Our People

Ocean Rescue Alliance International was founded by dedicated scientists, conservationists, and innovators committed to addressing one of our planet's greatest challenges: restoring and protecting our world’s vital marine ecosystems. Guided by a team of experts in science, engineering, art, and community engagement - we share a profound passion for safeguarding marine ecosystems and the coastal communities that rely on them, all united by a deep love for our ocean.

Board of Directors

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  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Ocean solutionist who specializes in marine conservation and restoration, receiving her masters in Marine Ecology and PhD in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences with the University of Florida. She is an environmentalist and marine conservation leader who hopes to inspire others to protect our environments. She has worked with various restoration projects including coral, sea grass, oyster, sea-urchin, and scallop restoration.

    She is passionate about preserving our natural ecosystems and creating a foundation for their appreciation. She now has worked with over 40 different restoration projects around the world and continues to expand her scientific breadth. She was the head laboratory director for AMEC Foster Wheeler in Gainesville, overseeing and managing 7 different restoration projects. She has received various scholarly awards and accreditation such as Florida Georgia Louis Stokes Alliance NSF, McNair Fellow, Challenge 2050, and Aylesworth Scholar. Her leadership exemplified being awarded most inventive woman of the year, woman of the year, and top executive of the year at the Stevie Awards. Along with becoming a Tampa Titan.

    Through her research and outreach, she plans to assist in conserving, restoring, and better managing our ecosystems. She would like to make a lasting impact, conserving our environments while also improving peoples lives around the world.

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  • Research & Scientific Management

    David Weinstein has worked and supported ORAI for over four years. He grew up landlocked near Washington D.C. but has a passion for coral reefs and conservation, as well as Earth and marine science education and coastal resilience. He received his Ph.D. in marine geology and geophysics at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School and has over 15 years of marine science and policy experience as a contractor and Federal government employee (NOAA, USACE, U.S. Navy), academic, and with NPOs. David is well regarded by his peers as a highly knowledgeable and skilled marine scientist, program manager, scientific communicator, consultant, business development leader, educator, scientific diver, and entrepreneur visionary. As an expert on reef structural sustainability, some of David’s research around the world (e.g., the Caribbean, Japan, Israel) focuses on the ecology and geology of mesophotic coral reefs (reefs with light-dependent corals at depths ~30–150 m), reef growth and bioerosion, geomorphology, and reef recovery; through his mesophotic work. David is also working to build a greater scientific understanding of the economic, ecologic, and hydrodynamic potentials of large-scale artificial reef projects. He has published in numerous peer- reviewed journals and books, edited colleagues; papers, and presented at international conferences, museums, and schools. David leverages his experience for marine planning, project management, marketing, and overseeing artificial reef-facilitated improvements for coastal sustainability, coral growth, ecotourism, community building, and education.

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  • Business & Development

    Alan Polsky brings a dynamic blend of entrepreneurial spirit, financial expertise, and creative vision to the Ocean Rescue Alliance International. With over 13 years of experience in independent and studio-level film production, Alan has a proven track record of managing projects from concept to completion. He has produced several award-winning films and TV shows, including Genius (10-time Emmy-nominated series) and In Search of Greatness (WGA award-nominated documentary).

    Before his career in the entertainment industry, Alan honed his skills in investment banking and private equity in the energy sector. Most recently he has funded a number of early stage companies with which he has worked closely with management to execute on strategy.

    Alan is committed to advancing the mission of ORAI by leveraging his extensive network, creative insights, and business acumen to secure funding, develop impactful marketing materials, and foster partnerships. As a passionate advocate for ocean health, Alan's dedication to restoring the beauty and diversity of marine ecosystems makes him a valuable ambassador for the organization.

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  • Business & Development

    Over the past two decades, Steven’s professional life has centered around finance and tech. In 2014, he co-founded Kallpod—an innovative tech solutions provider for the hospitality industry—and served as Chief Operating Officer for the company in Los Angeles over the previous seven years. He currently co-manages, Andon Okapi, an investment syndicate focused on investing in early-stage startups. Prior to Kallpod, Steven spent a decade on Wall Street as an equity analyst in New York with Merrill Lynch, FBR & Natexis Banques Populaires. A native of the Gulf Coast and currently Miami-based, Steven is passionate about the environment, classic cars & tennis. 

Our Supporting Team

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  • Director of Marketing & Partnerships

    Katie Williams is a TEDx speaker, ocean conservationist, and creative strategist. A Florida native and lifelong surfer, Katie’s connection to the ocean is both personal and professional - it’s the driving force behind her mission to use storytelling, strategy, and innovation to protect our blue planet.

    Katie holds a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies in Business Psychology with a minor in Environmental Studies, and an MBA from the University of Central Florida. She brings over 15 years of experience in digital marketing, branding, and strategic partnerships, having worked with a range of global brands across tech, wellness, and lifestyle sectors. At ORAI, she oversees the organization’s marketing initiatives, corporate and community engagement, and public-facing campaigns that inspire action and build lasting support for marine conservation. She is passionate about creating meaningful collaborations across government, hospitality, education, and the private sector; working at the intersection of art, science, and impact. Katie believes in the power of storytelling to inspire change and her work is rooted in curiosity, community, and purpose.

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  • Director of Business Development

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  • Admin & Outreach Coordinator

    Jessica brings years of experience as an executive assistant and social media manager, blending organization, communication, and creativity to keep ORAI running smoothly behind the scenes. As the Administrative & Outreach Coordinator, she plays a vital role in supporting day-to-day operations, managing schedules, coordinating strategic partnerships, and assisting with public engagement efforts.

    Driven by a passion for meaningful work and environmental impact, Jessica ensures that internal processes align seamlessly with ORAI’s mission to restore marine ecosystems and inspire ocean stewardship. Her ability to balance logistics with heart makes her an essential connector across programs, partners, and community outreach initiatives.

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  • Admin Assistant

    Steffi Frugal-Bernabe holds a degree in Marketing Management and an MBA. Her professional experience spans both education and industry, including three years as a college instructor and five years leading teams in the fast-paced e-commerce sector. Known for her integrity and deep respect for others, Steffi is passionate about purpose-driven work that creates meaningful change for both people and the planet. She is especially inspired by opportunities that combine strategic thinking with sustainability and believes that lasting impact begins with clear intention and purpose.

Interested in joining the team and sharing your creativity, expertise, and heart, to drive ORAI’s mission forward every day? Fill out our career interest form & we’ll be in touch!