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FOUNDER & BOARD DIRECTOR
Georgienne Bradley is the founder and the board director of Sea Save Foundation. She is also co-owner of Bradley Ireland Productions, one of the world’s largest underwater still photography and video stock.
A well-known and tireless conservationist, Ms. Bradley is a scientist, underwater photographer, videographer, writer and producer who has focused on raising awareness about the plight of the world’s oceans for over three decades. She has authored hundreds of magazine articles and scientific papers about the ocean, and two books, Such is Life in Costa Rica: Underwater Printex, Costa Rica and Dive Guide to Costa Rica. Ms. Bradley has also has produced ocean-themed television programming for a variety of studios and networks including Paramount, Disney and National Geographic.
Leveraging her strong background in biology and chemistry, she is able to weave a story that is compelling, understandable and truthful. These are the issues that people care about and, thus are called to action. Georgienne is a strong leader and public speaker, but what she loves most is to be underwater watching “her” animals. She is perhaps best known for her work involving shark finning and Cocos Island. In 1990, Ms. Bradley and underwater photographer Jay Ireland began documenting the plight of Cocos Island, a remote, uninhabited island off the coast of Costa Rica that is home to a thriving marine ecosystem that makes it one of the world’s top dive spots. The two documented the shark-finning practices at Cocos Island, and, in an attempt to stop it, they presented their findings to the Costa Rican President José María Figueres and Minister of Natural Resources, Alvaro Ugalde. The duo’s photographs were used by the Costa Rica government to launch a national marine-awareness campaign including a postage stamp series, national lottery tickets and other materials. Bradley and Ireland were instrumental in expanding the boundaries of the protected areas around Cocos Island National Park and eventually contributed to the UNESCO petition which made Cocos Island a World Heritage Site.
In 1995, Ms. Bradley spearheaded the launch of Costa Rican Marine Imaging Project (CRMIP), a non-profit organization that enabled high school and college students to get involved with ocean focused educational projects. She is also the co-founder of the America Society of Media Photographers’ Underwater Professionals’ Group.
In her current role with Sea Save Foundation, Ms. Bradley campaigns to raise awareness about the planet’s fragile marine ecosystems and advocates for change in public policy. In 2013, representatives from Sea Save Foundation helped negotiate groundbreaking policy changes at CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) to protect seven marine species. With Sea Save Foundation’s current Give ‘em The Fin campaign, Bradley has returned to the issue of shark finning.
Ms. Bradley studied medicine at Sackler Medical School, Tel Aviv University and attended graduate school at Georgetown University. In 2006 she was inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame.
Schedule a 30-minute appointment with Georgienne
Director of Global Affairs
-Kenya
Dee Mutang’a is a distinguished legal professional with a specialized focus on environmental conservation in Kenya. Holding a law degree, Dee has made significant contributions as a legal and policy advisor, where she has been instrumental in shaping conservation policies and strategies to safeguard Kenya’s vast natural resources and biodiversity.
Policy Development: Dee has been at the forefront of policy innovation, working collaboratively with stakeholders to scrutinize existing policies, pinpoint gaps, and formulate new policies in line with both national and international conservation objectives. Her role encompassed extensive research, drafting pivotal legislation, and representing Kenya in international wildlife conservation discussions.
Strategic Planning: Dee’s visionary approach led her to devise long-term strategic blueprints to steer conservation endeavors in Kenya. She played a pivotal role in recognizing primary conservation imperatives, establishing objectives, and crafting strategies to tackle pressing issues like habitat degradation, wildlife poaching, and the impacts of climate change.
Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement: A natural advocate, Dee championed the execution of conservation policies by liaising with government representatives, policymakers, and community leaders. Her ability to cultivate relationships and foster collaborations ensured a holistic approach to conservation, integrating diverse viewpoints and promoting efficacious conservation tactics.
Educational Achievements:
Dee furthered her expertise by obtaining a Master’s degree in Management and Conservation in Species and Trade. Notably, she pursued this alongside Sea Save Foundation Director Georgienne Bradley. Today, Dee leverages her profound knowledge to counsel the Sea Save Foundation on global matters.
Co-Director of Salesforce Systems
My professional expertise in Sales Operations and Salesforce solutions is deeply rooted in a dual commitment to achieving business excellence and contributing positively to the world. By focusing on streamlining operations and solving customer challenges, I also ensure that my work has a broader impact. I have committed to donating 10% of my company’s profits and dedicating 10% of my time to charities, specifically targeting marine conservation. This commitment is born out of a deep love for the ocean and a fervent desire to ensure that future generations, including my children and grandchildren, can experience and enjoy healthy marine environments.
In my work with clients, I leverage my extensive knowledge of sales processes and Salesforce capabilities not only to enhance their operations and drive revenue but also to inspire a culture of sustainability and giving back. This involves developing efficient processes, troubleshooting issues, and delivering impactful business solutions and insights, all while keeping an eye on the long-term health of our planet.
My pursuit of innovation in technology and continuous skill enhancement is matched by my dedication to environmental stewardship. Every project and partnership is an opportunity to further the cause of marine conservation, making each success not just a business achievement, but a step towards a sustainable future. This holistic approach to my profession makes me not just a strategist for business growth but also an advocate for positive change, ensuring that my legacy is one of both professional and environmental excellence.
FACEP, Physician, Clinical Professor of Medicine UCLA, Trauma Director Emeritus (Community Partners International, Thailand – Burma Border), President-elect California Chapter of the America College of Emergency Physicians. Partner at Antelope Valley Emergency Medical Associates, Vice Chairman Emergency Department, Antelope Valley Hospital. Larry brings a 25-year history of working with disaster relief and human rights efforts. The deterioration of our oceans threatens our right to live on a healthy planet.
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Melissa Martinez has worked with Sea Save Foundation leadership for over 26 years. As a high school student, Melissa worked scanning slides, identifying marine species and natural history behavior and then compiling this information into a robust, searchable database. Melissa leverages her Master degree in Education to help realize the success of the organization’s mission. Before assuming her current role as Assistant Director, Melissa taught for 13 years while she simultaneously served on the SSF Board of Directors and as Director of Education. She oversaw the “Cayman Classroom” project which linked an elementary school classroom in Grand Cayman to one in Wisconsin. “I have always loved the sea, SCUBA Diving is my passion. I want to be sure that my 8-year-old daughter, Jessica and her children are also able to enjoy healthy oceans.”
-England
Online Auction Director and Data Analyst – Ian, calls London home. He communicates several times a week via SKYPE and has proved himself irreplaceable. He keeps track of all the yearly fundraising data and helps other Sea Save leaders focus on campaigns and programs. [email protected]
Carlos de la Rosa holds a Ph.D. in Aquatic Ecology from the University of Pittsburgh. He is Adjunct Professor at several US and Costa Rican universities, providing additional links and collaborations with academic institutions. He served as the director of USAID’s Environmental Management Office in Costa Rica as well as the Program Director for The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve and later as the Director of the Catalina Conservancy. He has written several books and over 50 articles, papers and field guides.
-New York
Paul Schur stands as a pivotal figure in media communications, embodying the role of Group Vice President, Communications, at Warner Bros. Discovery. In this prominent position, Schur orchestrates comprehensive communications and public relations strategies for the Animal Planet brand across various platforms, affirming his role as the network’s spokesperson.
Paul’s journey with Sea Save Foundation serendipitously intertwined with his professional path when he and Sea Save director Georgienne Braley first collaborated. This partnership blossomed over shared values and led to Paul recruiting Georgienne for Shark Week’s shark conservation effort, “Shark Finbassadors,” underscoring their mutual dedication to marine conservation.
Before his tenure with Animal Planet, Paul served as the leading communications executive for both the Discovery and Science Channels, where his strategic prowess was evident in the promotion of landmark series and events such as GOLD RUSH, SHARK WEEK, MYTHBUSTERS, and THROUGH THE WORMHOLE WITH MORGAN FREEMAN. His career is further distinguished by significant roles at CNN and Fox News Channel, where he was instrumental in steering press strategy for crucial coverage, including breaking news events and election cycles.
Paul brings his extensive experience in media communications to philanthropy where he focused on combating poverty and hunger through the Turn Up! Fight Hunger collaboration with No Kid Hungry. This journey into social good has exhanded to include conservation, particularly for the oceans that are vital to our planet’s health and well-being.
Now, as a valued member of the Sea Save Foundation’s Board of Directors, Paul’s unique blend of media savvy, philanthropic dedication, and conservation zeal brings a dynamic perspective to the organization’s mission. His commitment to leveraging media and partnerships for greater environmental impact reflects the foundation’s ethos and amplifies its voice in the crucial fight to preserve our oceans for future generations.
-England
Alexander Bryant has an impressive history of working in the hospitality industry and operates nine Emperor and Constellation Fleet liveaboards in the Maldives. This has brought him up close with the ocean’s challenges and inspired him to help. He has a Master of Science (MSc) focused in Business Venturing from the University of Southampton and he is skilled in Customer Service, Hotel Management, Entrepreneurship, Business Development, and Marketing Strategy.
Michael brings his vast background in technology and publishing to the Sea Save Foundation family. As editor of Macworld Magazine and co-founder of Cognito Publishing Michael leveraged the power of the written word. He is currently the VP of Hirsch Media and CEO of Cozumel’s “Dive Paradise”.
We are proud of the accomplishments made and awards received by our Base Team. Paramount to our “super-team” selection process was their proven dedication to wildlife education. Each member brings to the table not only valuable talents but an enthusiastic willingness to mentor others and convey a passion for the natural world through entertaining projects. These projects will be used in educational programs for local communities, youth groups, and nonprofit organizations. The Base Team profiles reveal a cadre of sharp, creative, and scientific minds. We invite you to join us in our challenge to better understand and protect the natural world.
CO-FOUNDER & MEDIA DIRECTOR
Jay Ireland’s innate understanding of animal behavior is a key ingredient for our success recipe. As a diver, a filmmaker and photographer Jay possesses both the experience and the tenacity to capture underwater and terrestrial activity in new innovative ways. Jay is also a born teacher. He thrives upon sharing his childlike enthusiasm and he leverages his camera skills to do this. Jay’s images have already stood witness for many efforts. They were showcased in the largest emission of postage stamps by the Costa Rica government as well as used for one year on the face of the national lottery tickets. Each program was linked to a set of teaching standards that were created to compliment the effort. The first published photographs of shark finning were shot by Jay Ireland in 1991. Jay co-founded Sting Ray City in the Cayman Islands with his lifelong friend Pat Kenney.
website specialist
-Macedonia
Angela Stefanovska is our website creator extraordinaire! Her years and experience in website design, WordPress implementation and optimization, web hosting, as well as creativity and structure help us showcase our mission. Angela lives in Macedonia and like many others on our team works seamlessly using Internet communications tools.
google ads specialist
Works fastidiously in the background making sure all the Sea Save work and efforts are seen by the world. With his vast Internet search and Google Ads acumen, he brings thousands of people to our website to learn about ocean challenges, and how they can help us “turn the tide.”
EDUCATIONAL VIDEO PRODUCTIONS
Toby Meinken launched his underwater video career in the remote waters of Cocos Island, Costa Rica in 2005. He fell in love with hammerhead sharks and other marine residents. He witnessed growing threats and his passion for conservation grew stronger with every dive. Inspired by his years at the island, Toby launched an international video production company, Four Elements Video, in 2009. He produces documentaries and is hired as a cameraman for international productions. His films have received accolades and awards at underwater film festivals internationally. Toby joined his friends and fellow “Cocoholics” Jay Ireland and Georgienne Bradley at Sea Save Foundation. He leverages his skills as an underwater shooter to inspire and demonstrate mounting challenges facing the worlds’ oceans.
PRODUCER/FILMMAKER
Phil Coles has spent nearly ten years as a wildlife film producer. His many productions for National Geographic include Porpoises, Life and Death in the Fast Lane, Global Wolf, Hollywood Fox, Gorillas – from the Heart of Darkness, and Camel’s Empire. He is committed to raising awareness for all aspects of the natural world through media. Phil’s passion extends to the study and protection of marine mammals and is a founding member of Organization Cetacean (ORCA). Phil is also an accomplished artist. His illustrations are showcased in the Field Guide to Marine Mammals of the Atlantic and Pacific, published by Wildguides, Sussex. Phil’s vast experience and talent for teaching make him a welcome addition to our team.
Jay is a roll-up-your-sleeves and “get it done” kind of guy. He believes that we can do anything if we set our minds to it. He does not know any limits. Always found with his trusty companion and son Jacob, Jay has spearheaded some of Sea Save’s high-profile campaigns.
DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY
Betty Jo received her law degree from Georgetown University, she then studied to become a minister. She is an accomplished and prolific author and activist. Most importantly she is a mother who wants to leave a healthy planet for future generations.
canine ambassador
Denali takes great pride in being the Sea Save Foundation canine ambassador. She wears her vest proudly and is always happy to lend a helping paw. So many people stop and ask her about the “Sea Save Foundation” tag on her jacket. She greets them with an enthusiastic tail wag and allows other Sea Save leaders to explain the importance of Sea Save efforts. During her free time, Denali loves to run along the beach, wind in her face and her happiness is contagious! She has been known to leap into the waves for no reason and she loves nothing more than jumping into a dingy ready to explore.
Malibu Community Representative
At the Sea Save Foundation, Laurie King’s expertise in writing, editing, and economics and her passion for environmental conservation are invaluable. Before joining the foundation, she worked at major financial institutions, where she specialized in producing thought leadership papers and blog posts on fixed-income markets. Laurie’s talent for simplifying complex subjects and making them more engaging benefits readers of the Ocean Week in Review newsletter. She earned her MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and graduated with honors in economics from the University of Iowa. When she’s stuck in Los Angeles traffic, she tunes in to NPR, and when she’s out in nature, she loves to swim, bike, and hike.
Editor
Lawrence is a vital asset to our team, driving the success of our weekly Ocean Week in Review publication with precision and dedication. For over two years, he has managed a team of seven summarizers, ensuring each story captures the critical updates on ocean conservation. Now, Lawrence is pioneering a new, tech-enhanced approach to streamline global summaries so they reliably reach your inbox every week. His commitment to detail and relentless focus elevate the quality of our outreach.
Recently, Lawrence has taken on an expanded role, representing Sea Save Foundation at trade shows, where he educates the SCUBA and ocean conservation communities on our impactful campaigns. Be sure to catch him at DEMA and other upcoming events as he champions our mission to protect the world’s oceans.
Sea Save Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization EIN: 20-0403083. We received the GuideStar Platinum seal of approval in GuideStar’s Exchange program, meaning we have obtained their highest rating for transparency and legitimacy as an organization.
