Brian Ackerman
Relief CaptainBrian Ackerman is a lifelong sailor and fixture of the Moss Landing waterfront since the mid-1980s. He has over thirty-four years of professional experience operating research vessels around the world. Of all the boats he has sailed on, the Western Flyer is his favorite.
Reuven Bank
Digital Media ManagerReuven Bank is an interdisciplinary marine conservation professional motivated to contribute to organizations that advance scientific and public understanding of our oceans. A former Coastal Resource Manager in the U.S. Peace Corps Philippines, Reuven facilitated community-driven environmental projects between the Candon City Government and local stakeholders. Reuven currently works as an interpretive diving ranger for the National Park Service (his work on behalf of WFF does not represent NPS) and serves as the Board Chair for Sunflower Star Laboratory, a California-based conservation aquaculture nonprofit dedicated to restoring the critically endangered sunflower star and building kelp forest resilience with coastal communities. Reuven is excited to work with the Western Flyer Foundation team to leverage social and digital media to stir curiosity and engage the public about WFF’s mission and values.
Andy Beahrs
Grants Manager and WriterAndy Beahrs is the author of the food history and memoir Twain’s Feast: Searching for America’s Lost Foods in the Footsteps of Samuel Clemens, and co-host with Nick Offerman of the Audible Original based on the book. His work also includes the historical novels The Windcatcher and The Sin-Eaters, as well as essays and articles for The New York Times, The Atlantic, Virginia Quarterly Review, and many other publications. A volunteer diver with the Reef Check Kelp Forest Program and with Monterey’s Giant Giant Kelp Restoration Project, he lives in Berkeley, California with his family.
Rials Christensen
Education ManagerRials Christensen is a scientist, educator, and passionate science communicator who brings a deep commitment to hands-on, interdisciplinary education. As the Western Flyer Foundation’s Education Manager, she leads the development and delivery of programs that connect students with the ocean, the vessel’s history, and the wonder of scientific exploration. Rials earned her Ph.D. in Earth Science from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where she also completed her M.S.
Rials earned her Ph.D. and M.S. in Earth Science from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and holds a B.S. in Environmental Geoscience from the University of Utah. Her teaching experience spans shipboard expeditions, outdoor classrooms, museums, and college labs. Most recently, she worked as an educator at Birch Aquarium at Scripps, where she developed and delivered programs for learners of all ages—including underserved communities through the Seaport Program.
With a background in geology, paleobiology, and marine science, Rials sees science as a powerful tool for environmental stewardship. She believes education is most impactful when it’s inclusive, creative, and cross-disciplinary—and she’s excited to help bring the Western Flyer’s mission to life for the next generation of ocean stewards.
Tracy Corbin
Data OperationsTracy assists with Western Flyer Foundation’s data systems and processes. As a consultant, she specializes in providing operational support to nonprofits and small businesses. She previously held roles in operations and membership management with the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council and San Francisco Baykeeper.
Chuck Drake
Project ManagerCharles (Chuck) Drake is overseeing the Western Flyer Foundation’s move to Monterey supported by Congressman Panetta’s Congressionally Directed Community Project Funding. Chuck has over 30 years of experience in naval and commercial offshore business and operations. After earning an engineering degree in college, Chuck became an officer and aviator in the US Navy. He was a mission commander and instructor pilot and participated in many operations and exercises around the world conducting anti-submarine warfare.
Critical to the successful location and tracking of modern submarines is an understanding of sound propagation and the ocean environment, a subject in which Chuck maintains an interest. After leaving the Navy, Chuck earned an MBA in London, UK, and also began to travel for sailing cruises, undertaking many voyages in the Mediterranean, Australia, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Chuck’s professional career has included managing subsea robotics development programs, helping to build offshore geotechnical businesses, and negotiating real estate transactions and development entitlements in accordance with California’s coastal laws. An avid reader and fan of John Steinbeck, Chuck is a local Monterey Peninsula resident who enjoys sailing the Monterey Bay on the Farr 52’ yacht “Atalanta”.
Julie Flanders
AccountantJulie oversees the Western Flyer Foundation’s bookkeeping, payroll, and accounting services. She has experience as a CFO and a CPA, and runs her own bookkeeping and consulting business. Julie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Santa Clara University.
Sherry Flumerfelt
Executive DirectorSherry has 25 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, working with coastal communities to advance ocean health and sustainability. Since joining the Western Flyer Foundation as its first Executive Director in July 2022, she has guided the organization’s strategic vision, overseeing planning, fundraising, program development, and community outreach to fulfill its mission of merging science and art aboard the iconic Western Flyer.
Prior to this, Sherry served as the founding executive director of the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust, where she championed sustainable fisheries and supported local fishing communities. She also worked as a consultant for organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund, the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative, and the California Fisheries Fund, focusing on innovative solutions for ocean conservation. Earlier in her career, Sherry was a program manager at the Coral Reef Alliance, where she designed and led international education and conservation initiatives in locations including Fiji, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia.
Born and raised in London, Ontario, Canada, Sherry holds an MA in Anthropology and International Development from the University of Guelph and a BA in Anthropology from McMaster University. Now based in Pacific Grove, she lives with her two teenage sons and enjoys exploring the coastline that has been the backdrop to her life’s work.
Jenni Johnson
Marine TechJenni Johnson is a marine technician with nearly 10 years of experience in marine operations and field research. She has an extensive background in small boat operation and maintenance and has crewed and operated a variety of vessels in inland, nearshore, and offshore environments. Over the course of her marine operations career, Jenni has provided vital support for scientific field operations including but not limited to deployment and recovery of oceanographic equipment, marine vertebrate surveys, water sampling, fish and invertebrate collections, novel instrument development, and dive operations. In addition to her technical expertise, Jenni conducted research on elephant seal foraging ecology using stable isotope analysis and has contributed to a wide variety of marine ecological research projects. Jenni holds a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Marine Science from San Jose State University.
Maureen Kahn
Science Illustration InternMaureen Kahn is a science illustrator and communicator with a keen interest in exploring the natural world. With a background in structural geology, she is passionate about connecting microscopic observations to big-picture stories. As a Science Illustration Intern for the Western Flyer Foundation, she aims to use 3D modeling to help visualize plankton species at a magnified scale, and to foster enthusiasm for scientific learning and research through illustration and mentorship.
Maureen holds an M.S. in structural geology and tectonics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a B.A. from Carleton College. She is currently completing a Science Illustration Certificate from California State University Monterey Bay.
Logan Mermin
Development ManagerLogan is an artist, educator, and fundraising professional with more than a decade of nonprofit experience. Born and raised in Pacific Grove, she earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Western Washington University and a graduate certificate in science illustration from UC Santa Cruz Extension.
As a development professional, Logan has secured foundation support, launched new donor initiatives, and helped local nonprofits strengthen their fundraising tools and strategies. She combines fundraising expertise with a passion for connecting people to science and art, making her a strong addition to the Western Flyer team.
Earlier in her career, Logan worked as an Interpretive Park Ranger in Yosemite and taught art and science at York School in Monterey—roles that sharpened her skills in education and communication. She brings this combined background to the Western Flyer Foundation, where she is excited to advance its mission of blending science and art to inspire curiosity.
In her free time, Logan enjoys gardening, running, making art, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her family in Santa Cruz.
Kaitlyn Ponce
Community Outreach CoordinatorKaitlyn is a recent Cabrillo College alumna and is pursuing her undergraduate degree in Marine Science at California State University, Monterey Bay. Kaitlyn is a community scientist with NOAA’s Phytoplankton Monitoring Network and a lab volunteer with the Sunflower Star Laboratory in Moss Landing. She jumped onboard with the Western Flyer Foundation as a volunteer and student science mentor in 2023. Participating in programs blending science and art such as the Western Flyer Foundation’s Mentoring Ecosystem. She currently works with the foundation as the Community Outreach Coordinator and is eager to contribute to the accessibility and intersectionality of marine science through art and literature.
Arturo Ramírez-Valdez
Science & Permitting Liaison – MexicoArturo Ramírez is a marine conservation biologist dedicated to the study and protection of coastal ecosystems in Baja California Peninsula and the Gulf of California. With a background in rocky intertidal, rocky reef, and kelp forest ecosystems, Arturo integrates field-based science with community engagement and conservation strategy. Arturo is also deeply passionate about teaching and mentoring at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. His work bridges ecological research and education, with a strong commitment to mentoring the next generation of marine scientists.
Arturo earned his Ph.D. from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, where he investigated how the U.S.–Mexico border shapes our understanding and management of shared marine resources. This binational perspective continues to inform his research, conservation initiatives, and collaborations.
He currently serves as a Research Associate at Fauna del Noroeste (Fauno) and is the lead researcher of the Giant Sea Bass Project, a binational research and conservation initiative focused on Stereolepis gigas, the largest bony reef fish found in Mexican and Californian waters. He is also an active collaborator with the Western Flyer Foundation, assisting with the acquisition of Mexican research permits and contributing to the development of technical documentation that supports marine scientific investigations. He is honored to be part of the Western Flyer’s crew as Scientist for Leg 4 of its historic return voyage to the Gulf of California.
Arturo previously served as a Research Professor at CIAD Guaymas and as an Associate Professor at the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, where he collaborated to develop research programs and taught and mentored students in marine ecology and conservation. He has extensive experience collaborating with non-profit organizations, developing research programs, and conservation efforts. Arturo’s work has been recognized with the Mexican Oceanography Award and the Ichthyology National Award for his research on the marine biogeographic regionalization of the Baja California peninsula. He is also a recipient of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund grant for his cross-border research on giant sea bass populations.
Arturo is particularly passionate about the intersection of academia, non-profit organizations, coastal communities, and government. He is skilled in translating complex scientific concepts into accessible knowledge, helping to connect research with the real-world needs. Through this work, he fosters collaboration across sectors to support evidence-based marine conservation and resource management.
Aracely Rojas
Community Programs Manager – MexicoAracely is a dedicated professional with experience in logistics management and community engagement, deeply committed to environmental stewardship and education. She holds a degree in Marine Biology with a focus on Coral Reefs from the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur and has completed the Place-Based Education Program at Teton Science School. Additionally, she is a certified Wilderness First Responder and is fluent in both Spanish and English.
Eager to leverage her skills and experience, she aims to foster meaningful community connections and support impactful initiatives like the Return of the Western Flyer to the Sea of Cortez. Outside of her professional pursuits, Aracely enjoys immersing herself in nature through swimming, scuba diving, hiking, and trail running.
Philip Sconce
MatePhilip Sconce is a USCG Licensed Master with over twenty years of experience living aboard and sailing the Puget Sound and the West Coast. Throughout his career, he has worked as a yacht and commercial fishing boat rigger, mechanic, and commercial diver. He managed the rigging and hydraulic shop at Englund Marine and Industrial Supply in Newport, OR, for six years, building equipment for the fishing fleet, Oregon State University, and NOAA. While in the Puget Sound, he owned and operated Calypso Marine and Phil’s Diving Service, applying his diverse skills in yacht rigging, commercial diving, and marine education. As a marine educator, Philip has taught thousands of students about diving and the subtidal sea life of the Puget Sound through programs like South Sound Green and the City of Olympia’s Stream Team. He holds certifications as a PADI Master Diver, certified rigger, and heavy equipment operator, among others. Today, Philip contributes his extensive experience to the Western Flyer Foundation, supporting the rigging, maintenance, and operation of the Western Flyer.
Paul Tate
CaptainCaptain Paul is a U.S. Coast Guard–certified Master with decades of experience on fishing boats, private yachts, and research vessels. He has served as Captain of the Western Flyer since spring 2023.
Paul started his maritime career with the US Coast Guard in the 1960s, where he became interested in marine science and commercial fishing. He pursued a BS in Fisheries Management from the University of Washington, then spent the next ten years as a fisheries biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. In the late 1970s, Paul decided to try his hand at commercial fishing and became the Captain of a Bering Sea crab boat, where he spent the next five years.
As much as Captain Paul loved being a commercial fisherman, he and his wife decided it was time for an adventure. In 1984, they and their young son went cruising by sail throughout Mexico, Central America, and the eastern part of the United States. After a stretch running vessel deliveries, he joined Carlson Companies of Minneapolis, a private international company engaged in hospitality, travel, and corporate incentive. There he enjoyed a mix of people, ports, and Atlantic waters for eighteen years, working as the Captain of motor yachts between 90 and 145 feet. Nevertheless, he felt drawn back to Pacific Northwest waters and marine science, and in 2005, heeded the call.
Paul and a partner refitted the retired 108 ft Bering Sea crabber Norseman as a research vessel. He captained the Norseman for ten years, sailing on 54 research and exploration voyages from Southeast Alaska to Arctic Ocean waters. He also did a short stint with Un-Cruise Adventures as Chief Mate, worked on Oregon State University’s R/V Elakha conducting coastal and estuarine research, and has spent six years as Captain of the US Geological Survey’s R/V Alaskan Gyre.
In addition to a BS in Fisheries Management from UW, Captain Paul has received training at the US Navy Fleet Sonar School in Florida and was certified as a Boat Oregon Instructor to lead boating safety courses. We are thrilled to welcome such a seasoned Captain to our team as we launch this next exciting phase of the Western Flyer’s journey!