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 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.
Jay is a mission-driven leader with a “roll-up-your-sleeves, get-it-done” attitude to everything he does—from national defense operations to his work as Program Director at Sea Save Foundation. A native Texan and U.S. Army veteran, Jay brings deep experience in program management, organizational strategy, and analytical problem-solving. He holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies from Creighton University, a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University, a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from California Lutheran University, and completed executive studies in Business Management at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School.
Jay draws on his distinguished career in aerospace and defense to guide his work at Sea Save. He served nearly seven years as a Human Spaceflight Orbital Safety Analyst with the 18th Space Defense Squadron, where he protected NASA astronauts and the International Space Station (ISS) from orbital threats in a 24/7 operational environment. He also spent five years as a Telecommunications Specialist with the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, supporting mission-critical communications for national defense operations.
At Sea Save Foundation, Jay has served on the Board of Directors since 2016 and currently acts as the organization’s Directing Program Manager. In this role, he oversees a wide range of advocacy and development projects designed to advance ocean policy and increase global awareness. He led the successful “Wins for Fins” campaign, which helped secure stronger international protections for endangered shark species through strategic diplomacy, public education, and coalition-building. In addition to overseeing and Program Directing all active campaigns, Jay also manages Sea Save’s presence at major SCUBA and environmental expos, coordinating booth strategy, volunteer teams, logistics, and audience engagement.
Jay thrives where innovation, discipline, and public service intersect. He is a dedicated member of the Sea Save team and brings a rare blend of leadership, technical acumen, and mission focus to every project. Visit the Sea Save booth at the next dive show and say “howdy”! Jay is looking forward to connecting.
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.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Melissa Martinez has been an integral part of Sea Save Foundation for almost 30 years. She began her journey with the organization as a high school student, scanning slides, identifying marine species and natural history behavior, and building a searchable database to support the Foundation’s early conservation efforts. Over the years, Melissa has served in multiple leadership roles including Director of Education, Board Member, and Assistant Director, each expanding her impact on Sea Save’s mission and programs.
She leverages her Master’s degree in Education to develop meaningful connections between science, advocacy, and public engagement. As Director of Education, Melissa led the Cayman Classroom project, which linked an elementary school in Grand Cayman to one in Wisconsin to foster global environmental awareness among young learners.
In 2026, Melissa assumed the role of Executive Director of Sea Save Foundation. As the former Director of the Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce and an Institute for Organization Management (IOM) graduate, Melissa brings a strong background in organizational leadership, community engagement, and strategic program development, skills that will strengthen Sea Save’s mission and guide its continued global impact.
“I have always loved the ocean and being able to explore it through SCUBA diving. I want to be sure that my daughter, and someday her children, and then theirs 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]
Ocean Week in RevieW
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.
-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 Bradley 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”.
-Board Strategist & Organizational Architect
An Emmy Award-winning producer turned nonprofit strategist, Julia Cichowski brings a rare combination of creative excellence, operational mastery, and visionary leadership to her work in ocean conservation. With a background in high-impact television and a mind wired for innovation, Julia helps mission-driven teams transform bold ideas into real-world results.
As founder of Architects of Impact, she works with organizations across sectors to streamline systems, solve complex problems, and align strategy with purpose. She is forward-thinking, deeply detail-oriented, and widely respected for her ability to keep even the most intricate initiatives moving smoothly.
Julia is a tireless problem solver and a systems thinker with a passion for protecting our oceans and securing a sustainable future. A graduate of Boston University, she continues to bring heart, clarity, and precision to every challenge—and strengthens Sea Save’s impact from the inside out.
-Director of Innovation & Outreach Board Member, Sea Save Foundation
Suuz Martines is a creative force and passionate ocean advocate who brings boundless energy, vision, and entrepreneurial flair to Sea Save Foundation. As the founder of SCUBA Do Rag—a beloved brand known among divers worldwide for its bold innovation and vibrant style—Suuz has spent decades at the intersection of underwater adventure and creative expression.
A natural connector and community-builder, Suuz leads Sea Save’s efforts to grow and energize its global supporter base. She plays a key role in welcoming new voices to the movement—divers, ocean lovers, and change-makers alike—through imaginative outreach, strategic engagement, and authentic relationship-building.
Suuz’s signature blend of originality, optimism, and fearless thinking makes her an invaluable member of the Sea Save Board. Her work reminds us that advocacy can be joyful, that visibility matters, and that everyone has something unique to contribute to the protection of our oceans.
-Salesforce Architect
Adolfo Nadales – Salesforce Specialist, Data Hub, and Problem-Solver
Adolfo Nadales is the backbone of Sea Save’s information systems—the steady hub around which so much of our work revolves. A two-time Salesforce-certified expert with deep experience in CRM strategy, data management, and problem-solving, Adolfo brings order and clarity to a fast-moving mission.
Fluent in English and Spanish, and armed with more than five years of hands-on Salesforce Sales and Service Cloud experience, he keeps our data accurate, our advocacy actions organized, and our systems running smoothly. Adolfo is a natural relationship-builder and creative troubleshooter—someone who can wrangle millions of records or guide a colleague through a tricky dashboard with equal ease.
Known within our team as “Salesforce FINtastic,” Adolfo is much more than a technical lead—he is the calm center of our operations, making sure Sea Save’s information, outreach, and advocacy are always anchored and ready to move forward.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Advisor for Marketing & Media
Linda Sue Dingel is a powerhouse in the diving and travel industry, bringing over four decades of expertise in marketing, media, and ocean advocacy. Her career began at the iconic Dive N’ Surf in Redondo Beach—home of Body Glove Wetsuits—where she served as Director of Scuba Operations. This foundational role launched her into a distinguished path working with many of the industry’s most respected SCUBA publications.
A certified PADI Course Director, DAN Instructor Trainer, and professional diver, Linda has logged over 3,500 dives in more than 35 countries. She is passionate about conservation and has helped set world records for the longest underwater human chain and the largest underwater cleanup. Her lifelong commitment to ocean health has included hands-on efforts to clean reefs, cenotes, lakes, and shorelines.
She later became a key Territory Manager for Bonnier Corporation’s SCUBA magazine group, where she played an instrumental role in shaping outreach strategies and connecting audiences across North America. In 2019, Linda founded her own company, Dive Marketing Media, offering specialized marketing services for dive and travel clients worldwide.
As Advisor for Marketing & Media, Linda brings a deep well of knowledge, global perspective, and unwavering dedication to using storytelling and strategy to protect our oceans and inspire responsible travel. Her work continues to leave a lasting impact on both the industry and the planet.
Relationship Ambassador
Bonnie Pelnar serves as Relationship Ambassador for Sea Save Foundation, where she helps grow the organization’s global community by connecting new supporters, donors, and collaborators to its ocean conservation mission. A trusted voice in the dive and travel world, Bonnie brings decades of experience, authenticity, and passion to every connection she builds.
Founder of Under Watercolours, she has led underwater photography workshops across the globe — from Fiji to the Solomon Islands — and is a PADI Divemaster with over 2,000 dives. Her early career included visual leadership roles at Eastman Kodak and Genigraphics, where she specialized in digital storytelling.
Bonnie has also channeled her creative energy into fused-glass art, exhibiting ocean-inspired pieces at prominent galleries and festivals in Laguna Beach and across the U.S. Yet no matter the medium—art, photography, or conversation—her message remains the same: the ocean needs champions, and everyone has a role to play.
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.