The Coastal Bend Bays Foundation Board of Directors manage the business affairs of the Coastal Bend Bays
Foundation, Inc. The Board of Directors is elected by the Board of Trustees and consists of the officers, e.g., the President, Executive Vice President, three Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, Delegate to Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program, Delegate to the Nueces Estuary Council, and Immediate Past President.
The Board of Directors elects Emeritus Trustees in recognition of their longstanding service to the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation, Inc., and contributions to the conservation of the environment in the Coastal Bend Region. Emeritus Trustees are automatically Trustees and entitled to vote as a member of the Board of Trustees.
The Board of Trustees consists of the officers, Directors, Elected Trustees, Emeritus Trustees and Life Members. The Trustees represent a cross section of interests, including but not limited to; industry and the business community, environmentalists, conservationists, and recreational users.
Meet Our New Board President: Q&A
The Coastal Bend Bays Foundation is pleased to welcome our new Board President as we continue our mission of protecting and preserving the bays and estuaries of the Coastal Bend through education, conservation, and community engagement. With decades of professional experience, a deep appreciation for our coastal environment, and a longstanding commitment to the Foundation, he brings both leadership and passion to this role. We invite you to get to know our new Board President through the interview below and join us in welcoming him as we embark on another exciting year of stewardship and service.
CBBF: How long have you been in the Coastal Bend area?
Board President:
Although I grew up in Lake Jackson near Surfside Beach and Galveston, I’ve proudly called Corpus Christi home for the past 33 years. I originally moved here because of the incredible natural environment—our beautiful beaches, bays, and estuary systems immediately drew me in, and they’ve kept me here ever since.
CBBF: Tell us a little about your background. What are some highlights from your education and career?
Board President:
My educational journey has taken me in two different directions. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Government with a minor in English from The University of Texas at Austin before completing my teaching certification through what is now Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. I spent nearly ten years teaching middle and high school students throughout South Texas.
After 9/11, I decided to pursue a new challenge and returned to school to study Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University–Kingsville, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2007.
Today, I am a registered Professional Engineer and an Associate with Freese and Nichols, where I’ve worked for nearly two decades. During that time, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to many projects that help shape our community, including the Mary Rhodes Pipeline, Wesley Seale Dam, Choke Canyon Dam improvements, O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant, Ocean Drive, Staples Street, Everhart Road, and numerous Port of Corpus Christi infrastructure projects.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my career is seeing projects improve the daily lives of people in our community.
CBBF: How did you first become involved with the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation?
Board President:
My connection to CBBF began almost 30 years ago. Before smartphones and social media, I happened to read about one of the Coastal Issues Forums in the newspaper and decided to attend. I can’t remember the exact topic—it may have been sea turtles, seagrasses, or water supply—but I remember leaving inspired and much more informed about our local environment. I’ve attended Coastal Issues Forums ever since.
About ten years ago, former Board President Jace Tunnell invited me to serve as a Trustee. Over the years, I served as both a Trustee and Board Member, most recently as Executive Vice President under Sandi Hart’s leadership. It is truly an honor to now serve as Board President.
CBBF: What do you enjoy most about living in the Coastal Bend?
Board President:
Corpus Christi offers something truly unique. It’s a place where you can make a meaningful impact and actually see the results of your work.
As an engineer, I’ve had the opportunity to help improve roads, water systems, and public infrastructure throughout our community. There’s something incredibly rewarding about driving on a road you helped design or knowing a project you’re working on will benefit families for generations.
Beyond my work, I love the lifestyle here. We have beautiful beaches, incredible birdwatching, world-class fishing, and some of the best sunsets anywhere. One of my favorite things to do is drive down Ocean Drive or the JFK Causeway at sunset. The view of the bay, the sea breeze, and the palm trees never gets old.
Corpus Christi is also a wonderful place to raise a family. The sense of community, shorter commutes, and easy access to nature create a quality of life that’s hard to find in larger cities.
CBBF: What makes you most proud of the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation?
Board President:
What makes me proudest is the opportunities CBBF creates for our community.
Through our Coastal Issues Forums, we educate residents about the environmental challenges and successes unique to the Coastal Bend. Through our volunteer events, we empower people to take an active role in protecting our coastline by removing thousands of pounds of trash each year.
Earth Day-Bay Day is another highlight. Every year, thousands of people of all ages come together to learn from scientists, educators, conservation organizations, businesses, and volunteers. It’s inspiring to watch generations connect through environmental education—from children discovering wildlife for the first time to experienced naturalists sharing their knowledge.
I also appreciate that we recognize local environmental champions through our Environmental Awards Banquet. These individuals and organizations dedicate themselves to protecting our natural resources, and they deserve to be celebrated.
As CBBF celebrates 35 years of conservation, education, and stewardship, I’m grateful for everyone who has helped build this organization into what it is today. I’m excited to help continue that legacy and invite others to become part of our mission.
CBBF: As the new Board President, what are you most looking forward to?
Board President:
I’m excited to build on the strong foundation that has been established over the past 35 years. CBBF has earned a reputation for bringing people together through education, volunteerism, and environmental stewardship.
I look forward to expanding those opportunities, strengthening our partnerships, and inspiring even more people to become involved in protecting the Coastal Bend’s bays and estuaries for future generations.
CBBF: Just for fun—what’s something people might not know about you?
Board President:
I enjoy surfing, birdwatching, and fishing whenever I can.
And if you’ve ever had a conversation with me, you’ve probably already figured out my biggest claim to fame…
I say too much!
