Chairman of the Board and CEO -- Joel Geldin
Joel Geldin’s interest in man-man reefs was sparked at the same time he was certified as a recreational diver. His first open water dive in California was on the Yukon. He believes the California coast is a perfect location for divable, sustainable ocean habitats for sea life. Joel has an extensive background in management and administration. He is president and co-founder of Geldin/Dubin Group, Inc. a consulting firm in the food processing industry formed in 2002. For almost three decades before that, Joel worked for the Geldin Meat Company, a generation-spanning family business where he rose to the position of Chief Operating Officer. He has been a director, or officer of the National Meat Association and the Associated Meat and Food Suppliers of Southern California, as well as a management trustee for the Retail Clerks Union and Teamster Union pension and welfare funds. Joel has served on boards and committees for other charitable organizations including the Boy Scouts of America.
Vice Chairman/VP Science -- Andrew Lee
Andrew Lee is Executive Vice President, Marine Eco Systems for Commercial Marine Biology Institute based in Beverly Hills, CA and has involvement in the worldwide projects of CMBI. More specifically, he holds general responsibility for the science and construction of the company’s Abalone aquaculture project on the Pacific coast of Baja California as well as a large Giant Kelp reforestation project in the same area. Prior to becoming involved with CMBI, Andrew operated a private aquariology consulting company based in Los Angeles, where he became internationally recognized for his ability in aquariology and mariculture projects. Additionally, in 1994 Andrew achieved the SCUBA certification of Divemaster. Andrew has dived on over 20 ship wrecks around the world, and has logged over 800 dives in California’s Channel Islands alone.
Secretary-Treasurer/VP Communications-Finance -- Eleanore Rewerts
Eleanore Rewerts has 40+ years experience in administration/accounting/marketing management, and is certified in Paralegal Studies and Grant Writing. She served as VP Administration for California Ships to Reefs from November 2006 until 2007 when she was appointed Executive Director until November 2008. She is Treasurer and a Director of Northern California Oceans Foundation.
Director/VP Reef Development -- Dean A. Rewerts
Dean Rewerts served on the Board of Directors of California Association of State Investigators for 15 years, including 5 years as President. He also served on the Board of Directors of California Union of Safety Employees for 7 years, acting as Legislative Committee Chairman. Dean is a Director and Vice President of Governmental Relations for Northern California Oceans Foundation.
Director -- Casey Allen
Casey Allen was certified as a diver in 1978. He has been a freelance outdoor writer for the Times-Standard newspaper in Eureka, California and is Public Information Officer for Humboldt Area Saltwater Anglers. Casey has 35 years experience with AT&T in construction splicing and maintenance. He was on a team that conducted surveys, developed process improvement, held trials, wrote classroom material, and conducted classes for AT&T technicians. He has supervised 10 employees covering Humboldt County. Casey is a member of the Outdoor Writers of America and the Outdoor Writers of California.
Director -- Julie Lorenzen
Julie Lorenzen is an avid SCUBA diver with training in many advanced aspects of the sport. Julie brings a medical and education background to the organization and is helping to develop CSTR's K-12 education curriculum. In addition to her medical education as an Emergency Medical Technician and Pharmacy Technician, July has Merchant Mariner credentials and is an American Red Cross instructor. Julie's fundraising activities include support for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and Alcatraz Shark Fest.
Most recently, July has been the Program Manager Living History and Education Ship's Coordinator for the Maritime Museum of San Diego. She manages on-ship operations and assists in program development affiliated with the Museum. Julie assists in training and evaluation of new and experienced staff. She teaches living history, science and ecology programs involved with the Museum.
Chief Advisor -- Dick Long
Dick Long is one of the pioneers of the diving industry and the founder of Diving Unlimited International. In 1965 he worked as a contract diver for the U.S. Navy in the Arctic and from 1965 through 1972 he operated his own commercial diving company. He is past Chairman of San Diego Oceans Foundation. Dick's consuming passion during the last few years has been the management of the sinking of HMCS Yukon, a former Canadian Navy ship, which has become an artificial reef for divers.
