ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
KEA believes that a strong governance, high-level expertise in management, and a skilled labor force to implement KEA programs is essential for success to accomplish our goals. Therefore, KEA's organization and management team consists of a Board of Directors, an Advisory Board, and members designated by the board as Executive Committee (the Management Team). The Executive Committee meets more frequently to handle matters that don’t require board approval and provide recommendations to the Board for items that require Board action. The Board of Directors is responsible for establishing broad policies that affect all KEA programs, advocating KEA’s mission, and providing strategic guidance to the organization.
KEA Board of Directors
Mahmoud Khamis Jillo, President and Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Jillo is an environmental professional with over ten years of experience. Throughout his academic and professional life, Mahmoud has taken a keen interest in environmental education and has had a long history of community involvement. Prior to moving to the U.S., Mahmoud worked with the National Museums of Kenya, a state corporation whose mission is to promote the conservation and sustainable utilization of Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage. Mahmoud has a B.S. degree in Environmental Studies and is currently an MS candidate at San Jose State University in San Jose, California. He is an active member in many environmental organizations, including the California Water Environment Association and The Water Environment Federation.
Suzanne Jillo, Board Secretary and Treasurer
Suzanne Jillo is an attorney and has worked for approximately eleven years in law firms and in-house in the area of Intellectual Property, with an emphasis in the life sciences. Suzanne is currently employed with Brakeley Briscoe Inc as Consulting Manager and Legal Counsel. Brakeley Briscoe is a fundraising and organization management firm serving nonprofits throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa. Suzanne obtained her J.D. from Santa Clara University Law School, Santa Clara, California. Prior to this, Suzanne obtained two B.S. degrees, one in Chemistry and a second in Microbiology from San Jose State University, San Jose, California. In addition to her legal work, Suzanne has significant experience in scientific research and business management.
Mohamed Idha Salim, Marine Biologist, Mombasa, Kenya
Mohamed Idha has experience in business strategy, entrepreneurial ventures, and managing educational programs through his work for the National Museum of Kenya as a Research Scientist and Curator of ecological exhibitions. Mohamed is a recipient of a national award for Distinguished Contribution to Wetlands Conservation in Kenya. He has a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Botany from University of Nairobi, Kenya, and a Master’s degree in Marine Biology from University of Ryukyus, Japan.
Michelle Panelo, Development Associate , KEA, San Jose, California
Michelle was born and raised in San Jose, CA. She attended California State University Monterey Bay where she received a degree in Social and Behavioral Science with a minor in Global Studies. During Michelle's course of study, she acquired a deep appreciation for intercultural understanding and education in peace building efforts. Michelle has a strong desire to help others and promote social justice and environmental conservation. Michelle has valuable experience serving numerous community events in support of nonprofit organizations.
Advisory Board
Dan Haifley, Executive Director, O'Neill Sea Odyssey, Santa Cruz, California
Mr. Haifley has been the Executive Director of O'Neill Sea Odyssey since 1999. He is a leading advocate for hands-on environmental education, presenting papers at numerous conferences. He serves on the Santa Cruz County Commission on the Environment and previously served on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council from 2001 to 2007, as Executive Director of Save Our Shores from 1986 to 1993, and on the Board of Directors of the Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitor's Council from 1993 to 1995 and from 2000 to 2006. In collaboration with UCSC Institute of Marine Sciences Director Gary Griggs, he publishes a weekly column in the Sunday Santa Cruz Sentinel and the online San Jose Mercury News on oceanographic issues. Dan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Marilou S. Seiff, Executive Director, Marine Science Institute (MSI), Redwood City, California
Marilou has a B.S. from Stanford University and an M.S. from the University of the Pacific. She has worked at MSI since 1996 teaching Shoreside programs, Discovery Voyage programs, and Marine Camp programs, and she has served as the Executive Director for MSI since 2003. Marilou was a member of the Stanford School of Business Alumni Consulting Team Board of Trustees, has a 100 ton USCG Captain's license, and serves as Graduate Assistant at the California Fish and Game.
Jim Hart, Executive Director, Oceanographic Expeditions, New Orleans, Louisiana
Jim Hart is an experienced oceanographer that has led recreational, scientific and research expeditions worldwide since 1981. In 1987, he patented the first electronic underwater communication device for divers. He earned a certification in Volunteer Administration from the University of Colorado and helped open the Aquarium Of the Americas in New Orleans in 1990. He started
Oceanographic Expeditions LLC in 1994 to enable Aquarium volunteers to become involved in Marine research and conservation programs around the planet. In 1996, he planned and implemented "Project Reef Spawn”, involving 200 volunteer divers and in the first hemispheric study of Mass Coral Spawning in history. In 1997, he was asked to address the National Press Club in Washington to discuss the role of volunteers in Scientific Research. He has published scientific papers on Mass Coral Spawning and Lobster tagging in the western Hemisphere , studied White Sharks in South Africa, Whale Sharks off Tanzania, and led
numerous conservation and biological study expeditions to Central America, Micronesia, Southern Africa and Egypt. Jim is also a P.A.D.I. Divemaster who, in 1991, founded the American Association of Diving Program Administrators and often volunteers with "Diveheart", an organization that teaches diving to disabled veterans and children and then takes them on diving expeditions.
Kenny Mann, Founder, Rafiki Productions, Sag Harbor, NY
Kenny Mann was born and raised in Kenya. In 1968, she graduated from the University of Nairobi with an undergraduate degree in Zoology, Botany and Chemistry. Major field courses involved an in-depth study of the coastal mangrove swamps, as well as investigations in Kenya’s Tsavo National Park and on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Kenny went on to study all aspects of filmmaking at Bristol University, UK. In 1970, Kenny was employed as researcher and script-writer for a seminal series of documentary films on animal behavior. She also followed a career as an independent filmmaker and free-lance science journalist in Hamburg before moving to the United States. In 1992, she earned a Masters Degree in Education from Manhattan’s progressive Bank Street College, and has since then developed curriculum for all age groups, authored several books for younger readers, made 8 documentary films and taught documentary film in the US and in Kenya. Kenny currently lives in Sag Harbor, and spends at least two months each year teaching film in Kenya.
For more information about Kenny and her work, please visit her website at:
www.rafikiproductions.com
Paola De Cecco, Community Activist specializing in East Africa, Foster City, CA
Paola will lend her expertise in education, environmental issues, and her significant knowledge in East African demographics to help KEA establish and expand its youth and outreach programs. Paola’s concern for social justice led her to dedicate enormous energy to international development projects, including serving as a project manager for Tanzania Program of the Engineers Without Borders, San Francisco professional chapter and, currently, working with The Kizzi Project in Uganda. Further, she is a champion of Ruhuhu schools, a project of One World Children’s Fund. She is fluent in Italian, English, French, and Spanish, and she has basic language skills in Swahili. Paola holds a Certificate in Community Based Development, a Laurea in Physics from University of Pisa, Italy, and a Masters in Physics from University of California, Irvine. Paola is an MS candidate in Environmental Studies at San Jose State University, San Jose, California.
Jackie O’Donnell, Author, Editor, Teacher, and Advocate for the Environment and Social Justice, San Jose, California
Jackie holds a BA in English and an MBA. She taught for 18 years, then created and ran two businesses. She has been an editor for over 35 years. Jackie’s own writing includes books, articles, columns, and poetry, most of which focus on social justice issues. For all of her adult life, Jackie has been an advocate for social justice, including the important elements of education and the environment. She has done so through her writing, public speaking, and service on a multitude of boards, commissions, and committees. She has also helped organize and present workshops on the environment and social justice concerns.
KEA believes that a strong governance, high-level expertise in management, and a skilled labor force to implement KEA programs is essential for success to accomplish our goals. Therefore, KEA's organization and management team consists of a Board of Directors, an Advisory Board, and members designated by the board as Executive Committee (the Management Team). The Executive Committee meets more frequently to handle matters that don’t require board approval and provide recommendations to the Board for items that require Board action. The Board of Directors is responsible for establishing broad policies that affect all KEA programs, advocating KEA’s mission, and providing strategic guidance to the organization.
KEA Board of Directors
Mahmoud Khamis Jillo, President and Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Jillo is an environmental professional with over ten years of experience. Throughout his academic and professional life, Mahmoud has taken a keen interest in environmental education and has had a long history of community involvement. Prior to moving to the U.S., Mahmoud worked with the National Museums of Kenya, a state corporation whose mission is to promote the conservation and sustainable utilization of Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage. Mahmoud has a B.S. degree in Environmental Studies and is currently an MS candidate at San Jose State University in San Jose, California. He is an active member in many environmental organizations, including the California Water Environment Association and The Water Environment Federation.
Suzanne Jillo, Board Secretary and Treasurer
Suzanne Jillo is an attorney and has worked for approximately eleven years in law firms and in-house in the area of Intellectual Property, with an emphasis in the life sciences. Suzanne is currently employed with Brakeley Briscoe Inc as Consulting Manager and Legal Counsel. Brakeley Briscoe is a fundraising and organization management firm serving nonprofits throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa. Suzanne obtained her J.D. from Santa Clara University Law School, Santa Clara, California. Prior to this, Suzanne obtained two B.S. degrees, one in Chemistry and a second in Microbiology from San Jose State University, San Jose, California. In addition to her legal work, Suzanne has significant experience in scientific research and business management.
Mohamed Idha Salim, Marine Biologist, Mombasa, Kenya
Mohamed Idha has experience in business strategy, entrepreneurial ventures, and managing educational programs through his work for the National Museum of Kenya as a Research Scientist and Curator of ecological exhibitions. Mohamed is a recipient of a national award for Distinguished Contribution to Wetlands Conservation in Kenya. He has a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Botany from University of Nairobi, Kenya, and a Master’s degree in Marine Biology from University of Ryukyus, Japan.
Michelle Panelo, Development Associate , KEA, San Jose, California
Michelle was born and raised in San Jose, CA. She attended California State University Monterey Bay where she received a degree in Social and Behavioral Science with a minor in Global Studies. During Michelle's course of study, she acquired a deep appreciation for intercultural understanding and education in peace building efforts. Michelle has a strong desire to help others and promote social justice and environmental conservation. Michelle has valuable experience serving numerous community events in support of nonprofit organizations.
Advisory Board
Dan Haifley, Executive Director, O'Neill Sea Odyssey, Santa Cruz, California
Mr. Haifley has been the Executive Director of O'Neill Sea Odyssey since 1999. He is a leading advocate for hands-on environmental education, presenting papers at numerous conferences. He serves on the Santa Cruz County Commission on the Environment and previously served on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council from 2001 to 2007, as Executive Director of Save Our Shores from 1986 to 1993, and on the Board of Directors of the Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitor's Council from 1993 to 1995 and from 2000 to 2006. In collaboration with UCSC Institute of Marine Sciences Director Gary Griggs, he publishes a weekly column in the Sunday Santa Cruz Sentinel and the online San Jose Mercury News on oceanographic issues. Dan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Marilou S. Seiff, Executive Director, Marine Science Institute (MSI), Redwood City, California
Marilou has a B.S. from Stanford University and an M.S. from the University of the Pacific. She has worked at MSI since 1996 teaching Shoreside programs, Discovery Voyage programs, and Marine Camp programs, and she has served as the Executive Director for MSI since 2003. Marilou was a member of the Stanford School of Business Alumni Consulting Team Board of Trustees, has a 100 ton USCG Captain's license, and serves as Graduate Assistant at the California Fish and Game.
Jim Hart, Executive Director, Oceanographic Expeditions, New Orleans, Louisiana
Jim Hart is an experienced oceanographer that has led recreational, scientific and research expeditions worldwide since 1981. In 1987, he patented the first electronic underwater communication device for divers. He earned a certification in Volunteer Administration from the University of Colorado and helped open the Aquarium Of the Americas in New Orleans in 1990. He started
Oceanographic Expeditions LLC in 1994 to enable Aquarium volunteers to become involved in Marine research and conservation programs around the planet. In 1996, he planned and implemented "Project Reef Spawn”, involving 200 volunteer divers and in the first hemispheric study of Mass Coral Spawning in history. In 1997, he was asked to address the National Press Club in Washington to discuss the role of volunteers in Scientific Research. He has published scientific papers on Mass Coral Spawning and Lobster tagging in the western Hemisphere , studied White Sharks in South Africa, Whale Sharks off Tanzania, and led
numerous conservation and biological study expeditions to Central America, Micronesia, Southern Africa and Egypt. Jim is also a P.A.D.I. Divemaster who, in 1991, founded the American Association of Diving Program Administrators and often volunteers with "Diveheart", an organization that teaches diving to disabled veterans and children and then takes them on diving expeditions.
Kenny Mann, Founder, Rafiki Productions, Sag Harbor, NY
Kenny Mann was born and raised in Kenya. In 1968, she graduated from the University of Nairobi with an undergraduate degree in Zoology, Botany and Chemistry. Major field courses involved an in-depth study of the coastal mangrove swamps, as well as investigations in Kenya’s Tsavo National Park and on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Kenny went on to study all aspects of filmmaking at Bristol University, UK. In 1970, Kenny was employed as researcher and script-writer for a seminal series of documentary films on animal behavior. She also followed a career as an independent filmmaker and free-lance science journalist in Hamburg before moving to the United States. In 1992, she earned a Masters Degree in Education from Manhattan’s progressive Bank Street College, and has since then developed curriculum for all age groups, authored several books for younger readers, made 8 documentary films and taught documentary film in the US and in Kenya. Kenny currently lives in Sag Harbor, and spends at least two months each year teaching film in Kenya.
For more information about Kenny and her work, please visit her website at:
www.rafikiproductions.com
Paola De Cecco, Community Activist specializing in East Africa, Foster City, CA
Paola will lend her expertise in education, environmental issues, and her significant knowledge in East African demographics to help KEA establish and expand its youth and outreach programs. Paola’s concern for social justice led her to dedicate enormous energy to international development projects, including serving as a project manager for Tanzania Program of the Engineers Without Borders, San Francisco professional chapter and, currently, working with The Kizzi Project in Uganda. Further, she is a champion of Ruhuhu schools, a project of One World Children’s Fund. She is fluent in Italian, English, French, and Spanish, and she has basic language skills in Swahili. Paola holds a Certificate in Community Based Development, a Laurea in Physics from University of Pisa, Italy, and a Masters in Physics from University of California, Irvine. Paola is an MS candidate in Environmental Studies at San Jose State University, San Jose, California.
Jackie O’Donnell, Author, Editor, Teacher, and Advocate for the Environment and Social Justice, San Jose, California
Jackie holds a BA in English and an MBA. She taught for 18 years, then created and ran two businesses. She has been an editor for over 35 years. Jackie’s own writing includes books, articles, columns, and poetry, most of which focus on social justice issues. For all of her adult life, Jackie has been an advocate for social justice, including the important elements of education and the environment. She has done so through her writing, public speaking, and service on a multitude of boards, commissions, and committees. She has also helped organize and present workshops on the environment and social justice concerns.
