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
Dr. Shelby Thomas is a marine scientist, entrepreneur, and global ocean advocate dedicated to advancing innovative solutions for marine conservation and coastal resilience. She is the Founder and CEO of Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI), a nonprofit organization developing artificial reef systems, coral restoration initiatives, and community-driven programs that combine science, art, and public engagement to restore ocean ecosystems.
Dr. Thomas holds a PhD in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences and a Master’s degree in Marine Ecology from the University of Florida. Her work spans more than 40 marine restoration projects worldwide, including coral reefs, seagrass meadows, oysters, sea urchins, and scallops, with a focus on scalable restoration and long-term ecosystem resilience.
A recognized voice in ocean innovation and conservation, Dr. Thomas is a TEDx speaker and international keynote presenter, sharing her work on marine restoration, ocean stewardship, and climate resilience at global conferences, universities, and policy forums. Her work has been featured at United Nations-affiliated events, global ocean summits, and international sustainability gatherings, where she advocates for science-based solutions and cross-sector collaboration to protect marine ecosystems.
Prior to founding ORAI, she served as Head Laboratory Director at AMEC Foster Wheeler, where she oversaw multiple ecological restoration programs and scientific research initiatives. Through her leadership, ORAI has pioneered projects that integrate marine habitat restoration with public engagement, including artistic reef installations that inspire communities to become active stewards of the ocean.
Dr. Thomas has received numerous honors for her leadership and innovation, including Most Innovative Woman of the Year, Woman of the Year, and Top Executive of the Year at the Stevie Awards, and recognition as a Titan 100 leader in Tampa Bay. She has also been recognized through programs such as the Florida Georgia Louis Stokes Alliance NSF, McNair Scholars Program, Challenge 2050, and the Aylesworth Scholarship.
Through her research, entrepreneurship, and global outreach, Dr. Thomas works to accelerate ocean restoration, inspire environmental stewardship, and build a future where healthy oceans support thriving communities around the world.
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Chief Scientific Officer, 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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Education and Outreach Program Coordinator
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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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Business Development Manager
Whitney is a landscape designer and business development professional with experience spanning landscape architecture, environmental design, project development, and artificial reef construction and deployment. His background includes work with Reef Innovations in Florida, where he gained hands-on experience with artificial reef systems, marine operations, and long-term reef development.
As Business Development Manager for Ocean Rescue Alliance International, Whitney focuses on identifying and developing opportunities in artificial reefs, marine habitat restoration, coastal resilience, and nature-based infrastructure. His work includes researching public and private funding opportunities, RFPs and government solicitations, developing strategic partnerships, and helping position ORAI for projects from early planning and funding through implementation.
Whitney brings a designer's perspective to business development, with a particular interest in connecting ecological restoration, resilient infrastructure, community needs, and available funding to create viable marine restoration projects.
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Marketing & Media Coordinator
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!