Sam Rossman, Ph.D. (Research Associate)
Todd Schmitt, D.V.M. (Research Associate)
Connie Silbernagel, D.V.M., M.P.V.M. (Research Associate)
Board of Trustees
The HSWRI Board of Trustees represents a collection of visionary leaders who have distinguished careers in a variety of scientific, corporate, and cultural endeavors. Each Board member brings to the Institute a vision for ocean conservation, a dedication to advance the Institute and its mission, and a dedication to community service.
Chairman Emeritus
Milt Shedd (deceased)
Chair Emeritus, Science Committee
Dr. Clark Hubbs (deceased)
Executive Committee
Bill Shedd Chairman of the Board, AFTCO Manufacturing Company, Inc.; Chairman of the Board
Dr. Chris Dold Chief Zoological Officer, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment; Chair, Science Committee
J. David Gardner Principal, Highland Partnership, Inc.; Immediate Past Chair
Marilyn Hannes Park President, SeaWorld & Aquatica, San Diego, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment; Chair, Nominating Committee
Murray Hutchison Chairman, TEPPCO Partners; Chair, Finance Committee
John Morrell Chairman Emeritus, Higgs, Fletcher, Mack; Chair, Audit Committee
Jerry Sansom Governmental Affairs Consultant, JHS Legislative Consultants; Chair, Corporate and Government Relations Committee
Laurilee Thompson Owner, Dixie Crossroads; Chair, Development Committee
Board of Trustees
Jan Driscoll Partner, Allen Matkins LLP (Retired)
Robert C. Fletcher Past President, Sportfishing Association of California
Paul Fruchbom Co-Founder, KDF Communities
Julee Jenkins, Engineering Operations Manager, Qualcomm
Ermelinda Ruiz Moretti Chief Advocate, Chevron Corporation
Dan Pittard, Chairman/CEO, Pittard Partners LLC
Ian K. Stewart, Director of Corporate Sustainability, Sempra Energy
Robert J. Weiner, Owner, Star-Box, Inc
Louis Zimm Captain (Retired), UCSD/SIO
Trustees Emeritus
Senator Dede Alpert
Art DeFever (deceased)
Char DeMotte
George L. Gildred
Wally Schirra (deceased)
Officers
Donald B. Kent, M.S. President & Chief Executive Officer
Pamela K. Yochem, D.V.M., Ph.D. Chief Science Officer / Executive Vice President
Bethany Smith, M.B.A. Chief Financial Officer/Secretary