Meet our passionate leadership team.
The NMMF’s world-class team of scientists, veterinarians, animal care specialists, trainers, and educators are conducting cutting-edge research and making new discoveries that improve the health and welfare of marine mammals while inspiring a greater public commitment to ocean conservation.

Sam Ridgway
President & Board Chair

Cynthia Smith
Executive Director & Chief Medical Officer

Mike Marchesano
Chief Financial Officer

Kristina Martz
Executive Operations Officer

Dorian Houser
Director of Biologic & Bioacoustic Research

Forrest Gomez
Director of Medicine

Lori Schwacke
Chief Scientist for Conservation Medicine

Mark Beeler
Deputy Program Manager
