Our Team

Cameron Aroz has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Multidisciplinary Sciences from the University of Oregon. Cameron was one of our hard-working interns before joining the HMAR team as a staff member and is now responsible for managing Operations Support functions such as our vital hotlines that receive thousands of contacts each year regarding marine protected animals of concern, and the dispatch and coordination of volunteers, interns, and partner agencies.

Anabel Cepero is co-lead of our Marine Debris Program and our Marine Operations Program. Anabel spent over 15 years in the U.S. Army as a Senior Operations and Logistics Manager before retiring and entering the world of diving. Anabel is a Master Scuba Dive Instructor and has worked in the diving community in Honolulu before joining HMAR as a staff member.

Prior to founding Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response, Jon Gelman spent 32 years in leadership roles in the telecommunications industry working for some of the best-known firms in the U.S. before starting a successful telecom company in Hawai’i. Earlier, Jon was a commercial pilot for 7 years and Jon has a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University in Speech Communication & Social Psychology.

Emily Greene has a Bachelorʻs of Science degree in Marine Biology & Environmental Sciences from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Emily has worked as a veterinary technician’s assistant and has experience in education and outreach environments spanning elementary and middle schools, museums, and ocean theme parks. Emily heads up our Education & Engagement initiatives, supervises our interns, and also assists in our social media, fundraising, and grant applications.

Whitney Beer-Kerr has a Master of Science degree in Environmental Science and Policy from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s of Science degree from San Diego State University. Whitney has 13 years of experience as a producer and writer of science and wildlife films working with production organizations such as National Geographic and NOVA. Whitney served as HMAR’s Development Manager until transitioning to our Board of Directors.

Prior to founding Hawai’i Marine Animal Response, Jon Gelman spent 32 years in leadership roles in the telecommunications industry working for some of the best-known firms in the U.S. before starting a successful telecom company in Hawai’i. Earlier, Jon was a commercial pilot for 7 years and has a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University in Speech Communication and Social Psychology.

Originally from Hilo, Hawai’i, Megan Rycraft attended Hilo High School where her love for the ocean started with her first sailing on the Polynesian Voyaging Canoe, Makali’i and that put her on a path to attend the Maine Maritime Academy where she received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marine Transportation Operations. Following graduation, Megan spent 13 years at sea with various companies but spent the majority of her career with Maersk Line and left as a Chief Officer. Megan is the Director of Health, Safety, Quality and Environment at Young Brothers, a company that has served the people of Hawai’i for over 100 years. Megan is passionate about the maritime industry and values the work Young Brothers does to support the community, and the protection of our islands and the ocean.