2025 HIMB Director's Council Members
Chris Burniske
Chris Burniske is a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency and venture capital world, best known as a co-founder of Placeholder, a New York-based venture firm specializing in cryptoassets. A former analyst at Ark Invest and author of the influential book Cryptoassets, Burniske has become a unique voice in the industry by balancing his high-tech career with a lifestyle rooted on the North Shore of O‘ahu. He often highlights the contrast between his work in decentralized technology and his personal life, which is centered around surfing, nature, and the serene environment of Hawai‘i. His presence on the North Shore reflects his philosophy of finding harmony between innovation and a grounded, mindful way of living.
Bruce Jacobsen
Bruce Jacobsen is a distinguished financial advisor and a key member of the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) Director's Council. A prominent figure in the finance industry, Jacobsen is a managing director and senior portfolio manager at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. He brings his extensive expertise in investment management and strategic planning to his role on the council, where he provides critical guidance to support HIMB's mission of tropical marine research and education. Jacobsen's involvement reflects a strong commitment to supporting Hawaii's unique environment and scientific community.
Richard Jaffe
Richard Jaffe is a seasoned executive and operating partner at Overton Capital, specializing in early-stage investments for consumer-focused startups. With a career spanning over 25 years as a highly regarded sell-side analyst on Wall Street, he has a deep understanding of the retail sector. Jaffe began his career with hands-on retail experience, where he gained valuable operational knowledge before transitioning to finance. He shares his extensive knowledge by teaching the Global Retail Management course at GFM and holds a BA and MA in American Civilization from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Columbia University.
Herb Lee
Herb Lee, Jr. is a Native Hawaiian leader known for his extensive work in culture-based education and environmental stewardship. As President and CEO of the Pacific American Foundation (PAF) and a founder of the Waikalua Loko Fishpond Preservation Society, he has led programs that have trained thousands of teachers and benefited countless students across Hawai‘i. Lee's efforts focus on connecting traditional ecological knowledge with modern science, and he has been widely recognized for his contributions, including being named a Cesar Chavez Champion of Change by President Obama. He is a respected advocate for education, cultural preservation, and the well-being of the land and sea.
JP Maheu
JP Maheu, or Jean-Philippe Maheu, is a distinguished executive in the digital marketing and technology sectors. He is widely recognized for his leadership roles at some of the world's most influential companies. Maheu was a Global Vice President of Advertising Sales at Twitter, where he led the company's relationships with top marketers. His career includes serving as the CEO of Bluefin Labs, a social TV analytics company that was acquired by Twitter. Prior to that, he held prominent positions as the Global CEO of Publicis Modem, the digital marketing unit of Publicis Worldwide, and as the Chief Digital Officer of Ogilvy & Mather. With a background in building and scaling digital businesses, Maheu brings a wealth of experience in technology, strategy, and leadership to his advisory and board roles.
Manuel Mejia
Manuel Mejia leads the Hawai‘i program for the Coral Reef Alliance, where he applies a biocultural and science-based approach to positively impact ecosystems and human well-being. With over two decades dedicated to building community resilience through biodiversity conservation, he has worked with organizations around the world, including the World Wildlife Fund and The Nature Conservancy. Manuel holds master's degrees in agricultural and biosystems engineering from McGill University and in environmental science and policy from Columbia University. He is a passionate student of humanity's inextricable relationship with the ocean, a connection deepened by his experience as a crew member on Hokule‘a, Hawai‘i's traditional voyaging canoe, during her Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage.
Josh Nakazawa
Josh Nakazawa is a cellist and founder of Mana Music Hawaii, a company that provides musicians for events across the state. A tenured member of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, Nakazawa is a highly accomplished musician with degrees from Manhattan School of Music and Southern Methodist University. He is known for his dedication to community music outreach and his commitment to blending his classical training with Hawaiian culture. Josh serves as a Coral Ambassador for the Coral Reef Alliance and is a member of the Directors Council for the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, where he uses musical performance to highlight the importance of coral reef restoration.
Pamela Omidyar
Pamela Omidyar is a distinguished philanthropist and a key supporter of marine science, with a deep personal connection to Hawai‘i. Holding a bachelor's degree in biology from Tufts University and a master's in plant molecular genetics, she brings a scientific perspective to her work. Along with her husband, Pierre, she founded The Omidyar Group, a collection of organizations dedicated to social impact. Her passion for the ocean drives her support of the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB), where her philanthropy has helped fund critical research infrastructure, including a confocal microscope facility. She is also actively involved with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and is a strong advocate for the preservation of culture and the natural environment.
Louise Packard
Louise Burnham Packard is an experienced executive director and passionate advocate for social and racial justice. Her career is distinguished by a focus on strategy, fundraising, and community engagement, with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. With a Master's in English from Middlebury College and a background in development and administration at institutions like Yale University and Harvard Business School, Packard's work is driven by a deep dedication to creating equitable opportunities and fostering community resilience.
Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro is a world-renowned ukulele player and composer from Honolulu, Hawai‘i, celebrated for his innovative and virtuosic playing style. After first gaining popularity in Hawai‘i with the band Pure Heart, he achieved international fame in 2006 when a video of his rendition of George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" went viral on YouTube. Often called "the Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele," Shimabukuro has redefined the instrument, effortlessly blending elements of jazz, rock, blues, and classical music. He has performed for audiences worldwide, collaborated with a diverse range of artists including Yo-Yo Ma and Jimmy Buffett, and has been nominated to serve on the National Council on the Arts, cementing his status as a musical innovator and cultural ambassador.
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