Rich Sundance Owen, ECC Founder and Executive Director
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, the outdoors has always been a great inspiration. Rich moved to Maui, Hawaii in 2002, where the underwater world really came into view. As a scuba instructor, his passion for the environment took on a new depth. An extensive period of traveling in Thailand in 2005 and Bali in 2006 revealed to him the dire problem in the environment. These experiences instilled in him a great passion for the ocean environment and its preservation.
 Throughout this time, Rich experienced firsthand the marine debris problem in the Pacific which became the main impetus for his support and dedication to the Gyre Cleanup Project. Rich founded the Environmental Cleanup Coalition and the Gyre Cleanup Project in April of 2008. He currently lives in Santa Cruz, CA and Maui, HI. He enjoys scuba, sailing, travel, finish-carpentry and is an artist.
Stephanie Beeby, ECC President, ECC Board of Directors
Organizational Strategist and Business Consultant, has academic and professional experience in both the nonprofit, consulting, real estate and retail sectors. She has expertise in consulting and executive coaching, strategic development, organizational design and implementation, organizational effectiveness, team dynamics, conflict resolution, mediation and leadership development. Stephanie earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Stanislaus. She later completed a master’s degree in Consulting Organizational Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego campus.
Becky Dahl, ECC Vice President, ECC Board of Directors
Received her associates degree in Science in 1994 and in 1998 received a two year management degree from the University of Washington. Becky has been working for Olympic Physical Therapy as their Accounting Manager for 14 years. All ten clinics are privately owned by Physical Therapists and are located in the greater Northwest region with one clinic located in Arizona. Becky has been an avid boater for many years and is passionate about clean waterways and was completely unaware of the ocean dumping. Once this was brought to her attention she wanted to be actively involved in making change. To her, it is quite obvious and unacceptable so she wanted to be a part in helping educate others so they, too, become aware and can help to make change.
Charlene Mims, ECC Treasurer, ECC Board of Directors
Currently works for a large multinational food corporation, which has extensive environmental and social programs throughout the world. Her current job duties include oversight of the company’s global employee benefits programs. Charlene’s holds a master’s in Business Administration; MS in Spiritual Psychology and a BS in Accounting.
Leanne M. Voosen, ECC Secretary, ECC Board of Directors
Leanne graduated from the University of North Texas in 1999 with two bachelors with honors degrees in Anthropology and Liberal Arts. She is currently a Energy medicine practitioner, Reiki Master and professional body worker assisting people in their healing through massage, energy work, craniosacral therapy, meditation, and somato-emotional reintegration.
Leanne has worked a great deal with not for profit organizations in the past, volunteering in realms of HIV prevention and education, animal rights, vegetarianism, and physical/spiritual healing.
“I am passionate about healing! I am dedicated to assisting in healing our beautiful planet and re-establishing humanity’s relationship back into balance with Mother Earth. On a daily basis I help people to reconnect to a more healthy balance of energy in their bodies and minds. Just as our physical bodies are mostly water, our planet is also mostly water. We all want health, strength, and vitality in our bodies, but for that to happen, we must have healthy water! I believe that when we heal the oceans, we also heal ourselves!”
Jessan Romans, ECC Board of Directors
I am a body worker and Pilates instructor. I gracefully work to teach others to learn to heal their body, mind, spirit and facilitate a deeper purpose of ones life journey. My efforts to heal and bring greater awareness to our planet and environmental issues are fueled by passionate, heartfelt, loving intentions for mother Gaia. I am drawn to the Gyre Cleanup Project, not only for my love of the ocean, but for the purpose to cleanse this contaminated body of water, and facilitate awareness around our planet for others to awaken to these disasters. I am truly honored to be on the board of directors, and I intend to give my energy and attention to assist in any way I can.
Diane Rigoli, ECC Website Project Manager
Diane has been an artist all her life, with 20+ years as a professional graphic designer & art director for myriad projects specializing in the nonprofit sector. Both personally and professionally, her passion is environmental awareness. With a client list that includes the Bioneers Conference, the Pachamama Alliance, the Nuclear Weapons Freeze, numerous authors and publishers, she is well versed in the many tasks involved in the creation of printed and online materials to inform and inspire others to get involved in caring for our planet. She owns and operates Rigoli Creative, Cross-Media Design Solutions in San Francisco, CA and is enthusiastic about her involvement in the Gyre Cleanup Project.
Diane Rigoli, ECC Website Project Manager Diane has been an artist all her life, with 20+ years as a professional graphic designer & art director for myriad projects specializing in the nonprofit sector. Both personally and professionally, her passion is environmental awareness. With a client list that includes the Bioneers Conference, the Pachamama Alliance, the Nuclear Weapons Freeze, numerous authors and publishers, she is well versed in the many tasks involved in the creation of printed and online materials to inform and inspire others to get involved in caring for our planet. She owns and operates Rigoli Creative, Cross-Media Design Solutions in San Francisco, CA and is enthusiastic about her involvement in the Gyre Cleanup Project.