Meet Our Board of Directors

Ocean Discovery Institute is led by a volunteer board of directors who serve rotating three year terms. The Board represents a variety of civic sectors including government, business, law, conservation organizations, and health care.

Kurt-GerringKurt Gering, Chair & Treasurer
Kurt Gering is Director of Training and Organizational Development at GreatCall, Inc. creator of the Jitterbug cell phone.  He’s responsible for customer service, direct sales, retail sales and leadership training.  Kurt has been in the education and development field for over 15 years. He also serves as a volunteer Big Brother with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of San Diego County and as a contributing educator in the LEAD San Diego program. Kurt holds a B.A., M.Ed and an M.B.A.

Anne-CorreiaJohn E. Johns Jr., Vice Chair
John Johns is President of Providence Marketing Corp., providing strategic counsel to select companies.   He is co-founder of New West Products, Inc., which was acquired by ITW.  Prior, John was Publisher and Editorial Director of East/West Network.  He has served as Chairman of Camp Ronald McDonald and VP of Southern California Children’s Cancer Services. A graduate of Brown University, John also serves on the Advisory Board of Children and Nature Network.

Sean-CadellSean Caddell
Sean Caddell is a Significant Property Specialist with Coast Sotheby’s International Realty. In addition, he utilizes his interior design and architectural talents to offer his clients full service home and lifestyle consulting.  Sean graduated from San Diego State University with a B.A in Journalism with an emphasis in Advertising.

TresTres Conrique
Trestand “Tres” Conrique founded Rancho Santa Fe Technology Incorporated in October 1991. Before establishing Rancho Santa Fe Technology, Tres served as Manager of Communications Sales for Compel Corporation, a western region electrical contractor focused on providing design and construction services for data centers. With over 20 years combined experience in management and technology, his areas of expertise include banking operations, project management and customer service.  Tres serves on the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of San Diego, California State University San Marcos Foundation, East Bay Leadership Foundation and Pinecreek Foundation.  He holds a B.S. in Accountancy and earned an M.S. in executive leadership from University of San Diego.

Anne-CorreiaRobert G. Copeland (biography coming soon)
Partner, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP

Scott-GrimesScott Grimes – Ex-Officio
Scott Grimes is a Program Officer at the Endangered Habitats League, a nonprofit organization that promotes the conservation of wildlife habitat in Southern California.  Scott previously served as Director of Research at San Diego Dialogue, a university-anchored policy center serving the San Diego region.  His published work has addressed such issues as K-12 education reform, growth management and regional planning.  Scott holds degrees from UCLA and UC San Diego.

Ted-GriswoldTed Griswold
Ted Griswold is a partner in the Environmental Practice Group at the law firm of Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch, LLP.  His practice emphasizes natural resource, wetlands, habitat, Native American and environmental land use issues. Ted holds a B.S. in Biology, a M.S. in Wetland Ecology and a juris doctor degree. He has been practicing environmental law in southern California since 1992 and is involved with civil and community benefit organizations throughout San Diego County.

Anne-CorreiaTom Klopack (biography coming soon)
President and CEO, Automedics Medical Systems, Inc.

Illena-OvallIleana Ovalle- Ex-Officio
Ileana Ovalle is Senior Manager of External Affairs for Cox Communications. With 20 years experience in government and nonprofit management, Ileana was named a 2008 Power-to-Be by San Diego Magazine; is a LEAD San Diego graduate; serves on the boards of the ORCA Fund, Junior Achievement, South County Economic Development Council, Cox Diversity Council, and co-founder of Cox Conserves San Diego.  Ileana holds an MA in nonprofit leadership/management from USD and a BA in public administration from SDSU.

Neil-PollockNiel Pollock
Niel Pollock, LEED AP, is President of Nielsen Construction. Niel graduated from UCSD with a degree in Economics. A native San Diegan, he currently serves his community as a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Disabilities, HeadNorth Foundation, CoC’s CEO Roundtable and the Peninsula YMCA. Niel is the co-founder of the Ranchero Fund for Spinal Cord Injuries at the Sharp Healthcare Foundation with his wife, Rebecca.


Meet our Board of Directors > Meet our Scientific Advisory Board > Meet our Youth Advisory Council > Meet our Family Advisory Committee > Meet our Education Advisors > Meet our Environmental Advisors > Meet our Discovery Fellows >