WILDCOAST – A voice for the coast and the ocean

About Us

WILDCOAST’s strategic, passionate and relentless ecosystem-based approach to conservation is key to our long-lasting impact and success.

Mission

WILDCOAST is an international team that conserves coastal and marine ecosystems and addresses climate change through natural solutions.

Vision

We envision a society in which ecologically sensitive and globally significant coastal and marine ecosystems and wildlife are conserved, restored and sustained for future generations.

Staff

Serge Dedina, Ph.D. - Executive Director

Serge Dedina, Ph.D. - Executive Director

The Executive Director of WILDCOAST, Serge has guided the innovative and successful conservation efforts of our international team since 2000, when he co-founded WILDCOAST with Dr. Wallace “J.” Nichols. Based in San Diego, Serge’s conservation achievements include: helping to stop efforts to build large-scale tourist resorts and marinas in national parks and protected areas throughout Northwest Mexico; launching a wildly successful “Don’t eat sea turtle” campaign referred to by author Randy Olsen as “the best ocean campaign in human history”; helping to develop millions of acres of coastal and marine protected areas in California and Mexico including the largest private coastal wilderness reserve in the Californias; developing a campaign with rock superstars Linkin Park around natural climate solutions; starting our pioneering conservation program in Oaxaca; and pushing WILDCOAST to break new conservation ground by addressing climate change through large scale blue carbon mangrove and salt marsh conservation and restoration projects. Serge’s conservation and environmental work have been reported on by Newsweek, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, NBC News, Animal Planet, San Diego Union Tribune, Washington Post, BBC, National Public Radio, Wall Street Journal, Christian Science Monitor, San Francisco Chronicle, Televisa National News, TV-Azteca National News, CBS News, and 60 Minutes among others. In recognition of his successful conservation endeavors, Serge received the Surf Industry's Environmental Award, San Diego Zoological Society’s Conservation Medal as well as the California Coastal Commission’s “Coastal Hero” Award. Serge was named a UC San Diego John Muir Fellow in 2013 and was honored as a Peter Benchley “Hero of the Sea” in 2016. Before co-founding WILDCOAST, Serge was the founding Director of The Nature Conservancy’s Baja California - Sea of Cortez Program where he initiated successful efforts to protect Loreto Bay National Park, Espiritu Santo Island Reserve and Cabo Pulmo National Park. While earning his doctorate in geography, Serge and his wife Emily Young carried out research for the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission on conservation and development in the gray whale lagoons of Baja California Sur. They also discovered plans by the Mitsubishi Corporation to build a 500,000-acre industrial salt facility on the shore of Laguna San Ignacio and then helped to defeat the project. Serge also worked as an environmental planner in San Diego, evaluating the impact of large-scale development projects such as airport expansion, binational transportation infrastructure, military base construction, state highways and residential development. Serge grew up in Imperial Beach, California, and spent his childhood and college years successfully helping to preserve the Tijuana Estuary and South San Diego Bay as National Wildlife Refuges. Serge is an avid surfer, swimmer and former State of California and City of Imperial Beach Ocean Lifeguard. He was elected Mayor of Imperial Beach, California, in 2014 and re-elected in 2018. The author of Saving the Gray Whale, Wild Sea; and Surfing the Border, Serge has published articles on conservation and environmental issues in the Journal of Borderlands Studies, Los Angeles Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, Sacramento Bee, California Coast & Ocean, Surfer’s Journal, Surfer’s Path, and Drift, and was the coastal columnist for Southern California AOL Patch news sites. Serge holds a B.A. in Political Science from UC San Diego, a M.S. in Geography from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Texas at Austin.

Zachary Plopper - Associate Director

Zachary Plopper - Associate Director

Zach Plopper is WILDCOAST's Associate Director and oversees WILDCOAST's international conservation programs and operations. Based in San Diego, he joined the team in 2008 as the organization's Wildlands Conservation Program Manager, helping to conserve hundreds of miles of wilderness coastline on the Baja California Peninsula. Working with local landowners, Mexico’s National Commission for Protected Areas, and international funders, this effort included the creation of the Valle de los Cirios Pacific Coast protected area, one of the largest private protectorates of coastal land in North America. In 2012, Zach became WILDCOAST's Coastal and Marine Director and helped develop the management framework for California's marine protected area network. He worked with state legislatures, tribes, and fishing communities to pass two state bills, AB 298 and AB 2369, that strengthen enforcement across the state’s MPAs. In 2015, his role expanded as the team's Conservation Director to support the growth and management of WILDCOAST's conservation work in the U.S. and Mexico. Zach has consulted with NOAA and USAID to support coastal and marine spatial planning in the Philippines and Ecuador, was co-chair of the San Diego County MPA Collaborative from 2012 to 2019, and serves as one of five global members of World Surfing Reserve’s Executive Committee. In 2014, Zach led efforts to establish the Bahia de Todos Santos World Surfing Reserve in Ensenada, Mexico, the world’s 6th WSR. He was also a board member of the United Athletes of the Pacific Ocean, a non-profit dedicated to promoting cross cultural surfing experiences among youth. Prior to working with WILDCOAST, Zach worked as an ocean lifeguard, teacher, and a professional surfer. Zach was the 2003 National Scholastic Surfing Association's collegiate state champion and surfed at the professional level on the World Surf League's World Qualifying Series. He has written for a variety of news, surf, travel, and lifestyle publications including the San Diego Union-Tribune, Transworld, Slide, and The Surfer's Path. Zach holds a B.A. in Urban Studies and Planning from UC San Diego, and an M.A. in Urban Planning from UCLA.

Fay Crevoshay - Communications & Policy Director

Fay Crevoshay - Communications & Policy Director

Fay Crevoshay is the Communications and Policy Director of WILDCOAST. Based in San Diego, she joined the team in 2001. As Communications & Policy Director Fay develops strategies and cultivates relationships with key elected and appointed officials, while forging partnerships with organizations from the private and social sectors to implement WILDCOAST’s public policy agenda in Mexico and the United States. Fay’s internationally acclaimed conservation communications campaigns have been reported on by the Wall Street Journal, NPR, New York Times, BBC, CNN, Televisa, among others. Fay created and carried out international campaigns such as “My Man Doesn’t Eat Sea Turtle Eggs,” to stop poaching and reduce consumption of sea turtle eggs and meat. The campaign was endorsed by the Mexican federal government and was credited to be one of the best ocean campaigns in “human history” by scientist and communications expert, Dr. Randy Olson. Fay was responsible for the successful WILDCOAST sea turtle conservation campaigns carried out in partnership with iconic Mexican lucha libre star “El Hijo del Santo” and Mexican rock superstars Maná that received extensive media coverage and public attention in the U.S. and Latin America. She successfully worked to promote the expansion of marine protected areas in California, and developed a campaign with Linkin Park to promote natural climate solutions and mangrove conservation in Mexico. Prior to joining WILDCOAST, Fay was a NPR and El Financiero reporter and ran her own media relations firm. Fay, a native of Mexico City, received a B.A. in Economics from Bar-Ilan University, Israel, a M.A. in Political Science from York University in Toronto, and a M.A. in International Relations from Universidad Las Americas in Mexico City.

Mónica Franco - Mexico Director

Mónica Franco - Mexico Director

Mónica Franco is the Director of WILDCOAST in Mexico. Based in Ensenada, Baja California, she oversees all of our conservation programs and operations from Baja California to Oaxaca. Monica joined the WILDCOAST team in 2013 as the Magdalena Bay Program Coordinator and later led our federal conservation concessions project where she helped to protect tens of thousands of acres of globally important and carbon sequestering coastal and marine ecosystems. In 2017, she was named Mexico Deputy Director and was appointed the WILDCOAST Mexico Director in 2020. Prior to WILDCOAST, Monica worked for Mexico´s Environmental Federal Agency (SEMARNAT) in the Federal Concessions Department. Prior to that she was employed by Pronatura Noroeste as a field assistant and GIS technician. While doing research on marine mammals for her Master´s degree, Monica did field work for two years throughout the Pacific Islands of the Baja California Peninsula. She also studied for a semester at the University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria on the Canary Islands. She holds a B.S. in Biology and a M.S. in Coastal Oceanography from the Autonomous University of Baja California in Ensenada.

Clark Labitan - Director of Finance and Administration

Clark Labitan - Director of Finance and Administration

Clark Labitan is the Director of Finance and Administration and oversees WILDCOAST’s international financial resources, administration, information technology and human resources. Based in San Diego, he joined the WILDCOAST team in 2010 after spending over 25 years working in financial departments for both for-profit and non-profit institutions. He supports the organization's strategic plan, established financial and operational policies and procedures, implemented online accounting and donor databases and worked closely with program managers to monitor program expenditures are in-line with revenue and are managed to budget and forecasts. Prior to WILDCOAST, Clark held the Director of Finance position at Meals on Wheels-Greater San Diego, and Access to Independence, both San Diego based non profit organizations. Before working in the non-profit sector, he was employed by Bank of America and Security Pacific Bank. Clark holds a B.S. in Accounting from Indiana University Bloomington.

Ann Wycoff - Development Director

Ann Wycoff - Development Director

Ann Wycoff is WILDCOAST’s Development Director. Based in San Diego she oversees fundraising, donor relations, philanthropic and private sector partnerships. Ann joined the team in 2019 to oversee the organization’s fundraising campaigns and events. She also organizes and leads donor trips to WILDCOAST’s conservation sites in Mexico as well as coordinating Corporate Social Responsibility volunteer experiences. Prior to her work with WILDCOAST, Ann spent 25 years as a travel writer, screenwriter, and book author. She has written for publications such as Travel + Leisure, Outside, Condé Nast Traveler, Coastal Living, Caribbean Travel + Life, San Diego Magazine, Marin Magazine and more. Much of her travel writing has focused on Mexico and California. Ann has also worked as a media and marketing consultant. As a co-founder / producer of an action sports film festival, Ann worked extensively with the private sector and has also fundraised for various nonprofits over the years as a board member of the Berry Good Foundation and WILDCOAST. Ann has a B.A. from Cornell University in Creative Psychology.

Angela Kemsley - Conservation and Communications Manager

Angela Kemsley - Conservation and Communications Manager

Angela Kemsley is the Conservation and Communication Manager of WILDCOAST. Based in San Diego, Angela manages the California statewide MPA Watch community science program, a network of over 15 organizations collecting human use data in and around marine protected areas, as well as supporting WILDCOAST’s communications and development campaigns. She joined WILDCOAST’s marine protected area (MPA) team in 2017 as the Statewide Coordinator of the MPA Watch Community Science Program. In 2018, Angela assumed the role of Conservation Development Manager, before expanding her position to include communications. Prior to joining WILDCOAST, Angela worked for San Diego Zoo Global, facilitating community-based conservation projects in northwest Mexico as well as leading tours of the San Diego Zoo. Angela also worked in the outdoor education department of the San Diego County Office of Education in addition to numerous field research positions throughout North and South America, the Caribbean, and Europe. She currently serves as a board member for the California Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (AEOE). Angela holds a B.S. in Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution and a B.A. in Biological Anthropology from UC-San Diego and an M.A. in Biology from Miami University in Ohio.

Cory Pukini - California Conservation Manager

Cory Pukini - California Conservation Manager

Cory Pukini is the California Conservation Manager of WILDCOAST where he oversees wetland and riparian restoration projects at San Dieguito and Batiquitos Lagoons and leads marine protected area (MPA) enforcement and compliance initiatives including the innovative M2 RADAR project. Based in San Diego, he joined WILDCOAST’s conservation team in 2016 as the Conservation Coordinator focused on advancing and institutionalizing San Diego County MPAs. In 2019, his role at WILDCOAST expanded to include management of California’s network of MPAs and U.S. based blue carbon initiatives. Prior to joining WILDCOAST he worked for the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii as part of the Hono O Na Pali predator control team. Cory has also held positions at California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State University, Chico, Turtle Bay Exploration Park, and the Utah Department of Natural Resources. He currently serves as co-chair of the San Diego County MPA Collaborative. Cory holds a B.S. in Environmental Science with an option in Applied Ecology and an M.S. in Biological Science, both from California State University, Chico.

Tannia Frausto Illescas - Climate Change Manager

Tannia Frausto Illescas - Climate Change Manager

Tannia Cristina Frausto Illescas is the Climate Change Manager of WILDCOAST, where she oversees and coordinates our natural climate solutions and blue carbon programs in Mexico and California. Based out of Ensenada, Baja California, Tannia joined WILDCOAST in 2013 as the Oaxaca’s Coastal Coordinator where she initiated a program to protect the coral reefs of Huatulco National Park and helped to conserve globally important sea turtle nesting beaches. In 2015, Tannia coordinated a pioneering RAMSAR Wetlands of International Importance management program with Mexico’s National Commission for Protected Areas (CONANP), as our Conservation Management Coordinator. In 2017, Tannia was promoted to Wetlands and Climate Change Manager and helped to launch our blue carbon mangrove conservation and carbon sequestration work. Prior to joining WILDCOAST, Tannia carried out research and conservation work for the protection of coral reefs and sea turtles. Tannia holds a B.S. in Biology from the Instituto Politécnico Nacional in Mexico City and an M.S. in Marine Ecology from Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior (CICESE) in Ensenada.

Francisco Martínez Vázquez - Wildlands Conservation Manager

Francisco Martínez Vázquez - Wildlands Conservation Manager

Francisco Martínez Vázquez is the Wildlands Conservation Manager. Based in Ensenada, Baja California, he manages conservation projects and management plan updates for the Valle de los Cirios Protected Area and the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve, two of Mexico’s largest federal protected area. He is currently managing a mangrove restoration project in Laguna San Ignacio, in a partnership project with the UNDP. Francisco joined WILDCOAST in 2015, and helped to carry out the management plan for the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve as well as carry out stewardship programs for the Valle de los Cirios. Before joining WILDCOAST, he worked as a field supervisor for the National Commission of Forestry (CONAFOR) and as a consultant for wildlife conservation projects for organizations such as Mexico´s Wildlife Consultants and Pronatura Noroeste. Previously, he served as Deputy Director of Fauna in the General Forestry Directorate and Wildlife Interest of SAGARPA in the state of Sonora. He holds a B.S. in Biology from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and a M.S. in Ecosystem Management from the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur, La Paz.

Rebeca Melendez - Corals Conservation Manager

Rebeca Melendez - Corals Conservation Manager

Rebeca Meléndez Rosas is the Corals Conservation Manager at WILDCOAST and is based in La Paz, Baja California Sur. She oversees our coral reef conservation program by leading monitoring efforts with researchers, outfitters and protected area staff to improve the management of corals and aquatic ecosystems in federal protected areas through Mexico´s Pacific coast. Rebeca first joined WILDCOAST in 2017 as Conservation Coordinator for Northwest Mexico. Before joining WILDCOAST, she carried out conservation and research projects in Cabo Pulmo, Los Cabos and in fisheries refugees in Baja California Sur. Rebecca holds a B.S. in Marine Biology from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur and an M.S. in Conservation of Natural Resources and Rural Development from El Colegio de la Frontera Sur in México.

Celeste Ortega - Mangroves Conservation Manager

Celeste Ortega - Mangroves Conservation Manager

Celeste Ortega Trasviña is the Mangroves Conservation Manager at WILDCOAST. Based in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Celeste leads our federal conservation concessions program where she helps to protect thousands of acres of globally important and carbon sequestering coastal ecosystems. She also works closely with outfitters, community members and government officials to promote environmental services and best tourism practices for mangroves, birds and marine mammals in communities of Baja California Sur. Celeste joined WILDCOAST in 2017 as the Coastal Conservation Coordinator where she helped to plan the protection of mangrove ecosystems throughout Northwest Mexico. Before joining WILDCOAST, she conducted extensive field work along the coast of Baja California Peninsula and worked as a Technical Advisor of the Conservation Program and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity in the Gulf of California (BioMar), implemented by the German Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ) in collaboration with CONANP. Celeste received a B.S. in Marine Biology from the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur in La Paz. She also received a certification in Environmental Management from the Autonomous University of Baja California.

Luis Rojas Cruz - Oaxaca Manager

Luis Rojas Cruz - Oaxaca Manager

Luis Angel Rojas Cruz is the Oaxaca´s Conservation Manager. Based in Huatulco, Oaxaca. Hge joined WILDCOAST in 2018 and helped to protect the Morro Ayuta sea turtle nesting beach. He also carried out environmental education programs for students from indigenous communities located along the southern Oaxaca coastline. Before joining WILDCOAST, Luis worked as a Project Coordination for Tierra Verde Naturaleza y Cultura, based in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas. Luis holds a B.S. in Biology from the Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo.

Yolanda Garces Nicholson - Operations and Human Resources Manager

Yolanda Garces Nicholson - Operations and Human Resources Manager

Yolanda Garces Nicholson is the Operations and HR Manager at WILDCOAST. Based in San Diego, she manages WILDCOAST’s day-to-day Operations, and Human Resources functions and ensures that the organization's practices meet regulatory standards and nonprofit best practices, and align with its mission . Yolanda joined the WILDCOAST team in 2015. Prior to that she worked in the private sector for many years as executive assistant to CEOs, CFOs and Directors in the packing and paper industry. Yolanda holds a B.S. in Accounting from the Universidad de Carabobo in Valencia, Venezuela, and a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership and Human Resources from Brandman University.

Rosa Osuna - Administrative Manager, Mexico

Rosa Osuna - Administrative Manager, Mexico

Rosa Osuna is the Administrative Manager, Mexico at WILDCOAST where she oversees all of our finances, human resources and administration. Based in Ensenada, Baja California, Rosa joined the Mexico team in 2009 when WILDCOAST opened an office in Ensenada. Prior to joining WILDCOAST, she was an administrative assistant for transnational conservation projects at the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) in 2005, and Assistant Director of Financial Resources at the Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education in Ensenada (CICESE) in 2007. Roa holds a B.A. Business Administration from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California in Ensenada and a Specialization in Finance from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California in Tijuana.

Efrain Olachea - Conservation Policy Manager (Mexico)

Efrain Olachea - Conservation Policy Manager (Mexico)

Armando Efraín Olachea is the Manager of Public Policy in Mexico at WILDCOAST. Based in Ensenada, Baja California, his conservation policy work at WILDCOAST has included strengthening environmental governance of wetlands in Mexico through the creation of the Wetlands Committee of Baja California. He helped to secure federal protection in Mexico for two species of endangered corals. Efrain joined WILDCOAST in 2008 as coordinator of the Wildlands Program where he helped to protect tens of thousands of acres of pristine Baja California coastal wilderness in one of Mexico’s largest private conservation areas. In 2013, he became the coordinator of operations and legal strategies. Before joining WILDCOAST, Efrain was a legal advisor for tourism development in Baja California Sur. Efrain holds a B.A. in Law from the Tecnologico de Baja California; has a specialization in Project Management from CETYS University; and a M.S. in Environmental Law and Public Policy from the Universidad del Medio Ambiente in Mexico.

Lisa Gilfillan - Ocean Conservation & Education Coordinator

Lisa Gilfillan - Ocean Conservation & Education Coordinator

Lisa Gilfillan is the WILDCOAST Ocean Conservation and Education Coordinator. Based in San Diego, she joined the team in 2020 and is working to conserve Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in San Diego County through youth engagement, public outreach, monitoring, and stewardship. Lisa is developing materials for the statewide MPA Collaboratives in California, expanding on and developing new community partnerships, and creating new youth conservation opportunities. Prior to arriving at WILDCOAST, Lisa worked as a guide and tour developer at the SD Zoo Safari Park (2009); an Education Coordinator for I Love A Clean San Diego (2011); as an Education Coordinator at Birch Aquarium at Scripps (2011); and as a fisheries biologist for the National Forest Service (2003). Lisa holds a B.S. from Bowling Green State University and an M.S. from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego.

Rosario Norzagaray - Border Coordinator

Rosario Norzagaray - Border Coordinator

Rosario Norzagaray is the Border Coordinator at WILDCOAST and is based in Tijuana, Baja California. She joined the WILDCOAST team in 2020 and is coordinating efforts to reduce the tsunami of ocean-bound solid waste that impacts more than 100,000 acres of federal, state and local coastal, island and marine protected areas on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Rosario has more than 20 years experience working in urban solid waste management, and developing self-sustaining community projects. She has also worked in public administration, the private sector, municipal public services and environmental impact consulting. Rosario holds a B.S. in Nursing from the Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, a B.S. in Psychology from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, and an M.S. in Environmental Management from the Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Tijuana.

Gabriela García Vázquez - Oaxaca Conservation Coordinator

Gabriela García Vázquez - Oaxaca Conservation Coordinator

Gabriela García Vázquez is WIDCOAST’s Oaxaca Coast Coordinator, in Huatulco, Oaxaca. She promotes training and social awareness in relation to the protection of coral, sea turtle, and mangrove ecosystems among communities on the Oaxaca coast. Gabriela first joined WILDCOAST in 2020 as a fellow in the “Young Building the Future” program. During that year, Gabriela was trained in the Mangrove Conservation and Coral Conservation programs in La Paz, Baja California Sur (BCS). Before joining WILDCOAST, Gabriela was part of the “Sharks and Rays” project and was in charge of the logistics of field trips and sampling in artisanal fishing fields in different regions of BCS. Gabriela is a Biologist from the Faculty of Sciences of the National Autonomous University of Mexico and has a Master of Science in Marine Resource Management from the Interdisciplinary Center of Marine Sciences of the National Polytechnic Institute.

Omar Perez - Accounting Coordinator

Omar Perez - Accounting Coordinator

Omar is the Accounting Coordinator at WILDCOAST. He joined the WILDCOAST team in 2008. He’s a former business owner and has also worked in the government and corporate business sectors. He has a strong background in bookkeeping, accounting and other business fields. He assists with the managing and administration of the HR, Payroll, Benefits and organization Operations functions. He also handles and assists with the bookkeeping and accounting responsibilities.

Yehuda Ben-Hamo - Social Media Outreach & Marketing Coordinator

Yehuda Ben-Hamo - Social Media Outreach & Marketing Coordinator

Based in San Diego, Yehuda contributes to our organization's branding, marketing + outreach, and assists in fundraising. Prior to WILDCOAST, Yehuda worked with Nomadik Co. as a Product Manager & Sustainability Coordinator and coached competitive surfing at the high school and collegiate level. Yehuda is very active on behalf of environmental + humanitarian issues and organizations and holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from California State University San Marcos.

Joe Cooper - MPA Contractor

Joe Cooper - MPA Contractor

Based in San Diego County, Joe has spent his life both recreating and working along California’s coast. His knowledge of the local San Diego County waters, fishing, boats, and underwater remote operated vehicle (ROV) have contributed greatly to WILDCOAST’s successful management of San Diego County Marine Protected Areas. Joe's contributions to WILDCOAST projects include providing access to on-water boat based surveys that help support ongoing MPA enforcement and compliance projects and policy initiatives, underwater ROV operations for community outreach and Explore My MPA Project activities, and general consulting services for water-based activities and programs. Joe started as a volunteer for WILDCOAST in 2014 and has played a critical role in advancing the local management of MPAs as a member of the San Diego County MPA Collaborative. Prior to his work with WILDCOAST, Joe coordinated land tracking of mountain lions for a UC Berkeley funded study in San Diego County. When not working on his boat or ROVs, Joe enjoys fishing, surfing, and backcountry exploring.

María José Petit Rodríguez - WILDCOAST Intern

María José Petit Rodríguez - WILDCOAST Intern

María José is a fellow of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), professional fellows program sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S Department of State and implemented by IREX. During her fellowship, WILDCOAST will serve as her Host Organization, guiding her through mentorships for strategic partnerships in social and environmental ventures, efficient approaches for business expansion, and innovative strategies for promotion and management. For a decade, María José has been working with the NGO “Working Group on Marine Turtles of the Gulf of Venezuela” for marine wildlife conservation through community-based protocols. María José aims to enhance civic participation in scientific projects in both city and coastal communities. She is an alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Young Ocean Ambassador, member of the Board of Directors of the State Alumni Venezuela, Chapter Zulia. María José attended the University of Zulia (LUZ) in Maracaibo, Venezuela.

Lillian Rose Mattes - Marketing Intern

Lillian Rose Mattes - Marketing Intern

Born and raised in Huntington Beach, California, Lilly is currently a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Global Studies from UC Santa Barbara. Prior to interning for WILDCOAST, Lilly had the opportunity to study in Thailand and work in Bangkok as a Conservation Associate for Wildchain Ltd. and continues to volunteer for on-campus habitat restoration projects. After graduating she plans to pursue a career in wildlife conservation and tackle issues surrounding environmental justice.

Will Reichel - Marketing Intern

Will Reichel - Marketing Intern

Will received his Bachelor’s Degree in Global Business Management-Marketing from California State University, San Marcos, and is currently studying Environmental Management & Sustainability on the Gold Coast of Australia. Originally from Santa Barbara, Will has worked in jobs related to retail & distribution, coaching, social media management, and event management. As a Marketing Intern Will hopes to aid in WILDCOAST’s goals of protecting and conserving coastal and marine ecosystems through increased brand awareness and engagement by utilizing different marketing strategies.

Itana Avdalovic - Marketing Intern

Itana Avdalovic - Marketing Intern

Itana, currently based in Barcelona, is originally from Monterey, CA, where she first fell in love with marine life and developed her interest in environmental conservation. Prior to WILDCOAST, Itana volunteered for various nonprofits dedicated to helping vulnerable and socially excluded populations, including houseless, refugee, and immigrant communities. She holds a M.A. in Communication Management from UPF Barcelona School of Management, and aspires to kickstart her career at the crossroads of communication, marketing and conservation. As a Marketing Intern, Itana aims to amplify WILDCOAST’s mission to protect marine ecosystems and combat climate change through contributing to the organization’s marketing, social media, blog, and fundraising efforts.

Jocelyn Sayin - Marketing Intern

Jocelyn Sayin - Marketing Intern

Jocelyn Sayin is a junior studying International Relations with Quantitative Methods at the University of Edinburgh. She has grown up around the water, living in both Florida and California, and has always had a passion for protecting the environment and coastal communities. As a Marketing Intern, she is excited to use social media to engage with the online community and to spread WILDCOAST’s message of ecosystem conservation and climate change prevention. Currently studying at home in San Diego for the semester, she is looking forward to being a part of the WILDCOAST team.

Cecilia Thon - Blue Carbon Intern

Cecilia Thon - Blue Carbon Intern

My name is Cecilia Thon from San Juan, Puerto Rico. I am a rising senior and volleyball athlete at the University of Evansville with a double major in International Relations and Economics and a minor in Political Science. I look forward to working as an intern with WILDCOAST and its Blue Carbon project as we develop initiatives to combat climate change and environmental degradation.

Cece Malone - Blue Carbon Intern

Cece Malone - Blue Carbon Intern

Celia Malone is a youth climate activist and student from San Francisco, California. She is passionate about climate justice and is currently studying environmental science and policy in her first year at Pitzer College. Prior to interning with WILDCOAST, Celia worked on climate policy initiatives with the Stanford Law and Policy lab, writing op-eds and interviewing policy makers from around the country. She is especially curious about studying the intersection between natural environments and local communities, and hopes her work with WILDCOAST will help her learn how to strengthen the policies that protect them. She is an avid lover of the outdoors, and one day hopes to hike from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail!

Aynaz Sharifi - Blue Carbon Intern

Aynaz Sharifi - Blue Carbon Intern

Aynaz Sharifi is currently studying Environmental Project management at Seneca College Toronto. Before WILDCOAST, Aynaz was engaged in research and investigation toward the circular economy's development and growth, with a specialized interest in the zero-waste movement and sustainable lifestyles. As a Blue carbon research intern, Aynaz hopes to step toward WILDCOAST goals achievement to protect and conserve marine and coastal environments and develop and acquire her knowledge along the way.

Board of Directors

Emily Welborn Guevara - Board Chair

Emily Welborn Guevara - Board Chair

Emily is a San Diego native and has dedicated much of her education and career to conservation and climate policy throughout Southern California. Most recently, she managed the Environment Initiatives at The San Diego Foundation. She has a BA in Chemistry and Environmental Studies from Whitman College, and a Master's of Environmental Science and Management from UC Santa Barbara and was WILDCOAST’s first intern back in 2001. You can usually find her sharing her favorite outdoor spots around San Diego with her husband and two young children.

David Price - Vice Chair

David Price - Vice Chair

David Price is the Director of Ecommerce for PriceSmart Inc, the largest operator of retail warehouse clubs in Central America, the Caribbean, and Colombia. Prior to his tenure at PriceSmart, David worked in the non profit sector and served as a Faculty Member for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). David has a Masters of International Affairs from UC San Diego and a BS in Public Policy from The University of Southern California. David is passionate about exploring wild places and spends his free time surfing and adventuring in California and beyond.

Ben Hopf - CEO/Co-Founder, Atticus, Inc.

Ben Hopf - CEO/Co-Founder, Atticus, Inc.

Ben is CEO and Co-Founder of Atticus, Inc., a San Diego-based mobile/web software platform for estate planning and administration. Prior to Atticus, Ben led high-net-worth client advisor teams for U.S. Trust and Legacy Trust Family Wealth Offices. From a farming family, and the son of an environmental attorney, Ben established an early respect for environmental advocacy. An east coast transplant, Ben now lives in San Diego with his wife Courtney and spends his free time camping southern California and the Baja Peninsula in search of great surf, kiteboarding and fishing sanctuaries.

Craig Gaunce - CPA, Gaunce & Associates, CPAs APC

Craig Gaunce - CPA, Gaunce & Associates, CPAs APC

Craig is a CPA with Gaunce & Associates, CPAs APC, a small Solana Beach accounting firm specializing in individual and small business tax compliance, tax planning, financial reporting, and attestation services. Craig grew up in Carlsbad and studied Accounting at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Craig began his professional career in Orange County as an Audit Manager with RSM US LLP and joined Gaunce and Associates in 2014. Craig and his wife, Megan appreciate all that San Diego has to offer and can be found hiking the local trails and surfing.

Doug Sheres - Founder/Managing Member, Paramo Capital Partners

Doug Sheres - Founder/Managing Member, Paramo Capital Partners

Doug Sheres is a founder and managing member at Paramo Capital Partners and Director at Vor Data Systems and The Richmond Corporation. Doug was formerly a Senior Partner at Rice, Hall, James and Associates and Director at Nature and Culture International and Firewire Surfboards. Doug also served as the Mayor of Solana Beach from 2000-2004. He received a BA from UC San Diego and lives in Del Mar with his wife and three boys. Doug is also a long time surfer/fisherman and explorer of the Mexico and Baja’s coastlines.

Dovi Kacev, Ph.D. - Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Dovi Kacev, Ph.D. - Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Dovi Kacev is an assistant teaching professor at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. He received his Ph.D. from the Joint Doctoral Program in Ecology at San Diego State University and UC Davis and received a BS in Biology and Economics from UCLA. His research interests are focused on better understanding the movements and ecology of pelagic fishes, particularly sharks. He grew up on the beaches of South Africa and San Diego, and loves anything that allows him to spend time in the water. His current work allows him to share his passion for the ocean with undergraduate students who are (hopefully) going to save the planet in the years to come. He started working with Wildcoast as an intern back in 2005 and has been impressed with their work ever since!

Heidi Dewar, Ph.D. - Fisheries Research Biologist, Southwest Fisheries Science Center

Heidi Dewar, Ph.D. - Fisheries Research Biologist, Southwest Fisheries Science Center

Heidi Dewar is a fisheries research biologist in the Life History Program at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center. She completed her Ph.D. at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 1993 where she worked on the physiology of tropical tunas. She has since worked in a range of disciplines and species and has worked closely with fishers. Her overarching scientific interest is in how the interplay between physiology and the environment determine the movements and behaviors of fish. She currently works with a range of highly migratory species collecting biological data to support management, specializing in species like sharks, tunas, opah, and billfish. Her broader interests include reducing waste and adding value across the seafood supply chain and working with coastal and island communities towards sustainable marine resource management.

Josh Chatten-Brown - Attorney, Chatten-Brown & Carstens

Josh Chatten-Brown - Attorney, Chatten-Brown & Carstens

Josh Chatten-Brown is an attorney with Chatten-Brown & Carstens, an environmental and land use law firm with special expertise in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Endangered Species Act, water and air quality laws, and other California environmental laws. As an avid surfer, Josh has a long-standing interest in water quality and coastal issues. Josh has extensive experience traveling in Baja California and is a fluent Spanish speaker.

Laura Araujo Moreno - Tijuana Innovadora -Director of Binational Affairs and Operations

Laura Araujo Moreno - Tijuana Innovadora -Director of Binational Affairs and Operations

Born and raised in Tijuana, B.C., she is bilingual and bicultural. She has 30+ years experience in Graphic Design, Marketing and Strategic Communication, specializing in Corporate Image Consulting and Project Management. Laura holds a BA in Graphic Design from the Universidad Iberoamericana NE – Tijuana and an Associate's Degree in Arts/Graphic Design from Southwestern College. Her work experience includes: Director of the Tijuana Innovadora Leadership Program (2011- 2014), Project Manager for Volunteer Recruitment + Training and Operations during the Tijuana Innovadora events ’10, ‘12 and ’14; Director of Client Relations & PR at CAPTA (2009-2011) a business consulting firm in Tijuana, where she also helped create the volunteer recruitment and training program for Tijuana Innovadora in 2010, and the Tijuana Innovadora Leadership Program in 2011; Public Relations & San Diego Liaison at Business Conexion Magazine (2008-2009); Director of the Creative Department at Eikons Design and Communication/Alvarez, Hodoyan y Asoc. (1995-2001); and was a member of the Graphic Design Department Faculty at the Universidad Iberoamericana (1985-1994), where among 7 subjects, her forte was Design Management & Production. She has been an active promoter of Tijuana throughout her career. She is also an active member of SANDAG’s Committee on Binational Regional Opportunities (COBRO) since 2016.

Dominique Cano-Stocco - Executive Director of External and Government Affairs, Verizon

Dominique Cano-Stocco - Executive Director of External and Government Affairs, Verizon

Dominique Cano-Stocco serves as the Executive Director of External and Government Affairs for Verizon in Southern California. Dominique has served in a public affairs capacity for over twenty years in high profile organizations like The White House, U.S. Department of Transportation, Pepperdine University, UC San Diego and Oceana. She has advised individuals and organizations on how to pass conservation laws and has provided advocacy and lobbying expertise on a variety of marine conservation matters at the federal, state and local level. She has a bachelor's degree in political science from UC San Diego, and a master's in advanced studies degree in marine biodiversity and conservation from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Dominique is a proud Hawaiian and Californian who loves the beach, stand-up paddle boarding and is committed to conserving the world's oceans in her free time. She lives in San Diego with her husband, daughter and dog "Sunshine." Fun Fact: Dominique is a Shark Geek & has appeared on Discovery Channel's Shark Week.

Advisory Council

Homero Aridjis

Homero Aridjis

Homero Aridjis is a Mexican poet, novelist, journalist and one of the world's most renowned and effective conservationists. In 1985, he organized the Group of 100 to defend biodiversity in Mexico and Latin America. In Mexico, he played a leading role in the conservation of sea turtles, gray whales and monarch butterflies and advocated for the defense of tropical forests and coastal and marine ecosystems. A prolific writer, he has published 43 books of poetry and prose. He has been a visiting professor at Indiana University, New York University, and Columbia University, and held the Nichols Chair in Humanities and the Public Sphere at the University of California, Irvine. He has also served as Mexico's ambassador to the Netherlands and Switzerland and UNESCO.

Lawrence Herzog, Ph.D.

Lawrence Herzog, Ph.D.

Dr. Herzog is Professor of City Planning, School of Public Affairs, San Diego State University, San Diego, California. He is also a consultant and writer specializing in planning and urban design, in the United States and Mexico and Latin America. Dr. Herzog served as urban/regional planning consultant to the United States. Agency for International Development (Peru and Bolivia), the American Institute of Architects, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States. Embassy to Mexico, the United States Consulate, Tijuana, the California Department of Transportation, the Robert Wood Foundation, the Price Foundation/City Heights Education Pilot, and San Diego Dialogue - where he authored more than 20 technical reports for these agencies.

Ron Forster

Ron Forster

Ron Forster has a background in marketing, having worked with Hewlett-Packard for over 20 years. His passion is saving natural habitats and helping to assure that our next generation has the opportunity to experience and love the outdoors. A former Board member of WILDCOAST, Ron currently serves on the board of the Escondido Creek Conservancy and the Thin Hanh Foundation.

Robert Kanter, Ph.D.

Robert Kanter, Ph.D.

Dr. Kanter received his Ph.D. in biology, with a focus on marine ecology, from the University of Southern California. He retired in 2013 from his role as the Managing Director of Environmental Affairs and Planning for the Port of Long Beach, California, where he oversaw the Environmental Affairs and Planning Bureau. Dr. Kanter also served as the ports' representative on federal, state and local advisory committees where he served on numerous environmental committees, including the National Academy of Sciences Advisory Committee on Coastal Science Policy.

Mike McCoy, D.V.M.

Mike McCoy, D.V.M.

Growing up in Boulder, Colorado, Mike McCoy got an ideal start on a life compatible with the natural world around him. His studies led him to a degree in veterinary medicine. He worked with bighorn sheep in Anza Borrego for the San Diego Zoological Society, and later with the Society's California condor recovery program. When he moved to Imperial Beach, California, Dr. McCoy helped to initiate the effort to establish the Tijuana Estuary and South San Diego Bay as federal preserves. As a member of the California Marine Life Protection Act South Coast Commission, he helped to establish a new system of marine protected areas for Southern California.

Wallace J. Nichols, Ph.D.

Wallace J. Nichols, Ph.D.

Dr. Nichols is a Research Associate at California Academy of Sciences and co-founder of WILDCOAST. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller Blue Mind. He has authored and co-authored more than 50 scientific papers and reports. He has been featured on various media organizations, including NPR, BBC, PBS, National Geographic, Animal Planet, Time, Newsweek, GQ, Outside Magazine, Fast Company, Scientific American and New Scientist. Nichols earned his B.S. degree in Biology and Spanish from DePauw University, a M.S. of Environmental Management in Environmental Policy and Economics from Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment, and his Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Arizona's School of Renewable Natural Resources where he received a Marshall Fellowship and a Fulbright Fellowship.

Jeff Opdycke

Jeff Opdycke

Jeff is the Associate Director of Conservation Programs at the San Diego Institute for Conservation Research. A native San Diegan, Jeff grew up at the desert, beaches and lagoons of San Diego County and developed a strong interest in marine biology. As a former United States Fish and Wildlife Biologist, he helped manage southern sea otter populations and California condor recovery in Ventura. In 1994, Jeff joined the Zoological Society of San Diego to expand the San Diego Zoo's wildlife and habitat conservation efforts. Jeff has served in the role of advisor or board member to several conservation NGOs, including nine years on the WILDCOAST Board of Directors.

Jess Ponting, Ph.D.

Jess Ponting, Ph.D.

Jess Ponting, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at San Diego State University. Dr. Ponting specializes in the use of sustainable tourism for community development. He has been particularly active as a researcher/consultant in equatorial Asia-Pacific, most recently as a member of the World Commission on Protected Areas, and as a consultant for Fiji's Tourism Master Plan. His areas of interest include sustainable tourism, surfing tourism, cross cultural interactions in tourism and volunteer tourism.

Michael Sutton

Michael Sutton

Michael Sutton is a social entrepreneur and conservation leader who serves as Vice President, Pacific Flyway with the National Audubon Society. He is a member of Audubon's National Leadership Team and oversees Audubon's conservation programs, including a $20 million budget and more than 100 staff in California, Washington and Alaska. In 2004, he founded the Center for the Future of the Oceans at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. He previously served roles at the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service.

Lorraine Yglesias

Lorraine Yglesias

Lorraine is the Director of Marketing Programs for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Prior to working for the aquarium, she spent 20 years in the communications and entertainment industry in Los Angeles and San Jose. During her tenure in Los Angeles, Lorraine worked for independent television production and distribution companies, including Lorimar-Telepictures (later acquired by Warner Bros. TV) and the Hollywood Reporter where she helped develop the United States Hispanic and Latin American markets.