Erica Moulton

Erica Moulton leads the Center for Open Exploration (C4OE) is a scientist and educator known for her work in citizen science and exploration. Founder of C4OE, she is an NSF Pi and Co-Pi on many grants in the blue economy and community work. Promoting marine conservation and exploration, Erica has won awards from the Marine Technology Society, NAUI and local governments in Florida. Erica has joined numerous expeditions focused on marine ecosystems and is an advocate for hands-on STEM education. She has also created, developed and distributed ROV kits and classes for students and communities. Moulton’s work aims to connect people making science accessible to all, inspiring generations of stewards.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth (Liz) Taylor of Deep Open Exploration and Research (DOER) is Involved in DOER from its inception, President in 1994, Liz designs & builds submersibles and subsea systems. Advisor to Cal Maritime, WildOyster Project and Deep Hope, she advocates for access to the water and broadening coastal resiliency. Participating in 60 scientific and exploration projects, she has authored articles and white papers. A recipient of the inaugural WINGS Innovation award, an East Bay Innovation Award, an Explorer’s Club Fellow, an inductee of the Women Divers Hall of Fame, a Scuba Diving Magazine Sea Hero, and co-hosts the Dive In with Liz and Sylvia series produced by The Ocean Elders.

Barbara Brownell Grogan

Barbara Brownell Grogan, CEO of Rivanna Publishing Ventures, Editor in Chief of Potomac Global Media, and former VP/ Editor in Chief of National Geographic Books, is a founding member of LECT. An expert in cross-divisional and -organizational partnerships at National Geographic she has also edited seven NG ocean books by Dr. Sylvia Earle, and many other publications on the ocean and environment. Currently as a content developer, author, and agent, she works with organizations including National Geographic, Scholastic, Penguin Random House, National Park Trust, Smithsonian, and Rolex to raise awareness and inspire change for environmental, humanitarian, and social concerns.

Cara Biega

Cara Biega is an accomplished development and production executive with extensive experience working with leading organizations in the conservation, adventure, food and wildlife spaces such as National Geographic, NBC Peacock Productions, BBC America, BBC Worldwide, Love Productions, Red Rock Films and José Andrés Media. Leveraging her deep background in digital production and development, Cara collaborates with non-profit organizations to advance their program development goals through effective fundraising, grant writing, digital content creation, and strategic partnerships.

Carlton Ward Jr.

Carlton Ward Jr. is a National Geographic Explorer, conservation photographer, and the founder of Wildpath, a conservation media company dedicated to protecting land, water, and wildlife through impactful storytelling. In 2010, he founded the Florida Wildlife Corridor project, which has inspired two National Geographic-supported expeditions, award-winning books, PBS films, and significant conservation milestones, including the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act of 2021. As an eighth-generation Floridian, Ward blends his heritage with storytelling to advocate for wildlife corridors and the recovery of the Florida panther. His work, featured in the award-winning film Path of the Panther on Disney+ and Hulu, continues to drive land conservation efforts in Florida and beyond.

KT Bryden

KT Bryden is an Emmy-winning cinematographer, conservationist, and storyteller dedicated to creating compelling narratives about the natural world. Her work, featured on platforms such as Disney+, PBS, and National Geographic, bridges the gap between science and storytelling. As the Executive Producer and Film Director at Wildpath, KT partners with scientists, conservationists, and storytellers to craft powerful, purpose-driven films. Whether capturing rare wildlife moments or delving into the emotional stakes of conservation, she is deeply committed to inspiring audiences to protect the planet.

Quinn Vogel

Quinn Vogel is a recent graduate of Eckerd College, finishing with a degree in Biology. Starting her conservation work at the Florida Botanical Gardens in the wetlands of the Majeed Discovery Garden, Quinn found her passion for plants and the environment. She later continued her college internships through research on mangroves in restored tidal wetlands and through various projects at Dr. Sylvia Earle’s childhood home. Quinn is currently pursuing further conservation work with the National Park Service and hopes to get her PhD in the near future.

Jim McGinity

Jim McGinity is a biologist and environmental educator with a life-long passion for birds. He started bird watching at the age of seven and has shared his love of birds with people of all ages while working at nature/environmental centers in four different states. He began a migratory bird banding station in Milwaukee and has participated in research and citizen science projects involving birds. In 2011, he began a migratory bird banding station in Dunedin, where he bands for 6 weeks every spring and fall. He is very interested in communicating the importance of native plants and healthy ecosystems to resident and migratory birds. A native of Indiana, Mr. McGinity has lived in Dunedin for 12 years where he enjoys exploring Florida's natural areas including paddling rivers/streams and bird watching on our beautiful beaches and in Hammock Park.

Patricia Brownell Sterner

Patricia Brownell Sterner is Principal and CEO of JFB & Associates LLC, a consulting firm providing services for cooperatives, non-profits, and foundations established in 2002. Ms. Sterner brings more than 40 years of experience in the civic sector in the areas of governance, fundraising, programs, strategic work, and organizational development. Sterner is a fierce advocate for the environment, currently chairing the Minnesota Point 50 nonprofit dedicated to the long-term resiliency of Minnesota Point. She provides pro-bono services to the National Park Trust and the Lake Earle Conservation Trust in Dunedin, Florida, and is a sustaining member of the Great Lakes Aquarium. Ms. Sterner has a BA degree from the University of Virginia (UVA), and executive management certifications from UVA’s Darden School of Business. She is a certified Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE).

John Thomas

John Thomas is the co-founder of Beals and Thomas and has over 45 years of experience providing consulting services for land conservation and development projects including multi-disciplinary civil engineering, landscape architecture, land surveying and environmental consulting. He has provided strategic planning and oversight to land use planning and environmental analysis, wetland permitting, environmental impact reports, water resources analysis and planning, project permitting and expert testimony. John has participated in a state legislative committees regarding wetlands. He has served on a number of non-profit boards including The Trustees of Reservations Board of Directors and Charles River Watershed Association Advisory Board, Presently he serves as President of the Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation.