Ann Cannella
With nearly a decade in international development, Ann brings financial expertise and a strong commitment to global impact. Guided by a deep love for the ocean, she is driven to protect its ecosystems. Ann is a Certified Public Accountant and has held senior finance roles in nonprofits and corporations, gaining valuable insights in financial analytics, […]
Natasha Gorong
Natasha serves as the OneReef Yap Partnership Coordinator. Her passion for the environment began at an early age, when she observed both of her parents working in conservation with communities in Yap and throughout Micronesia. Her father, in particular, taught her the value of environmental stewardship and how it is inextricably linked to the culture […]
Nicole Yamase
Dr. Nicole Yamase is from the islands of Pohnpei and Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Although she is from the FSM, she spent parts of her childhood in the Republic of Palau and Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as well. Nicole has a B.A. in Biology and a […]
Patty Azzarello
Patty Azzarello is an executive, best-selling author, speaker and CEO/Business Advisor. She has more than 25+ years of experience working in high tech and business. She has held leadership roles in General Management, Marketing, Software Product Development and Sales. She has been successful in running and transforming large and small businesses, and has significant international […]
Patterson K. Shed
Raised in Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Patterson brings to OneReef a passionate conservation and community resource management career spanning more than fifteen years in leadership and management. Previously he served as a Regional Coordinator for the USAID Climate Ready Project coordinating support to three Pacific countries (Palau, FSM, and RMI). Patterson […]
Colin Hyatt
Colin Hyatt is the Executive Administrator for the OneReef US office. Having graduated as a student athlete with a BS in Earth Systems, focusing on oceans and climate, from Stanford University, Colin understands the importance of protecting our marine environments. Colin has spent time performing coral research in Australia and Palau, receiving his PADI divemaster […]
Akilino Albis
Akilino is a traditional elder who left formal schooling in third grade after growing interested in canoe carving and seafaring. At a very young age, he learned the skills of traditional canoe building, seafaring, and then navigation from his father Albis. From his mother, he learned about native medicine that helped save the lives of […]
Sharon Khan
Sharon is a global community builder with over 15 years of experience strengthening local leaders around the world to protect our natural water resources. Her talents as a cross-cultural communicator, creative strategist, and fundraiser have helped grow global and local environmental NGOs in budget and impact. As a published environmental economist, including with the United […]
Dr. Bernie Tershy
Dr. Tershy is an Adjunct Professor and a Research Biologist in the Institute of Marine Sciences at the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC). He also directs the Coastal Conservation Action Lab at UCSC.
Dr. Igor Korneitchouk
As a philanthropist, Dr. Igor Korneitchouk, a retired music professor, has been involved in efforts to rid the oceans of plastic refuse, spearheading and helping to sponsor the Plastics Awareness Global Initiative, a symposium of scientists gathered from around the world to address this problem.
Dr. Lida Teneva
Dr. Lida Teneva is a marine conservationist and ecologist who has investigated climate change impacts on key ocean ecosystems, worked with indigenous communities on sustainable fisheries, and built ocean exploration programs.
John Dawson
Mr. Dawson is a retired entrepreneur who has helped to create several successful startup companies. He has spent the past 20 years serving as a board member and donor for various leading-edge nonprofits.
Ngirur Daysha Adelbai
Ngirur is responsible for financial oversight of OneReef’s Micronesia office, overseeing the preparation and planning of budgets. She maintains records and receipts for all transactions, monitors all bank deposits and payments, and assists with financial audits. Ngirur graduated from Palau Community College in 2019 with an AS degree in Environmental/Marine Science and she enjoys sharing […]
Clivia Masami
Clivia is responsible for connecting with our Partner Communities in Palau, helping to coordinate and execute their activities and projects, and participating in workshops, online webinars, and training. With an educational background in Tourism and Hospitality, her non-profit work experience, including office administration and operations, began in 2015. As a young Palauan steward, Clivia shares […]
Madelsar Ngiraingas
Madelsar manages and strengthens community partnerships with diverse stakeholders who similarly value the importance of coral reefs and their role for island communities. She was born and raised in the Republic of Palau and has extensive experience in community-based non-profit organizations that primarily focus on gender issues, women’s empowerment, youth development, environmental conservation, and tourism. […]
Wayne Andrew
Wayne is the former Hatohobei State Delegate from Palau’s National Congress, the 8th Olbiil Era Kelulau (8th OEK), and is currently the Chairman of the Helen Reef Board. He is an expert in resource management planning and has worked throughout Micronesia assisting partners and communities with management plans. Wayne serves as a Regional Mentor for […]
Christopher LaFranchi
Chris founded OneReef in 2012 to create a direct impact through locally controlled coral reef conservation. As CEO, he has been principally responsible for fundraising, organizational vision and design, and negotiating agreements with Micronesian communities who own coral reefs and are committed to conservation goals and adaptive management strategies. He has lived in Africa and […]
