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. 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 & Technical Staff
Julie Carpenter Human Resources Coordinator
Liz Gagneron Project Permit Coordinator
Robert Ledesma Hatchery Facilities Manager
Dena Leon Front Office Coordinator
Christine Truman IT Manager
Laura Vega Accounting Manager
Chris Walters Facilities and Safety Manager
Senior Research Scientists
Ann E. Bowles, Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientists
Don Kent
HSWRI President & CEO
Mark A. Drawbridge, M.S.
Senior Research Scientist
Pamela K. Yochem, DVM PhD
Chief Science Officer
Brent S. Stewart, Ph.D. J.D.
Senior Research Scientist
Research Scientists
Connie Silbernagel, D.V.M., M.P.V.M.
Research Scientist II
Michael A. Shane, M.S.
Director of Fisheries Enhancement
Kevin Stuart, M.S.
Research Scientist
Megan K. Stolen, M.S.
Research Scientist
Wendy Noke Durden MS
Research Scientist
Ruairi MacNamara, Ph.D.
Federico Rotman
Teresa Jablonski
Postdoctoral Research Associates
Sam Rossman, Ph.D.
Research Assistants
Erica Fanning
Brittany Griffis
Chase Macherzak
Sabrina Mashburn
Mitchell Masuda
Lauren Mazzola
Karen Miller McClune
Reed Newman
Kristen Page
Savannah Vasey
Ian Zander
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
William Shedd President, 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, Compensation 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, Nominating 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
Ermelinda Ruiz Moretti Chief Advocate, Chevron Corporation 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