Meet Our Team

PRESIDENT
Avery Ancell
I am a fourth year Biology Major from Denver, Colorado. I've been involved in Surfrider Core Team since freshman year and worked as the event coordinator, but I am excited take on the role of president:) In my free time you can find me in the water; I love scuba diving, swimming, and surfing.
“Finding what you had in mind
and seizing the moments and the tides” -Goth Babe

PRESIDENT
Dillon Behling
I am a fourth year Mechanical Engineering major. This is my second year as president and I am looking forward to a great year!
I love to be in nature from the mountains to the ocean, from the rocks to the surf. Our collective responsibility is to protect the places we love and give us life, we owe it to Mother Nature to give back and protect Her as She gives us everything. Let us plant the seeds to one day harmonize with ALL, together. Always give a big hug to all, you always have mine :)

TREASURER
Sammy Kais
I’m a third year Agricultural Business major from San Jose, California. I spend as much time out in nature as I can, so I love to give back when I can, which is why Surfrider is so important to me! I have worked as a co-leader for both our Rise Above Plastics and our Blue Water Task Force Programs, and now I am taking over as treasurer.
“It is every man's obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it. Give back to the world at least what you've received.”
- Albert Einstein

DIRECTOR OF MEDIA
Aidan Dillon
I’m a second year journalism major from Encinitas, California. I’ve lived right by the ocean my whole life, so it’s always been one of my favorite places and something I truly appreciate. I joined Surfrider my freshmen year as a part of the media team, and it’s been one of my favorite things about Cal Poly. I’m excited to keep working with some great people to help keep the coast clean!

DIRECTOR OF BEACH CLEANUPS
Kathryn Vakili
I am a fourth year Business Administration Major from Folsom, California. This is my second year leading Beach Cleanups for Surfrider!
“It's surely our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us, but for all life on Earth” -David Attenborough

DIRECTOR OF BEACH CLEANUPS
Caitlin Burditt
I am a fifth year Sociology major with an emphasis in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration from Moorpark, California. I have a passion for wildlife and the protection and enjoyment of our oceans and beaches. This is my second year leading Beach Cleanups for Surfrider and I am looking forward to spreading awareness throughout the community.
“Don’t worry about a thing, because every little thing is gonna be alright” Bob Marley

DIRECTOR OF BLUE WATER TASK FORCE
Nicolas Smith
I am a second year Environmental Management and Protection major. Originally from San Diego, I loves the ocean, hiking, and listening to music.
“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” - Bob Marley

DIRECTOR OF RISE ABOVE PLASTICS
Audrey Gregg
I am currently a second year in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration. I am the lead of Rise Above Plastics and I hope to incorporate my passion of limiting single use plastics and my love for the ocean.
“In order to be remembered, leave nothing behind but love.” - Yogi Tea

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Darby Godman
I am a third year graphic communication major from San Diego, California. I was a part of the San Diego chapter of Surfrider, and I am super excited to get more involved in Cal Poly’s chapter!
“Let us develop respect for all living things. Let us try to replace violence and intolerance with understanding and compassion. And love.” -Jane Goodall

DIRECTOR OF OCEAN FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS
Claire Anderson
I’m a second year Recreation, Parks, & Tourism Administration Major from Hastings, Nebraska. I joined Surfrider and the core team last year to gain a community of good, earthy people! When I have spare time I love to hike, camp, swim, and spend anytime outside with friends!
“The first time I realized I was living in this world I was probably looking at the sky” -Fruit Bats

DIRECTOR OF JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
Kenneth Taylor
I am a second year mechanical engineer. I’m most recently from Eastern Washington, but I’m a navy brat so I have lived in San Diego and Maryland.
“I had always wanted a Stag jacket, but never had the money to buy one.” -Percy E Brandon

DIRECTOR OF GREEKS FOR THE SEAS
Ku'ulei Neher
I am a fourth year Environmental Management and Protection Major, with an Entrepreneurship Minor. I have been involved with Surfrider since my freshman year.
A fun fact is that I sew and design my own clothes!!

CORE TEAM MEMBER
Lauren Londoño
I am a fourth year Nutrition Science major with a minor in Political Science from the Bay Area! I have been an active member of Surfrider since her first quarter, helping plan the film festival, house concerts, & other events! I am super stoked that I found Surfrider because of all the amazing & talented individuals that I've met along the way!
"Quiet the mind and the soul will speak."
-Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati

CORE TEAM MEMBER
Kate Tovey
Third year Environmental Management & Protection major with a Communications minor. I grew up in the San Fransisco Bay Area, but recently moved to the Big Island of Hawaii!
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” -Walt Disney

CORE TEAM MEMBER
Sofia Pazooki
Sofia is a third year Business major and leading our Sororities for the Seas Program.
Want to Join Core Team?
Message us on Slack!


