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
Bethany Smith, M.B.A., Chief Financial Officer
Development & Community Relations
Autumn Batson, Development Officer
Celina Maggi, Director of Development
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
Chad Brewer
Caitlin Celic
Matt Elliott
Agatha Fabry
Duncan Fleming
Anthony Gooch
Maya Hodder
Tim Lawton
Robert Ledesma
Jax Mikkelsen
Karen Miller McClune
Amy Yarbrough Miles
Kristen Page
Jordan Pritzl
David Tabor
Shane Waning
Other Affiliated Scientists
Liz Gagneron (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.; Chair, Nominating Committee and Immediate Past Chair
Murray Hutchison Former 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
Robert C. Fletcher Past President, Sportfishing Association of California
Paul Fruchbom Co-Founder, KDF Communities
Julee Jenkins, Engineering Operations Manager, Qualcomm
Michael King, Director of Real Estate & Development, King’s Seafood
Jim Lake, Park President, SeaWorld San Diego and Sesame Place San Diego
Laura MacKinnon, Senior Social Impact & Sustainability Specialist, Wells Fargo Bank
Ermelinda Ruiz Moretti Chief Advocate, Chevron Corporation
Dan Pittard, Chairman/CEO, Pittard Partners LLC
Ian K. Stewart, Former 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
Bethany Smith, M.B.A. Chief Financial Officer/Secretary