2026 California Ocean Summit

Dr. Dawn Wright is Chief Scientist at Esri and a globally recognized pioneer in marine geographic information systems (GIS). A Professor of Geography and Oceanography at Oregon State University, she made history in 2022 as the first Black person to dive to the Challenger Deep, the deepest point on Earth. Her groundbreaking work has advanced ocean mapping, marine science, and the use of geospatial technology to better understand and protect our planet.

Wade Crowfoot leads efforts to conserve California’s environment and natural resources, stewarding forests, natural lands, rivers and water supplies, and coast and ocean. He has served as Secretary since 2019 and advises Governor Newsom as a member of his cabinet.

Gregg Hart represents California’s 37th Assembly District, serving Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. A longtime public servant and environmental advocate, he has championed legislation to protect California’s coast, reduce marine pollution, and advance sustainable ocean and climate policy.

Laura Francis is the Founder of the Sea Forward Ocean Health Fund, a collaborative philanthropic fund investing in ocean solutions. A former NOAA marine biologist with 27 years of service, she now pioneers innovative finance models to accelerate ocean impact.

Tom Quigley, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Superorganism, the first venture firm dedicated to biodiversity, investing at the intersection of nature, tech, and ocean innovation.

Peter Bryant, Managing Director, Philanthropy, Oceans, Builders Vision, a mission-driven impact platform combining philanthropy, investment, and influence to catalyze capital across the ocean and blue economy ecosystem.

Dr. Catherine (Cat) Burns, Managing Director, NatureVest (The Nature Conservancy), leading Blue Bonds for Ocean Conservation and private investment in sustainable aquaculture private equity funds, spanning conservation debt and blue-economy venture.

Matthew Stotts is Co-Founder and Partner at Cerulean Ventures, where he invests in early-stage companies building solutions for climate resilience, biodiversity, and a nature-positive economy. He is a former technology founder and professor of technology management at the University of California.

Gracie White, Senior Director of Global Ocean Investments, Conservation International Ventures (CI Ventures), investing in early-stage, nature-positive enterprises across emerging markets.

Robert Mazurek has spent over two decades leading national and international efforts to strengthen ocean governance, enhance marine policy, and create resilient coasts. As Executive Director of the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, he leads a team advancing conservation. He also founded the Secure Fisheries program at One Earth Future and co-founded the California Ocean Alliance, which he continues to chair.

Amy Hutzel is Executive Officer at the State Coastal Conservancy, which works to protect and restore habitats, increase public access and recreation, and plan and implement nature-based climate change adaptation along the California Coast, in coastal watersheds, and in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Michael Walker is the CEO of STAX Engineering, an emissions capture and control company, where he has led the company since 2019. Under his leadership, STAX developed a mobile emission treatment system that connects directly to maritime vessels, capturing up to 99% of harmful pollutants at port without costly retrofits.

Sarah is the Commission's longest-serving legislative director, and the only woman to serve in the role. She has represented the agency in Sacramento since 1999.

Kim Selkoe, Ph.D. is a marine ecologist and co-founder/CEO of Marino Soil Foods, which turns marine and agricultural waste into soil amendments. She also serves as Executive Director of Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara, leading market-supported kelp restoration and a blue economy initiative called the Ocean Collective.

Co-Founder of Seatrees, a non-profit innovator in marine ecosystem restoration. Kevin is a geologist with a long history working in climate change solutions.

Liz focuses on the role science and knowledge play in uncovering solutions, informing policy, and accelerating progress toward a healthy ocean future for California and the U.S. West Coast. As Executive Director of the California Ocean Science Trust, she provides strategic direction around California’s science priorities. She also serves as Science Advisor to the California Ocean Protection Council, connecting ocean decision-making with California’s science community.

Dr. Ben Halpern is the Executive Director of the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) and Professor in the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at UC Santa Barbara.