The People Behind the Work

Barbara Wiseman co-founded The Earth Organization in 2003 with Dr. Lawrence Anthony and currently serves as International President, leading global initiatives and strategic development efforts. She brings more than 30 years of experience in management consulting, public relations, and international project management.

Driven by the search for scalable environmental solutions, Barbara helped assemble a team of scientists and specialists to validate and expand emerging water location technologies capable of identifying sustainable water resources in drought-prone regions. This work led to the development and implementation of Deep Seated Water Technology, now being used internationally to support communities facing water scarcity.

Her work focuses on building strategic alliances and advancing practical environmental solutions that benefit both humanity and ecosystems worldwide.

Yvette Taylor leads The Earth Organization's international headquarters in Durban, South Africa. Prior to joining the organization, she worked extensively in both municipal and private sectors as a certified Town and Regional Planner with expertise in sales, marketing, administration, business development, and personnel training.

Following the passing of Dr. Lawrence Anthony, Yvette played a critical role in advancing and safeguarding his work. Her efforts have included helping establish community wildlife preserves that benefit both indigenous communities and wildlife, raising global awareness about rhino poaching, supporting anti-poaching helicopter initiatives, expanding environmental education programs for children in KwaZulu-Natal, and growing the organization's international chapter network.

Mari Corey developed a passion for environmental issues while growing up in rural New Mexico. After spending more than 20 years working in Hollywood as an actress and comedian, she now supports The Earth Organization through media relations, communications strategy, and relationship development with key allies and advocates.

With more than 20 years of experience in marketing and business communications, Yolande Kruger founded Be BOLD Consulting in 2010 as an independent marketing and training consultancy. Her work focuses on bold, creative, and practical branding and communication strategies designed to help organizations grow while remaining mission-focused.

Elizabeth Augspurger serves as Executive Assistant to President Barbara Wiseman and Director of Public Relations. She holds an Associate's degree in English and has a longstanding commitment to environmental conservation and has participated in community-focused initiatives in Puerto Rico, Kenya, and other international regions supporting environmental sustainability and local development efforts.

Bill Butler has over 40 years of leadership in finance, mortgage banking, and business operations. He has managed multi-million-dollar portfolios, launched and scaled financial enterprises, 10X'd non-profit operations and steered innovation in water technology and environmental solutions, and brings deep expertise in strategic executive management.

A Gold Star Family whose son died on a mission for the Army's 160th Nightstalker Airborne Unit, Mr. Butler is also the Founder of Welcome Home, a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to help veterans with financial services and consulting enabling them to acquire homes.

James D'Arezzo brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience across technology, software, energy, and corporate growth sectors. Throughout his career he has served in CEO, COO, Senior Vice President, and General Manager roles.

Most recently, he led Condusiv Technologies, overseeing the sale of more than 100 million software licenses while guiding the company through a successful modernization and growth strategy.

Arlin Howles earned his Master's degree in Geology from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geology from Edinboro State University. He is a Certified Petroleum Geologist and Professional Geologist in Texas with more than 23 years of hydrogeological and environmental consulting experience.

His expertise includes geological mapping, water supply impact analysis, oil and gas operations, fault studies, environmental site assessments, remediation programs, and industrial water well development. He has supervised major drilling projects across the United States and Canada and has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications.

Dr. Tigran Sadoyan is a hydrologist, geologist, engineer, and GIS analysis specialist with extensive experience in environmental compliance, natural hazard assessment, and sustainable water resource identification.

He earned his Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from the University La Sapienza in Rome and also completed advanced studies in Engineering, Geology, and Hydrogeology of Tropical and Subtropical Regions in Germany. His expertise includes geospatial analysis, geological mapping, environmental risk assessment, satellite imaging, database analysis, and sustainable groundwater targeting.

Dr. Sadoyan has authored numerous research papers and collaborated on interdisciplinary scientific and governmental initiatives internationally. He is fluent in Armenian, Italian, Russian, and English.

Marc has 35 years of experience spanning technology, creative media, and project leadership. Starting his career as a network engineer and administrator, he gained extensive experience in solving complex technical challenges and designing reliable, scalable systems. His expertise expanded into sales engineering and water location project management for both remote and field site analysis, where he combines technical knowledge and strategic planning to deliver successful outcomes.

William "Will" Roncali first became involved with The Earth Organization through his work with Oil Spill Eater International and later volunteered in Tanzania during early Deep Seated Water research initiatives in 2016.

Will has managed IT operations for organizations ranging from private companies to the U.S. military, supporting as many as 1,200 users and overseeing complete technical infrastructures. As Media Director, he manages digital operations, advertising campaigns, educational media development, and organizational technology systems while continuing to improve the organization's online presence and communications capabilities.

As an accomplished technology leader and CTO at Grant Street Group, Mr. Denis specializes in driving innovation and excellence in technology solutions, with an emphasis on facilitating access to technology and innovation. Throughout his career he has empowered local governments to streamline operations, enhance transparency, and better serve their communities. His knowledge and skill related to technology implementation provides key insight to these issues for The Earth Organization.

Steven Pedigo is a biotechnology specialist and environmental remediation expert focused on oil spill mitigation, wastewater treatment, and soil restoration technologies.

He developed OSE II, an enzymatic bioremediation solution designed to accelerate the natural breakdown of oil and chemical spills in marine and terrestrial environments. His company operates globally on large-scale environmental remediation projects.

David Supple is the founder and CEO of New England Design & Construction, an award-winning architectural design-build firm known for its focus on sustainable and environmentally conscious development.

His work emphasizes the relationship between architecture, sustainability, and Cooperative Ecology™ principles.

Marilyn Westropp serves as President of the Suncoast Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) in Tampa, Florida.

She graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Business Administration and Management and comes from a military family background. Her professional experience spans both for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations, with a focus on business development and community outreach.

In her role with AUSA, she has developed strong relationships with military leadership and has deep experience in supporting veterans and service members transitioning into civilian life. She brings valuable insight into military-community engagement, organizational leadership, and veteran support initiatives.

Dr. Perri's impressive career as a professor, President, Superintendent, Dean, senior administrator and consultant in higher education for seven California, New York and Florida colleges since 1979 provides a deep understanding of academia and its processes. She is currently the Superintendent and President Emerita of Citrus College in California, and the President of the Hubbard College of Administration in Tampa. Her valuable guidance in educational systems and curricula is sincerely appreciated.

Bettina Koch holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from The Open University in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, and has completed postgraduate environmental technology studies in Switzerland. She is fluent in English, German, and Swiss-German, with working knowledge of French and Spanish.

Her work focuses on environmental restoration, ecosystem health, soil enhancement, and Microbial Balancing Technologies (MBT). Bettina has worked alongside leading environmental scientists and institutions in Switzerland and the United Kingdom and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Environmental Management.

Patrick Valtin is the CEO of HireBox and a globally recognized expert in recruitment strategy, talent acquisition, and organizational leadership.

He earned his Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina, specializing in International Marketing and Human Resources.

Over the past 40 years, Mr. Valtin has founded and led three successful management training and talent acquisition companies. He has helped more than 5,000 businesses improve hiring outcomes and has trained over 140,000 business owners across 37 countries in hiring, management strategy, and sales leadership.

In his advisory role, Mr. Valtin and his team will support The Earth Organization in developing and implementing effective recruitment systems, building a compliant HR structure, and strengthening staff acquisition and retention strategies.

Mr. Ferreira has been the CEO and President for the past 41 years of Survival Strategies, Inc., a private practice consulting firm in southern California. He is a highly trained and skilled administrator and consultant, helping over 5,000 medical practice owners and their staff to build strong, highly productive, and financially viable businesses. He has been an advisor to The Earth Organization since its founding.

Merlin Yockstick is an educator, instructional designer, author, and sustainability advocate focused on water systems, education reform, environmental stewardship, and community resilience.

He co-authored The Water Solution and has spent decades developing educational materials and initiatives centered around environmental sustainability, learning systems, and water innovation.

Dr. John Bratton is a Senior Scientist at LimnoTech with more than 25 years of experience in environmental science, ecosystem restoration, groundwater studies, geology, and environmental policy.

He previously served in leadership roles with NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. His work has contributed to more than 100 scientific publications and presentations focused on environmental restoration, freshwater systems, sediment geochemistry, and coastal science.

Robert Gourlay is an environmental researcher and water location specialist with extensive expertise in groundwater discovery, radiometric analysis, salinity mapping, and environmental management.

He has successfully sited more than 1,500 water wells internationally, often in regions where conventional methods had failed. His work also includes research into water structure, biological formulations, soil restoration technologies, and sustainable environmental management practices.

Norman Mueller specializes in earth observation, GIS systems, and remote sensing technologies. His work with Geoscience Australia has contributed to several large-scale satellite-based environmental monitoring initiatives, including land cover mapping and water observation systems.

Dr. Lauren Heine is an internationally recognized expert in green chemistry, environmental engineering, and sustainable materials management. She co-developed GreenScreen® for Safer Chemicals, one of the leading comparative chemical hazard assessment systems used globally.

Her work has influenced environmental policy, safer product design, and sustainable manufacturing practices through collaborations with governments, NGOs, universities, and major corporations including Apple.

Marynette Herndon holds a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering and is both a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager and Registered Environmental Manager.

Her career includes managing large-scale remediation, nuclear cleanup, hazardous waste recycling, and federal environmental compliance programs. She has worked extensively with the U.S. Department of Energy, Superfund projects, and radioactive materials management initiatives.

Patricia Hilgard served for 33 years as a senior toxicologist, risk assessor, and technical review panelist for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C.

Her work included the development of health and environmental criteria for safer commercial chemical ingredients, green chemistry initiatives, and environmental risk assessment training programs. She has contributed extensively to environmental policy and chemical safety initiatives nationally and internationally.

Dr. Elizabeth MacPherson is an Associate Professor specializing in natural resources law, environmental law, and water regulation. Based in New Zealand, her work focuses on water governance, environmental policy, and sustainable legal frameworks for resource management.

Alex Nicholson has more than 45 years of engineering and technical leadership experience spanning mechanical engineering, aerospace systems, thermal analysis, manufacturing, metallurgy, environmental research, and advanced product development.

His career includes work with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory on Mars Rover Curiosity and multiple satellite programs. He has authored numerous technical publications and contributed to interdisciplinary environmental research projects involving coral ecosystems, climate change, and marine restoration.

Lito Avloniti is an accomplished designer and artist whose work has supported humanitarian causes related to human rights, drug prevention, and Cooperative Ecology®. Her artwork has been distributed to thousands of schools across more than 170 countries.

She has collaborated with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and public figures to create educational and awareness campaigns. Her creative work helps communicate environmental and humanitarian issues in visually compelling and accessible ways.

Jeanne Pascal dedicated much of her legal career to environmental law, animal welfare advocacy, and nonprofit initiatives. She served with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approximately 25 years, including as Assistant Regional Counsel and within EPA's Suspension and Debarment Division.

She currently continues her work in wildlife protection and environmental advocacy through nonprofit leadership and advisory roles.

Dr. Ian Raper serves as President of the South African Association for the Advancement of Science and Chair of the Scientific Editors Forum of South Africa.

He has played a major advisory role in several organizational initiatives, including wildlife conservation campaigns and international scientific collaboration efforts.

Peter Russell is a Professional Engineer with extensive experience in industrial engineering, sustainable building technologies, energy systems, and healthy housing initiatives.

He previously managed research and development projects for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and represented Canada on multiple international sustainability and energy forums.

Dr. Paul Sammarco is a marine ecologist and coral reef researcher with more than 40 years of international scientific experience. His interdisciplinary work spans ecology, climate science, geology, oil spill remediation, and environmental policy.

He has authored more than 235 scientific publications and held leadership positions across major environmental and marine research organizations.

Dr. Ian Stewart is a historian specializing in the history of science and technology at the University of King's College in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

John Turley has decades of leadership experience in petroleum engineering, offshore drilling, operations management, and energy systems. His career includes senior leadership roles with Marathon Oil as well as academic work in petroleum engineering.

He is also the author of The Simple Truth: BP's Macondo Blowout.

Dr. Eldar Urmancheyev is an economist, engineer, entrepreneur, and construction risk management expert. His work focuses on advanced land development risk analysis, intellectual property protection, and sustainable real estate development.

Maks Vrecko is the founder of Flaska, a Slovenia-based company focused on innovative approaches to water quality and sustainable hydration technologies.

His work explores water restructuring methods and environmentally responsible alternatives to traditional bottled water packaging.

Dr. Richard Warby specializes in environmental chemistry, soil science, analytical methods development, and environmental quality assurance/quality control systems.

His research includes atmospheric deposition, phytoremediation, pollutant analysis, and environmental monitoring methodologies.

Dr. John Wolfe is Vice President at LimnoTech, where he focuses on scientific innovation, environmental systems analysis, and technical training.

His expertise includes water quality modeling, hazardous waste management, environmental economics, contaminated sediment studies, and groundwater protection systems.

Dr. David Wright is an environmental toxicologist and water treatment specialist with more than 40 years of research experience in aquatic toxicology, oil spill response, ballast water management, and environmental risk assessment.

He has published more than 120 peer-reviewed papers and holds multiple patents related to water treatment technologies.

Lance R Howard is president of Howard Financial, a Bakersfield financial planning firm founded in 1995. Named one of the top five advisors nationwide in 2011 by Senior Market Advisor magazine, Lance has helped his clients and their families identify options to reduce taxes and look for opportunities to get a better return on their money since 1991. Lance Howard is a financial advisor who believes that now, more than ever, it is vital to protect the downside when staying invested in the market. Lance emphasizes income planning using a comprehensive and coordinated approach as a key component to successful retirement planning.

A native Californian, Lance graduated from CSUB with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He is a lifetime member of the MDRT Million Dollar Round Table, Top of the Table. He obtained his Series 65 license for Investment Advisor Representative in 2008. Lance belongs to the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), California Association of Health Underwriters (CAHU), Kern Association of Health Underwriters (KAHU) and the National Ethics Bureau (NEB). Lance hosted the "Asset Protection Hour" on KERN-Talk for five years.

He believes strongly in the importance of being involved and giving back to the community. Lance actively supports The Open Door Network through an annual toy drive and Dustin's Diner as well as the local chapter of the American Red Cross and Stockdale High School.

The Earth Organization is honored to have him on our Advisory Board, helping to guide us in financial decisions in alignment with our philanthropic purposes and fiduciary responsibilities.