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](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/David.png)
David Blair
Chairman
![Charles Palmer](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/charlie.png)
Charles Palmer
Board Member
![Brian Waters](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/brian-photo.png)
Brian Waters
Secretary
![Chris Sanborn](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/talis.png)
Chris Sanborn
Treasurer
![Jamie Weissenborn](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Jamie-2.jpg)
Jamie Weissenborn
Board Member
Advisory Board
![Linda Olds](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Brent-Head-Shot.png)
Linda Olds
Advisory Member
![Elizabeth W Barrett](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Elizabeth-2.jpg)
Elizabeth W Barrett
Advisory Member
![Kevin Watkins](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/kevin-headshot.png)
Kevin Watkins
Advisory Member
![Brent Edwards](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/op_surf_Brent-op_surf_cc_2019_ROG0740.jpg)
Brent Edwards
Advisory Member
![Peter Castanos](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/charlie-2.png)
Peter Castanos
Advisory Member
![Kimberly Kuden](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kim-3.jpg)
Kimberly Kuden
Advisory Member
Leadership Staff
![Van Curaza](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/9.png)
Van Curaza
Founder/Director
![Payton Wright](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2-1.png)
Payton Wright
Communications Manager
![Emma Stewart](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/emma.png)
Emma Stewart
Executive Assistant
![Amanda Curaza](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/7.png)
Amanda Curaza
Executive Director
![John Hallett](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/john.png)
John Hallett
Program Manager
![Madison Kudsk](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/3-1.png)
Madison Kudsk
Development and Outreach Manager
![Neil Hancox](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/website-bio-photos-5.png)
Neil Hancox
Veteran Leader
Media Team
![Roger Smith](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Roger.png)
Roger Smith
Photographer/Video
![Aaron O'Sullivan](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Aaron.png)
Aaron O'Sullivan
Photographer/Video
Cal Poly Interns
![Sara Schoepp](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Untitled-design-copy-7.png)
Sara Schoepp
Operations Intern
![Sophia Coffaro](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Sophia.png)
Sophia Coffaro
Marketing Intern
![John Balido (JB)](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Untitled-design-1.png)
John Balido (JB)
Operations Intern
![Talis Stockton](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/website-bio-photos.png)
Talis Stockton
Finance Intern
![Ellie Baisch](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/4-1.png)
Ellie Baisch
Communications Intern
![Jacob Swergold](https://operationsurf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/website-bio-photos-6.png)
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."