LEADERSHIP TEAM

James Hancock – President & Founder

Jim Hancock holds a master’s degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from MIT, together with a concentration in Economics and Entrepreneurship fulfilled at MIT’s Sloan School. His career experience spans early work as a Marine Engineer in the Oil Industry, to commercial software development in the Windows Utilities market, and later as the general manager and school director of one of the west coast’s largest sailing schools. Twice in his working life Jim has started and successfully run his own businesses as a sole proprietor, first in the 1980s as a computer consultant, and more recently as a 100-ton captain serving clients in the Bay Area. Starting in late 1999, Jim cruised his 39-foot sailboat from California, through Mexico and the South Pacific to Australia.

Jeffery Owens – Secretary

Jeff Owens is a professional fundraiser and is the Salvation Army's West Coast Territorial Direct Marketing Director. He describes himself as a passionate organizational capacity building champion. He has consulted for over 25 years with leading international, national and local organizations to implement long-term sustainable development programs in socially responsible program areas (Education, Social Service, Arts/Culture/Humanities, Health/Science, Environment, Emergency Relief, Civil Society and Human Rights).

Mike Beller – Treasurer

Mike Beller is a seasoned businessman with an educational background in engineering and business experience in consulting and venture capital. Mike earned his bachelor of science degree in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering at Cornell University. Out of school he went into management consulting for Arthur Andersen, which later became Accenture. Later in his career he was in a position to raise venture capital for Diamond Technology Partners, ultimately taking it public. In 2013, Mike and 3 partners, founded CoVenture, a venture capital firm they grew to include VC funds, cryptocurrency funds, and credit opportunity funds. He now works day-to-day as an advisor to early stage startups and is a mentor in the UC Berkeley Blockchain Xcelerator.

Victoria Marcus – Board Member, Board Recorder, Volunteer Coordinator

Victoria Marcus is a Sr. Corporate Development Analyst at Franklin Templeton working on mergers and acquisitions. She has experience working with senior leaders, analyzing companies, and leading due diligence processes. Throughout her time on the team, Franklin has completed seven acquisitions, including the transformational $4.5 billion acquisition of Legg Mason in 2020, making Franklin Templeton one of the largest asset managers. Her role, coupled with her global perspective from being born in France, raised in Arizona and studying abroad in Hong Kong while at UC Davis, has given Victoria experience in adaptability, working effectively with different teams and personalities, and the love of contributing to the future of an organization. Victoria received a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Relations from UC Davis, with honors.

Philip (Pip) Ziman – Board Member

Philip (Pip) Ziman comes to the SSC following a 30-year career as a Human Resources professional in global high tech. He most recently held the position of VP Global Human Resources at Nanometrics. His previous senior level HR positions were at Bazaarvoice, Taleo, and Cypress Semiconductor. Pip earned a double major in Economics and Psychology from the University of California at Santa Cruz and a master’s degree in Business Administration from San Jose State University. He also attended Stanford University’s Executive Development Program. In addition to his academic credentials, Pip holds a US Coast Guard Master's license and actively supports local youth, sailing and religious non-profit organizations.