Speakers

As the NERR’s Program Development Manager, Dennis McGrury designs and implements programs that complement the science and activities already occurring at the reserve. Part of the development process is seeking external funding to make these programs a reality. Dennis also…

Worked at UTMSI from 1960-2013 in the field of fish ecology and mariculture with major emphasis on larval fish, including Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, and many tropical fishes. Served on a National Academy of Science Panel: Marine Aquaculture in the United States. Organized and…

Katie Swanson is Manager at the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve. She promotes the importance and necessity of conservation and the environment. She works closely with the Reserve partner landowners, specifically Fennessey Ranch outside of Bayside. She has…

Caitie Christina, Marine Debris Specialist at Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve (MA-NERR) at The University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI), is identifying hotspots and supporting marine debris removal in areas and habitats where sea turtles and birds…

Ashley Bennis is employed at Harte Research Institute in Corpus Christi and is the coordinator of the Clean Coast Texas Collaborative, an initiative of the Texas General Land Office Coastal Management Program's Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution program. Her background centers…

Dr. Kiersten Stanzel is the Executive Director of the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, a nonprofit focused on protecting the bays and estuaries of the Texas Coastal Bend.  Kiersten has over 15 years of experience in developing successful…

Jace Tunnell is the Director of Community Engagement at the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, where he leads initiatives connecting people with the science, culture, and conservation of the Gulf. With over two decades of experience in…

Greg Stunz, Ph.D. is a marine biologist that specializes in fisheries ecology and sport-fisheries.   He is the Senior Executive Director of the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico studies, where he holds the Endowed Chair of Fisheries and Ocean…

Nate Wyeth SVP of Strategy at Visit Bend Nate Wyeth serves as Senior Vice President of Strategy at Visit Bend, where he leads strategic communications that position regenerative tourism as a powerful force for community good. With a career rooted in responsible travel, Nate has…

Aaron J. Salā, Ph.D., is a visionary advocate for regenerative tourism deeply informed by Pacific ancestral wisdom and modern innovation. As President and CEO of the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB), Aaron leads efforts in regenerative tourism, cultural…

Cathy Ritter Founder and CEO, Better Destinations    Managing tourism dynamics during times of prosperity and crisis, Cathy Ritter has built a reputation for partnership and turning insights into action. She founded Better Destinations LLC in spring 2021 as a…