Leadership

Dr. Everett founded EVCARF in 2020 after his 31 year career at NOAA and 17 years as Founder and President of Ocean Associates, Inc. He founded EVCARF with a strategic goal to provide outstanding conservation and research results and information to the scientific and regulatory bodies and to concerned citizens. He is passionate about attracting, developing and inspiring diverse talent. In addition to his desire for maintaining relationships with the teams he has led or worked with over decades in the governement and private arenas, Dr. Everett is committed to growing and adapting with the changing needs of our conservation community, both domestically and internationally. Earlier in his career he was a commercial fisherman, Chapter Chair for several subjects for the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC: Polar Regions, Oceans, Coastal Zones, and Fisheries), established and managed the UN Atlas of the Oceans in Rome, and was an Apollo Program launch vehicle (Saturn) and then space craft (Lunar Module) systems engineer. Dr. Everett holds a Doctorate and Masters from Florida State University focused on quantitative systems analysis, administration of federal natural resource agencies, and natural resources research and management. He also has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Massachusetts.

Kristin L. Vehrs - President

George Vehrs is Senior Advisor and a board member of the Everett-Vehrs Conservation and Research Foundation. Col. Vehrs (USAF ret.) is widely recognized for his skills as an experienced manager for the US Air Force and Boeing. Among his leadership roles have been: Commander Zweibrücken Air Base; Base Commander Lindsey Air Station and Commander Tinker Air Force Base. For the Boeing Company, he was Finance Manager for Minuteman and E-6 Programs and Business Manager for AWACS programs.

Pres. Reagan with Col. George J. Vehrs - Senior Advisor and Member, Board of Directors

Nona S. Henderson, PhD is a Finance & Operations Management Executive with a strong track record of success in leading finance, operations, and accounting functions for top-tier organizations. She has extensive experience in strategic planning, financial management, budgeting, and analysis. Nona is skilled in team building, leadership, and process improvement, with expertise in areas such as accounts payable/receivable, general ledger accounting, risk assessment, and staff training and development. In her career, Nona has achieved several notable accomplishments, including directing multiple departments, generating additional revenue through successful grant writing, managing budget expansions, and contributing to the growth of a CPA firm. She has a proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams, streamline organizational activities, and achieve financial goals. Nona holds a PhD in Human Services for Non-Profits from Capella University, where her research focused on community strengthening and promoting healthier lifestyles. She also has a Master's degree in Counseling and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Faulkner University, as well as an Associate's degree in Liberal Arts. Some of Nona’s responsibilities include accounts receivable, accounts payable, monthly reconciliations, year-end tax reporting and maintaining GAAP financial statements. She is also responsible for the overall financial reporting of EVCARF.

Eric Newton has been with EVCARF since 2020. Since joining Evcarf, his diverse contributions span various business areas, ranging from scientific research to business development. As the Associate Director of Science Programs, he is responsible for grant writing, federal grant management, conducting and supporting original research. His work at EVCARF spans critical topics such as marine mammal conservation, shellfish aquaculture, and climate change. Eric holds a B.S. in Environmental Policy and Planning from Virginia Tech (2019). Currently, he is pursuing a Master of Environmental Management at Duke University.