Our Team
While a large and dedicated group of volunteers deserves huge credit for making Operation Surf possible, our phenomenal board members and hardworking leadership staff are indispensable for keeping our organization running. Contributions from our financial supporters make it possible for us to do the work that we do.
Board of Directors

David Blair
Chairman

Charles Palmer
Board Member

Brian Waters
Secretary

Carla Kiernan
Treasurer

Jamie Weissenborn
Board Member
Advisory Board

Linda Olds
Advisory Member

Elizabeth W Barrett
Advisory Member

Ryan Brophy
Advisory Member

Christina Hickey
Advisory Member

Kevin Watkins
Advisory Member

Brent Edwards
Advisory Member

Kimberly Kuden
Advisory Member

Peter Castanos
Advisory Member
Leadership Staff

Van Curaza
Founder/Director

Payton Wright
Communications Manager

Amanda Curaza
Executive Director

John Hallett
Program Manager

Madison Kudsk
Development and Outreach Manager

Emma Stewart
Executive Assistant
Media Team

Roger Smith
Photographer/Video

Aaron O'Sullivan
Photographer/Video
Cal Poly Interns

Sara Schoepp
Operations Intern

Sophia Coffaro
Marketing Intern

John Balido (JB)
Operations Intern

Bridget Duncan
Fundraising Intern

Talis Stockton
Finance Intern

Ellie Baisch
Communications Intern

Jacob Swergold
Oceans Operations Intern
Program Testimonials
"Operation Surf was refreshing and fun! Of course, it was really great to learn to surf, but OS is so much more than just surfing. Never having surfed before and not being very comfortable in the ocean, I was forced to get out of my own way and trust the process. Being able to accomplish something I thought I wouldn't be able to do was very rewarding, and it ignited a fire in me that I had let go dim. I feel rejuvenated and self-confident again. I look forward to trying new things, going on more adventures, and enjoying the sport of surfing for many years to come."
"The fact that I was able to completely disconnect from work and fully submerge myself in the experience without any obligations opened up many doors for relaxation, resetting, refocusing, rebuilding, bonding, and both personal and relational healing. We were both struggling individually and as a couple prior to this trip. The professionalism, relatability, enthusiasm, excitement, openness, and care that every single member of Operation Surf displayed towards us and one another was contagious. They helped us find our individual selves again and helped save our marriage."
"Operation Surf was hands-down the greatest trip that I have ever been on. We travel the world for our jobs and get to see and do things that most people can only dream of, but that’s often filled with guilt while my wife is left juggling her own work, the kids, and everything else life throws at her. We spend a substantial amount of time away from each other with all of the trips, training, and deployments. Getting to share this experience with my wife by my side and finding a new, exciting activity that we both immediately fell in love with truly made this a trip of a lifetime."