Ray Allen, Executive Director
Rallen@cbbep.org, 361-885-6204
Ray is the Executive Director of the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program. Ray was twice appointed by the Governor of Texas as the coastal citizen representative to the Coastal Coordination Council. He served on the Policy Committee of the Corpus Christi Bay National Estuary Program and was the founding Chairman of the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation.
Prior to his position with the Estuary Program, Ray was employed by Central Power and Light Company in Corpus Christi as an environmental consultant dealing with issues ranging from endangered species concerns, water and air discharge permits, transmission line routing and the company’s environmental stewardship program.
Ray holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Marine Biology from what is now Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi.
Leo Treviño, Deputy Director
Ltrevino@cbbep.org, 361-885-6244
Leo’s responsibilities include oversight of all project-related matters and supervisory duties for the team of project managers for the CBBEP. Leo has more than 20 years experience in environmental matters and has worked in large industry, manufacturing and consulting throughout his career. He earned his B.S. in Biology from Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi and M.S. in Environmental Engineering from Texas A&M University – Kingsville.
Dustin Cravey, Project Manager
Dcravey@cbbep.org, 361-885-6162
Dustin focuses on overseeing and managing habitat and living resources projects and seeking additional grant funding. He has nearly 10 years of experience in the fields of hazard control and environmental protection. Dustin graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi with a B.S. in Environmental Science & Geology, and received his Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. His academic studies and research have focused on water resources and environmental sustainability in coastal areas.
Owen Fitzsimmons, Coastal Waterbird Scientist
owen@cbbep.org, 361-885-6247
Owen works with CBBEP’s coastal water bird program, monitoring and managing bird populations throughout our 12-county region. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Texas A&M University-Kingsville where his primary focus was on coastal wetlands and waterbirds. He previously worked in habitat management for a private lease on the King Ranch, with Ducks Unlimited and the Texas Forest Service.
Jake Herring, Project Manager
Jherring@cbbep.org, 361-885-6209
Jake is CBBEP’s land manager, coordinating and assisting with habitat protection and conservation projects for the CBBEP 12-county area. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Science from Texas A&M University-College Station and interned at CBBEP.
Anne Hulse, Administrative Assistant
Ahulse@cbbep.org, 361-885-6202
Anne handles all administrative support responsibilities for CBBEP. Her background includes extensive legal and accounting administrative experience.
Lari Jo Johnston, Environmental Educator
Ljjohnston@cbbep.org, 361 885-6207
Lari Jo coordinates our education program, teaching teachers in CBBEP’s Learning on the Edge summer workshop and leading field trips at the Nueces Delta Preserve. She has experience as a classroom teacher and has worked with environmental and educational children’s camps in Corpus Christi, Mathis and Galveston. Lari Jo received a Bachelor’s degree in marine biology with minors in math and education from Texas A&M University – Galveston.
Sara Bounds, Environmental Education Assistant
sbounds@cbbep.org, 361 885- 6207
Sara supports CBBEP’s educational program through field trips and teacher workshops at the Nueces Delta Preserve. She received her Bachelor’s degree in marine biology from Texas A&M University-Galveston. Sara previously worked with the University of Georgia’s Marine Extension Service’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium near Savannah.
Rosario Martinez, Project Manager
rmartinez@cbbep.org, 361 885- 6248
Rosario oversees and manages habitat enhancement and water quality monitoring projects. She previously worked as a project scientist with Naismith Engineering, Inc. performing environmental site assessments and remediation work. Rosario received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in environmental science from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi.
David Newstead, Coastal Waterbird Program Manager
Dnewstead@cbbep.org, 361-885-6203
David conducts and manages projects involving census, survey and management of coastal birds – including colonial-nesting waterbirds, marshbirds and shorebirds – and their habitats in the Texas Coastal Bend. David earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and a Master’s degree from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. His experience has been in research, restoration and conservation of coastal habitats for birds and other wildlife.
Alice Sanchez, Business Manager
Asanchez@cbbep.org, 361-885-6217
Alice’s responsibilities include oversight of all program finances, budget and planning, as well as administration of state and federal contracts for the CBBEP. She has more than 10 years experience in financial and contract related matters and has worked as Contract Manager for the program.
Jace Tunnell, Project Manager
jtunnell@cbbep.org, 361-885-6245
Jace is a Project Manager with a focus on projects that will protect and restore sensitive habitat and living resources along the Texas Coastal Bend. Jace works on water quality projects, ecosystem management and freshwater inflows programs for the Nueces River Delta. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in vertebrate biology and a Master’s degree in marine biology from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
Beth Becerra, Communications Manager
bbecerra@cbbep.org, 361 885-6246
Beth shares the program’s successes through newsletters, fact sheets, the program’s Web site and at community events. She received a journalism degree from Texas Christian University, and was a daily newspaper journalist for nearly 10 years before joining CBBEP.