OWI’s leadership team brings over 70 years of combined experience in wildlife management, external affairs strategy, emergency response, and operational leadership.
OWI’s synergistic portfolio spans the full spectrum of conservation and emergency response—from preparing communities and professionals, to responding in real time, to supporting recovery through research, policy, and economic revitalization. This Prepare–Respond–Recover approach defines OWI’s leadership in advancing wildlife resiliency across regions and sectors.
Jesse Gilbert
President and Chief Executive Officer
Jesse provides strategic leadership for the Institute’s wildlife resiliency strategy and business operations. Jesse led the development of the leading coastal wildlife rescue program in the United States and, working with Federal and State agencies, created the country’s first emergency operations…
Jesse provides strategic leadership for the Institute’s Wildlife Resiliency strategy and business operations. Jesse led the development of the leading coastal wildlife rescue program in the United States and, working with Federal and State agencies, created the country’s first emergency operations center for wildlife disasters, the Wildlife Response Operations Center.
Jesse holds a bachelor’s degree in Marine and Field Science, a Master’s of Science in Fisheries and Mariculture, and a Master’s of Business Administration. Jesse serves on the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi College of Science Advisory Board and serves as an Adjunct Professor.
Jennifer Vela
Executive Vice President and Chief Affairs Officer
Jennifer is responsible for developing and executing legislative, marketing, and communication strategies that focus on expanding the Institute’s role as a leader in conservation…
Jennifer is responsible for developing and executing legislative, marketing, and communication strategies that focus on expanding the Institute’s role as a leader in conservation and wildlife rescue.
Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a minor in Media from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and is a member of the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Alumni Association. She is also actively involved in various community organizations, serving on the Board of Directors for the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, Visit Corpus Christi, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Public Relations Committee.
Justin Sefcik
Chief Strategy Officer
Over the course of his career, Justin has responded to multiple wildlife emergencies involving many species while simultaneously operating the country’s fourth-largest aquarium. He has experience collaborating with state and federal agencies and other stakeholders along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Over the course of his career, Justin has responded to multiple wildlife emergencies involving many species while simultaneously operating the country’s fourth-largest aquarium. He has experience collaborating with state and federal agencies and other stakeholders along the Texas Gulf Coast. Justin holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from the Evergreen State College, as well as a Master of Tourism Management from Colorado State University and a Professional Certificate in Strategic Management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. A native of Nacogdoches, Texas, Justin now resides in Corpus Christi with his wife and two children.
Sarah “Ziggy” Zigmond
Chief Wildlife Officer
As Chief Wildlife Officer, Sarah Zigmond leads the development and oversight of the Institute’s conservation programs. Her role bridges field response with long-term planning, ensuring that science, policy, and public impact…
As Chief Wildlife Officer of the Oceans and Wildlife Institute, Sarah Zigmond leads the development and oversight of the Institute’s conservation programs. Her role bridges field response with long-term planning, ensuring that science, policy, and public impact are aligned to protect wildlife across the Gulf coast and beyond.
Sarah works closely with state and federal partners to shape response protocols, guide permitting and regulatory compliance, and strengthen collaboration across agencies and conservation organizations. She also oversees the operational integration of wildlife efforts, including emergency response, rehabilitation programs, and animal care practices.
Emily McCauley
Chief of Staff
As Chief of Staff, Emily works closely with the OWI leadership team to drive organizational efficiency, facilitate internal and external communications, and support implementation of key initiatives. She plays a central role in connecting people, processes, and priorities to advance OWI’s mission.
As Chief of Staff, Emily works closely with the OWI leadership team to drive organizational efficiency, facilitate internal and external communications, and support implementation of key initiatives. She plays a central role in connecting people, processes, and priorities to advance OWI’s mission. With a background in marine science and experience in communications, outreach, and project management, she brings a unique perspective to OWI. Emily earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of North Texas in 2005 and a Master of Science in Biology with a marine focus from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi in 2009. Her career spans field biology work for state and federal agencies, hands-on animal care and education as a senior aquarist at the Texas State Aquarium, and leadership in science communication and marketing.
Mike “Griff” Griffin
Emergency Management Director
Mike “Griff” Griffin is a seasoned manager of emergency operations. He plays a vital role in all aspects of emergency preparation, response, and recovery in wildlife rescue operations.
Mike “Griff” Griffin is a seasoned manager of emergency operations. He plays a vital role in all aspects of emergency preparation, response, and recovery in wildlife rescue operations. With extensive experience in incident management, disaster response, and emergency management from his 20-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard, Griff collaborates with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure the Institute is ready for any potential hazards. He excels in developing comprehensive emergency management plans, enhancing response capabilities through training and exercises, and managing large-scale operations in the event of wildlife disasters.
Nicole Gaertner
Director of Education
Nicole Gaertner serves as the Director of Education, where she provides strategic leadership for STEMM education and community engagement initiatives that advance OWI’s mission. A central focus of Nicole’s role is workforce development, equipping the next generation with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration to become leaders in STEMM-related fields.
Nicole Gaertner serves as the Director of Education, where she provides strategic leadership for STEMM education and community engagement initiatives that advance OWI’s mission. A central focus of Nicole’s role is workforce development, equipping the next generation with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration to become leaders in STEMM-related fields. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. She brings extensive experience in informal science education and leadership, having served as President of the Informal Science Education Association of Texas, where she continues to serve on the board.
Lucy Nix
Development Manager
Lucy Nix serves as Development Manager where she drives fundraising programs and cultivates donor relationships to support initiatives in wildlife rescue, conservation, and education. Lucy brings experience with her background in non-profit…
Lucy Nix serves as Development Manager where she drives fundraising programs and cultivates donor relationships to support initiatives in wildlife rescue, conservation, and education. Lucy brings experience with her background in non-profit fundraising, marketing, and advocacy from both state and national arenas.
She graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Video, supplemented by a minor in Marketing. Beyond her professional endeavors, Lucy is committed to her community. She is the President-Elect for the Young Professionals of the Coastal Bend’s Board of Directors. Previously, Lucy contributed her expertise as a Board Member of the Rockport-Fulton Young Professionals and the American Advertising Federation- Coastal Bend.