Board of Directors
Meet the Board Members of OAR
OAR’s Board of Directors are dedicated to conservation and the advancement of artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. Comprised of leaders in marine biology, environmental science, and conservation policy, our board brings together a wealth of expertise and passion for preserving the Gulf’s ecosystem while fostering sustainable solutions through innovation. Every member strives to create a harmonious balance between nature and human impact, ensuring a thriving future for our oceans.
Alan Richardson
Board Director
Alan Richardson, OAR Board Director for 2010-2018, has been a member of OAR since 1994. He joined the OAR Board as a board member in 2007. Alan has been active in the Big Bend fishing and diving community since the... Read Full Bio.
Della Betz
Board Member
Della Betz joined OAR over 20 years ago and has been actively involved with the Big Bend Saltwater Classic fundraising event, ever since. She served on the BBSC Board of Directors and received the award as its Most Valuable Volunteer... Read Full Bio.
Rob Buda
Research Dive Team Coordinator
Rob Buda holds the position of the OAR Research Dive Team Coordinator. He joined OAR in 1996 with a passion for SCUBA diving and saltwater. He received his SCUBA certification in 1991 while studying at Florida State University. He graduated... Read Full Bio.
Chris Peters
Research Dive Team Member
Chris began his Scientific Diving career at Florida State University in 2009 while contributing to the reef fish ecology research of Dr. Christopher Koenig and Dr. Felicia Coleman. After graduating from FSU with an M.S. in Geographic Information Science in... Read Full Bio.
Mike Redig
Research Dive Team Member
Mike Redig is a member of the OAR Research Dive Team. He joined OAR in 2010 with a passion for SCUBA diving and marine photography/videography. He received his SCUBA certification in 1970 while studying at Polk Community College. He received... Read Full Bio.
Charlie Hood
Board Vice-chairman
A member of OAR since its inception, Charlie is an active angler and occasional diver. He gained his appreciation for OAR while participating every year in the former Big Bend Saltwater Classic fishing tournament, originally conceived and run by OAR.... Read Full Bio.