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

Victoria Marcus has over 8 years of experience working in the asset management industry primarily working on mergers and acquisitions and strategic corporate initiatives. She has a passion for helping shape a company's direction and making an impact. Throughout her time on the team, Franklin made the transformational $4.5 billion acquisition of Legg Mason in 2020, making Franklin Templeton one of the largest asset managers. Victoria is currently pursuing her MBA at UC Berkeley, Haas and has 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.

Preston Thomas – Board Member

Bio coming soon.

Natalie Corkhill - Community Engagement Coordinator

Natalie Corkhill is an Earth Science graduate from San Francisco State University, with a passion for sailing and a talent for connecting people. At the Sailing Science Center, she oversees event organization, coordinates volunteers, and builds relationships. Growing up in the Encinal Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program, Natalie has a natural affinity for the world of sailing. Her love for the outdoors extends to mountain biking, bodysurfing, free-diving, and sailing in Santa Cruz, her current home.

Lars Anderson - Exhibits Team Leader

Bio coming soon.

Sailing Science Center Advisory Committee

John Arndt - Publisher, Latitude 38 Magazine

Andrew Roberts - Former COO Northwest Airlines

Ana Blanco - Executive Director, International Ocean Film Festival