Aurora Alifano: Field Manager
Aurora earned a M.S. in Marine Science from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, where she examined the role of allocthonous trophic subsidies to marine consumers in kelp forest communities. Working as a scientific diver and NAUI instructor allowed her to lead subtidal research in remote locations such as Baja California and the Aleutian Islands. Aurora is a nationally registered Emergency Medical Technician and previously worked full-time on an advanced life-support ambulance in Monterey County. She has been an instructor for the American Safety and Health Institute since 2006, and is a volunteer Diver Medical Technician at the Pacific Grove Hyperbaric Chamber.
Joe Beek: Chief Operating Officer
Joe has been part of the Island Conservation team since 2007. Joe has over 30 years experience among high growth organizations and in emerging markets. Joe founded a successful electronics manufacturing services provider where he managed all aspects of regional sales, operations, finance, and administration. Prior to running his own business, Joe was at the leading edge of manufacturing outsourcing with Seagate Technology, setting up operations in Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. Joe has served as an executive officer and board member for several electronics manufacturers and has provided management and organizational consulting in sustainable marketplaces such as solar technology, alternative fuels and organic foods. Joe has been active in the non-profit world, organizing a rebuilding project in New Orleans, and with CASA, providing advocacy for foster youth. Joe has an affinity for the conservation of the world’s islands, having sailed and surfed his way around the Pacific Rim. He brings start-up and enterprise growth experience from the commercial realm to Island Conservation.
Jake Bonham: Field Manager
Jake received his BS degree in Wildlife Science from Utah State University. While at USU, he was actively involved with the Jack H. Berryman Institute focusing on resolving human-wildlife conflicts. Before joining IC in 2009, Jake held a variety of natural resource management focused jobs, including several seasons fighting wildfires for the US Government and as a Wildlife Specialist for USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services. As a field manager for Island Conservation Jake has applied his wide range of skills to projects around the world as an integral part of our Conservation Operations team.
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Jed Boulton: Technology and Database Manager
Jed received his BA from the University of California, Berkeley in Environmental Science. He brings to Island Conservation over half a decade of experience in various facets of the computer industry in Silicon Valley. Jed is involved in all aspects of developing and administering IC’s databases, information and communications systems, and the processing and analysis of GIS and scientific data. His dynamic skill set and expansive knowledge of technology make him an important IC employee.
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Chiara Cabiglio: Philanthropy and Communications Intern
Chiara received her BA in Community Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. During her senior year, she became increasingly interested in environmental conservation and sustainability. In her Sustainable Living course she learned about the organic and sustainable food movement and has since conducted independent research as well as attended the 32nd Annual EcoFarm Conference. Following graduation, Chiara volunteered at Cloud Forest School in Monteverde, Costa Rica where she worked with the Land Steward and students conducting reforestation, organic gardening and environmental education. Chiara has extensive experience in nonprofit communications, fundraising, event organizing and outreach and her career goal is to work for an environmental conservation nonprofit organization. She is extremely passionate about Island Conservation’s crucial work and is truly honored to be a part of the IC team. Chiara is especially enthusiastic about advancing causes through social media and writing. In her spare time, she loves to cook and bake organic vegetarian and vegan food, hike, practice yoga, and dance to Shakira. In the future, she hopes to travel with a group of biologists to Canada or the Arctic, assist these experts with polar bear research, and hold a baby polar bear.
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Karl Campbell: Sr. Program Director
Karl has a Ph.D. from the University of Queensland, Australia. As part of his doctoral work, he developed advanced Judas goat methods involving sterilization, pregnancy termination and hormone therapy, which he applied to increase the effectiveness of Judas goats in large scale campaigns he was managing in the Galapagos Islands. Karl has over fifteen years of island restoration experience and served as field manager of the world’s two largest island restoration projects on Isabela and Santiago Islands. He is experienced in planning, budgeting and implementing large-scale projects and leveraging technology to increase their cost-efficiency. Advanced restoration expertise combined with his management skills make him invaluable in island conservation projects.
Amy Carter: Philanthropy and Communications Manager
Amy earned a BS in Anthropology from the College of Charleston and holds a Masters in Environmental Management from the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University, where her studies focused on coastal and marine economics and policy. Before joining IC in 2005, she spent several years in Washington, D.C. at the National Ocean Service as a liaison to state coastal zone management programs. Amy also served as an officer of the Surfrider Foundation’s Santa Cruz Chapter. She brings to Island Conservation the ability to synthesize and communicate complex scientific, regulatory, and economic information as well as experience in private and governmental grant-making.
Sally Esposito: Philanthropy and Communications Coordinator
Sally received her BA in Journalism with a minor in Environmental Business Economics from the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers University. While in school, she was a contributing writer for the school newspaper The Greenprint and started her own clothing line consisting of original, handmade garments using vintage or recycled materials. Following graduation, Sally became a staff writer for Lake Lanier Community Magazine in Gainesville, Georgia. As an active volunteer for the Smith-Gall Humane Society, she helped raise donations through fundraising and events. Sally brings a strong combination of writing, researching, and organizational skills to the Philanthropy and Communications teams.
Boris Fabres: Caribbean Regional Director
Boris received his Bachelor’s Degree from McGill University in Montreal, Canada and his Master’s Degree from Florida State University. Boris worked in Ministries in Trinidad and Tobago, responsible for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. He was later based in St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a Senior Biologist, where he led coastal assessment and management projects in 12 countries while working with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Boris has also participated on management boards of Caribbean institutes. As Network Coordinator and Senior Scientist with the WorldFish Center in the Philippines, Boris managed regional offices and conservation teams in the Caribbean, Pacific islands, Asia and Africa. Since 2005, he has been working in Vietnam advising and training a local NGO to build conservation programs in protected areas and islands. Through these positions, Boris has initiated and managed field programs of data collection and threat assessment, formed strong partnerships with private sector organizations, worked with community and government partners to develop conservation and management solutions, and helped inform policy and strengthen local capacity where needed. Boris brings to Island Conservation a valuable combination of conservation work from a national level balanced with on-the-ground implementation.
Gabrielle Feldman: Environmental Compliance Specialist
Gabrielle earned a BS in Zoology and an MS in Environmental Science and Regional Planning from Washington State University. She earned a Ph.D. in Natural Resources with an emphasis in Environmental Policy Analysis from the University of Idaho. Gabrielle has worked on a myriad of environmental planning projects in the United States and on the Black Sea with a focus on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Gabrielle brings over ten years of experience analyzing and writing state, national, and international environmental policies, developing decision making tools for land managers, and building consensus between stakeholders. She brings to Island Conservation the ability to understand, interpret, and translate complex environmental issues that have social, economic, and environmental implications.
Richard Griffiths: Project Director
Richard received a B.Sc. in Physics from Victoria University, a post graduate Diploma in Environmental Science from Canterbury University and an M.Sc. in Ecology from Lincoln University, New Zealand. In the years following, he worked for the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DoC), leading species recovery, island restoration, island biosecurity and pest control, and eradication programs. As leader of the Stitchbird (Notiomystis cincta) recovery program, he spearheaded the species successful reintroduction to the New Zealand mainland after a 120 year absence. He was also extensively involved in the re-establishment of seabird populations on islands and was part of the team that confirmed the existence of the New Zealand storm petrel previously considered extinct. Projects that Richard has managed include the world’s largest Pacific rat removal undertaken on Little Barrier Island and the removal of eight invasive species from Rangitoto and Motutapu islands. As a result of the Rangitoto and Motutapu project, Richard and the DoC won the Parks Forum Environmental Award in 2010. The project’s innovative approach also earned Richard a position as a finalist for the 2010 Kenton Miller Award. As a previous member of DoC’s Island Eradication Advisory Group, with a strong commitment to the conservation of threatened species, Richard brings many years of island restoration knowledge and experience to Island Conservation.
Erin Hagen: Project Manager
Erin earned her M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Washington, Seattle. She brings over 10 years of endangered species and conservation experience working on islands throughout the Pacific. Her research has focused on examining ecological and genetic relationships of critically endangered island birds to guide management actions in systems threatened by invasive mammals and plants. Evidence of her work includes collaboration with the Chilean National Park Service in implementing and co-managing Chile’s first habitat restoration program within a National Park – a program that is now in it’s 8th year. Erin’s experiences living and working on remote, inhabited islands make her an invaluable member in advancing restoration action on islands with permanent human communities.
Tommy Hall: Island Restoration Specialist
Tommy Hall earned his BS in Biology from California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo, where he worked on a variety of biology and ecology projects. Traveling with his father in the mountains of California and around the world served as the catalyst for igniting Tommy’s passion for preserving the beauty of natural ecosystems. As an avid outdoorsman, Tommy enjoys fishing, hunting, surfing, and backcountry snowboarding. A skilled photographer, Tommy's photos of native island species and their habitat play an important role in communicating Island Conservation's mission, and can be seen throughout our website and outreach materials. Tommy's scientific background combined with his advanced skills in the field make him an essential member of Island Conservation's Conservation Operations team.
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Chad Hanson: Project Manager
Chad received his BS in Fisheries and Wildlife Science at Oregon State University, where his focus on conservation ecology was guided by Bruce Coblentz. In addition to a number of biology-related field jobs, he worked as a wildland firefighter and engine operator in the Pacific Northwest. Before joining Island Conservation, Chad played a predominant role in the world’s largest goat removal on Isabel Island, Galapagos, applying his management and training skills to a team of over 40. To date, Chad has planned and implemented projects worldwide including islands in the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, California, South America, and the Caribbean. IC continues to value Chad’s strength and innovation as a project manager.
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Nick Holmes: Director of Science
Nick’s career and passion has a significant focus on research program management and conservation ecology. He earned his PhD from the University of Tasmania, Australia, working with the Australian Antarctic Division to develop best practice guidelines for managing human impacts to seabirds in the subantarctic. Prior to Island Conservation, Nick managed the Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project at the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawaii, developing and implementing recovery actions for Newell’s shearwaters, Hawaiian petrels and band-rumped storm-petrels. He brings to Island Conservation more than ten years experience in conservation biology, with research and management expertise in seabirds, population modeling, endangered species recovery, environmental impact assessment, human-wildlife interactions and monitoring programs. This includes a strong focus on island conservation and ecology, including time spent living and working on islands in the subantarctic, Antarctica, Hawaii and Australia. His professional goal is facilitating practical conservation outcomes based on sound science.
Gregg Howald: North America Regional Director
Gregg received an MS from the University of British Columbia’s Department of Animal Science. He is one of the world’s foremost experts in island restoration – he has participated in the restoration of nine islands in three archipelagos, and formulated detailed plans for six other island restoration projects. Gregg has consulted on rodent removal and research programs in Hawai`i, Alaska, British Columbia, the Channel Islands, and Mexico, working with multiple agencies throughout the North. Gregg has expertise in ecotoxicology, environmental compliance, and project management, has published five peer-reviewed articles, and has given over 30 presentations to the scientific and conservation communities. Gregg’s wide range of skills, excellent diplomatic sense, and tri-national contact network make him a heavily-utilized resource in nearly all of IC’s projects worldwide.
Wes Jolley: Island Restoration Specialist
Wes received a Bachelor of Science with a minor in Biology from Utah State University. He has held a variety of scientific jobs including two seasons in rural Alaska. One of the many projects Wes participated involved mist netting of bats. Additionally, Wes is an experienced outdoorsman and trapper.
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Bradford Keitt: Director of Conservation
Brad received an MS in Marine Sciences from the University of California, Santa Cruz and is a Switzer Foundation Conservation Fellow. His thesis work focused on the conservation and ecology of the Baja California endemic Black-vented Shearwater. He has conducted research on all of the Baja Pacific Islands, as well as islands in Alaska, Hawaii, California, Oregon, the tropical Pacific, and the Caribbean. Brad has published over 40 scientific articles on seabirds and the conservation of islands and has extensive involvement around policy issues related to the protection of island biodiversity and island ecosystems in the US and Mexico. Brad helped to create the Guadalupe Island Biosphere Reserve, leading to the protection of nearly a half million hectares of marine environment and the 26,000 hectares of terrestrial habitat on Guadalupe Island. Brad helped secure almost $4million US to implement much needed management actions on the “Islas del Pacifico” of Baja California and he also petitioned to declare these islands an official protected area – an action that will protect 11 islands and almost 180,000 hectares of the surrounding marine environment. Brad currently serves as the Director of Conservation at Island Conservation where he oversees the implementation of island restoration projects. In his more than15 years with Island Conservation Brad has participated in the planning and implementation of over 70 eradications of invasive vertebrates from islands.
Olivier Langrand: Director of Global Affairs
Olivier comes to Island Conservation after ten years with Conservation International, where, most recently, he served as Executive Vice President in charge of the Center for Conservation and Government. His division was responsible for public funding, engaging with governments and multi-lateral institutions in environmental policy, and working with indigenous and traditional peoples. In his previous position with Conservation International, Olivier led the Africa and Madagascar divisions. Prior to joining CI, Olivier held similar positions in Africa with World Wildlife Fund. Over the course of his twenty-seven year career, Olivier has developed a wealth of experience and global relationships in support of his lifelong passion and commitment to protecting biodiversity. He brings a unique, global perspective to IC, with a well-deserved reputation of integrity, a deep understanding of complex issues, and a creative approach to solving problems. Olivier received his Masters of Science (MSc) from the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. He is an avid birder (107 countries and counting), an expert on the birds of southwestern Indian Ocean islands, and author and/or co-author of over 100 scientific publications, including three authoritative books on the avifauna of Madagascar, the Comoros, the Mascarenes, and the Seychelles Islands. Olivier will be responsible for IC’s engagement with governments, multi- and bi-lateral institutions, and international conventions in our global efforts to prevent extinction of threatened island species.
Jennifer Lape: Director of Philanthropy
Jen has a MS in Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a BA in Marine Biology from University of California, Santa Cruz. She has over 8 years of biological research experience specializing in monitoring and understanding community interactions on coral reefs. During her graduate studies, she worked as grant administrator for the Coastal Research Center at University of California, Santa Barbara. Jen’s scientific training and administrative experience enable her to clearly communicate the scientific nature of IC’s work to supporters.
Ray Nias: Southwest Pacific Regional Director
Ray was the Director of Conservation for WWF Australia from 1988 – 2009 and led the development of WWF Australia’s large and growing program of conservation related activities including the management of research, policy development, advocacy, and community outreach programs. He has been actively involved in the international work of WWF for many years; has been Chair of the WWF International Marine Advisory Group; and was instrumental in the establishment of the WWF South Pacific program in 1990 and the WWF Antarctic and Southern Ocean Initiative in 2006. In 2007, Ray worked with an ecotourism company to develop island conservation programs for Sub-Antarctic Islands, specifically on Macquarie Island. Through WWF Australia, Ray has worked with governments, conservation groups and communities throughout the region developing programs, policy campaigns, communications and fund-raising programs in countries including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Indonesia, New Caledonia and various countries in Southeast Asia. In 2009, Ray formed TierraMar Consulting with the aim of assisting organizations that work on coastal and marine conservation issues in Australia, South-east Asia and the Pacific. As a consultant Ray specialized in strategic planning and analysis of complex environmental programs, developing funding applications for intergovernmental organizations in the Pacific and writing technical and popular reports on coastal and marine issues. With his scientific and management background, fund-raising experience and knowledge of the Southwest Pacific region, its environments and institutions; Ray is ideally placed to help make Island Conservation a major force for island conservation in the Southwest Pacific region.
Erik Oberg: Island Restoration Specialist
Erik received his Bachelors of Arts in Environmental Science with a minor in Earth Science from the University of California, Santa Cruz. His senior thesis focused on National Environmental Policies and involved travel across the U.S. with his professors to study new technologies in various manufacturing sectors. Erik also conducted work projects on global environmental issues in Perth, Australia. He has a varied work background, from a sailing instructor to sales and distriubtion for organic produce to assisting with the U.C.S.C. - Long Marine Lab boat operations. When not overseeing camp, Erik can be found enjoying the oceans and islands where he works.
Heath Packard: Director of Communications
Heath earned an MA in Philosophy and Social Policy from American University in Washington, DC, and holds a Bachelor degree double major in Biology and Philosophy from State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego. Heath brings 15 years of strategic communications, policy, campaign, and government and external relations experience to Island Conservation. Heath has served as: Field Director for the National Wildlife Refuge Association; a groundfish observer in the Bering Sea, AK collecting and reporting fisheries data to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries; the WA St. Policy Director for National Audubon Society; and Director of Legislative and External Affairs for the WA St. Dept. of Natural Resources and the independently elected WA St. Commissioner of Public Lands. He has worked on both endangered species and invasive species issues for most of his career, and as a result is an “accidental birder”. When he’s not busy finding new and compelling ways to tell the island conservation story, Heath can be found running, biking, hiking, camping, sailing, writing and playing music, gardening, or winding down the day with good food and drink.
Maddy Pott: Field Manager
Maddy received her AB cum laude in Biology and Romance languages from Bowdoin College. After graduating, she taught English at an engineering school in Nantes, France. Maddy spent her summers working seasonal field jobs in remote areas of Mexico, Maine, and the Canadian Maritimes. After deciding to pursue ecology full time, she spent a number of months working in Mauritius to protect the Endangered Pink Pigeon from the threat of invasive species. Maddy’s combined passions for unique species, islands, and foreign languages make her an invaluable component of the Island Conservation team. Maddy loves to get out and observe plants and animals in the wild while camping, hiking, or kayaking. When confined to more urban settings, she enjoys biking, baking, and making a strong cup of tea.
Diana Rosenberg: Finance Associate
Diana graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a BA in Business Management Economics, focusing on Environmental Studies and Accounting. After an internship at Save Our Shores, Diana has become a passionate and ongoing volunteer with the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Lab, as well as habitat surveys with the Otter Project for MPA Watch. While gaining experience in the field of conservation and non-profit work, she has enjoyed reconciling her business background with the science-based conservation approach of Island Conservation. Diana is beginning her master's candidacy at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at UC Santa Barbara in the fall of 2013.
Rory Stansbury: Island Restoration Specialist
Rory spent the last five years working in metal fabrication, sales and hospitality. He brings to Island Conservation varied trade skills including custom metalwork fabrication, general knowledge of electrical/ hydraulic systems and creative problem solving. Rory is also a talented photographer who brings his creative skills into the field to help document the impact of Island Conservation’s work.
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Jonathan Steinberg: Human Resources Manager
Jonathan spent over 20 years as an organic farmer on the California coast. After retiring from agriculture, he worked as a consultant to farmers, artists, small business owners and non-profits. Jonathan is a dedicated volunteer for The Ride-A-Wave Foundation (www.rideawave.org), an organization that introduces children with special needs to the world of surfing. Jonathan brings diverse business management experience to Island Conservation.
Kirsty Swinnerton: Program Manager
Kirsty received her BS in Zoology from the University College of Wales, U.K., and her PhD in Biodiversity Management from the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, U. K. She brings more than 20 years of experience in endangered species conservation working on the islands of Mauritius and Rodrigues (Indian Ocean), Fiji, and Hawaii (Pacific Ocean). Her expertise includes captive-breeding and reintroduction, invasive species control and removal, and species recovery using hands-on management of wild populations. Her 14 years in Mauritius saw the successful recovery of the Mauritius kestrel, Pink Pigeon and Echo Parakeet from near-extinction to healthy wild populations. Kirsty has worked alongside government officers and non-profits from many different countries, as well as supervising numerous international interns, technicians and graduates in academic and biological fieldwork. Her key interest lies in developing the science to design effective conservation management tools to recover endangered species and reduce biodiversity loss.
Bill Waldman: Executive Director
Bill Waldman was selected as Executive Director of Island Conservation in July, 2008. Prior to joining Island Conservation, Bill had a 30 year career as a non-profit leader, including 23 with The Nature Conservancy. From 1988 through 2005, Bill served as the State Director and Vice-President of the Nature Conservancy in New Mexico. In this capacity he restored financial and operational stability to the organization and led it to significant achievements. Among these were the protection of 1.3 million acres of ecologically significant lands in New Mexico, the negotiation for and acquisition of the 500 square mile Gray Ranch in New Mexico, and successful lobbying for the passage of three state-wide land protection acts. Bill also served The Nature Conservancy by managing complex regional and international initiatives in the Great Plains of North America and in Kenya, and as manager of a newly formed global team charged with supporting the integration of TNC’s 2015 Conservation Goal.
Alex Wegmann: Program Manager
Alex received a BA in Anthropology from Linfield College, and his PhD in Botany from the University of Hawaii. His graduate research at Palmyra Atoll focused on terrestrial ecosystem response to invasive rats. He has over 12 years of experience with conservation projects on Pacific islands, including the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the Line Islands and Micronesia. His experience with pacific island ecosystems has made Alex a valuable consultant to many government and non-government conservation organizations – the US fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, New Zealand Department of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, Coastal Conservation, and Island Conservation. Alex began working with Island Conservation in 2004 on Palmyra Atoll where he was a critical participant in IC’s successful trial removal, and went on to manage and advise several projects in Micronesia. Alex also worked with Pacific Invasives Initiative to design a web-based resource kit for Pacific Island conservationists. He recently managed the development and implementation of an invasive rat removal project at Palmyra, and is currently leading a program to identify and test alternate, safer rodenticides for conservation projects. Alex is currently working with state, federal, and non-government organizations in Hawaii and Micronesia to advance several important conservation projects. Alex’s hands-on work, applied global awareness, and expansive research make him an effective Program Manager at IC.
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David Will: GIS and Data Management Specialist
David Will received a B.S. in Bioinformatics from the University of California, Santa Cruz. During his tenure David worked with the Site Stewardship Program, as part of the Chancellors Undergraduate Internship Program, to restore and maintain the campuses numerous sensitive natural areas. Over the course of the internship he developed an internal-wiki to store mitigation documents, survey data, and maps relevant to campus restoration efforts. David has a strong background in computer science and a keen interest in using computer applications and GIS as a tool to aid conservation and restoration efforts. He is currently developing a database and integrated data collection system for monitoring, analyzing and displaying field data.
Coral Wolf: Grants and Contracts Manager
Coral earned her B.S. at University of Wisconsin - Madison and M.S. in Conservation Biology from the University of Michigan. Her graduate research on the Juan Fernández Islands focused on the foraging behavior of an endangered, endemic hummingbird, the Juan Fernández Firecrown. Before joining IC in 2013, Coral spent several years working with the Coastal Conservation Action Lab at University of California - Santa Cruz. There, she monitored the impact of invasive vertebrate removal on islands' native and non-native flora and fauna. Coral has conducted research on islands in North and South America, the Caribbean, and Pacific and possesses over 10 years of island ecology and science writing experience. Coral brings to Island Conservation a valuable combination of conservation and scientific writing experience.
Lynn Zhang: Philanthropy Intern
Lynn is an Ecology and Evolution and Environmental Studies double major at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and enjoys spending most of her time outdoors. She loves running, riding her bike, rock climbing, and camping. She is broadly interested in behavioral ecology and conservation, especially concerning birds, and would like to pursue a career in conservation or scientific research. Lynn is working with the Philanthropy Team at Island Conservation.
