Chairman of the Board

CJ has a multi-decade background in education as a teacher of students in middle school, high school, and college. Departing the education sector for full-time non-profit efforts. 

Currently, CJ is Executive Director / President of the Sam Shine Foundation. CJ was introduced to Sam Shine and the Foundation’s vision and mission in 2000. Since then, he has been working with the Foundation in some capacity, continuing to ensure the Foundation's landscape-level conservation impact continues in perpetuity. CJ appreciates being able to continue informally teaching others through conservation-related programs in an effort to improve the land ethic of a larger citizenry while being a steward of Creation. Having his boots on the ground and hands on the gears of conservation is important to CJ. It’s critical to continue practicing the field tasks of conservation to directly gauge interactions.

CJ enjoys actively experiencing new natural areas with his family, spending time with family and friends, and following sporting events.

Secretary

Dr. Matthew J. Aresco earned his Ph.D. in Biological Science from Florida State University and has dedicated his career to conservation and restoration ecology. Since 2006, he has served as Director of Nokuse Plantation, leading the restoration of 51,000 acres to the native longleaf pine ecosystem and overseeing one of Florida’s largest gopher tortoise relocation projects. A nationally recognized turtle conservation expert, Dr. Aresco has authored numerous scientific publications and serves on the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. He is Secretary of the Board of Directors for the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center.

Treasurer

Phillip Beaman, CPA, is President & CEO of Monroe Shine & Co., Inc., where he provides strategic financial leadership to businesses and nonprofits. He brings to the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center Board a commitment to education, stewardship, and advancing meaningful connections between people and the natural world.

Board Member

Betty appreciates the beautiful design of natural environments, whether it's amazing wildlife or critical habitat. Betty has championed saving critical natural places for decades. Betty's land conservation efforts are an "encore career" that began in 1995, and she sees great hope in the future generations. Recognizing a need to inspire younger generations to become more connected, inquisitive, and understanding of natural spaces to help restore and protect ecosystems throughout the future.

Board Member