Bashir Ahmed
Chair
Bashir oversees the development and operations of Aeon for Ocean. His business acumen and technical expertise has proven valuable in Aeon for Ocean initiative. He has been the driving force behind upbringing of Aeon for Ocean's organizational entity, forging partnerhip with organizations alike, online presence, etc. He always has been an avid advocate of investing in science and engineering.
Professionally and personally has been involved in various aspects of business development & technology for years and passionate about STEM education. He continues learning about marine life & ecosystem and has been studying about marine habitats and ocean conservation for past several years and believes "it is about knowing and recognizing that we are part of everything, and everything is a part of us - We are One"
Ryan Quane
Treasurer
Ryan currently works in Treasury at Apollo Global Management Inc. Prior to working in Treasury, he also spent time as a business operations consultant. He graduated from Villanova University, with a degree in Finance and International Business. He looks forward to sharing his skillset with Aeon for Ocean, helping to push forward the mission of ocean conservation and protection.
Clark Johnson
Clark is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Pepperdine University's Graziadio Business School in Malibu, CA, where he teaches various marketing subjects at the graduate level. He earned his Ph.D. in marketing and international business from Saint Louis University. Prior to pursuing his PhD, he worked for several Fortune 500 companies, including BNY Mellon, State Street Bank, Citigroup, and Fireman’s Fund. He also holds a MA in Economics and Finance from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, an MBA from the University of Central Missouri, and a BA from Hannibal-LaGrange University, where he competed on the baseball team. Clark grew up in Saint Louis, and strongly believes in raising awareness about ocean conservation among his midwestern peers and in encouraging a sense of personal agency for today's youth. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, golfing, music, and watching live sports.
Gilbert Pontes III
Gil joins the board of Aeon for Ocean with a keen focus on organizational development/fundraising efforts. As the Director of Development for The Nora Project, Gil brings a unique perspective and skill set to grow Aeon for Ocean’s individual and institutional giving, and grant portfolio. As a former elected official, he also understands and provides guidance as needed regarding regulatory matters and governmental relations. Gil’s love affair with our oceans and waterways started as a child in southeastern Massachusetts. With frequent travels to local beaches aligning Cape Cod and the coasts of Rhode Island, it gave Gil a deep love and appreciation of our aquatic environments and a desire to ensure future generations know of our oceans' beauty. Gil currently resides in Providence, RI.
Patrick Tillisch
Patrick is an attorney in Big Sky, Montana at Griffith & Cummings. He brings prior Board of Directors experience and a passion for conservation to the team. Patrick is originally from Fargo, North Dakota, and holds a Juris Doctor from The University of Montana School of Law, where he also received a certificate in Natural Resources and Environmental Law. During law school, Patrick interned at the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
After law school, Patrick was an attorney in Seattle with Perkins Coie. He is also the current the Program Director with Big Sky Futbol Club, the youth soccer club in Big Sky, and is actively providing consulting to Guided Opportunities, a non-profit which focuses on community development by offering educational opportunities to communities in Honduras.
