Bob Evans, Master of Science (Hon. Causa), Co-Founder
Bob is widely regarded as an Ocean‑technology pioneer, with 1,000’s of hours logged offshore and underwater. 30+ patents issued in his name; products included in the Design & Architecture Department for the New York Museum of Modern Art, the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, and “Time Magazine Innovation of the Year,” among his hundreds of publications. He designed underwater imaging systems & remote operating vessels (ROV) that contributed to foundational capabilities for subsea operations. Installed ocean observatories & established sector-defining aquaculture programs, collaborating with industry stakeholders to pioneer and execute alternative uses of offshore infrastructure in the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf (POCS).
Susanne Chess, Managing Director, Co-Founder
Strategic planner, organizational architect, and serial entrepreneur with 30+ years in corporate management and global business development. Built Force Fin from start‑up into a globally recognized and distributed brand. Developed commercial models and positioning for subsea desalination. Directs company scope, team alignment, and strategic partnerships.
“I have lived near and on the Ocean most of my life. I love the Ocean, but my primary drive with Tiabzu is that I love working on grand projects. My role is to motivate others.”
Tim Foresman PhD, Policy Advisor
Former Chief Scientist, UN Environment Programme. National Lead for NASA Digital Earth Initiative. Holds a Master’s in water engineering and participated in reverse osmosis system and ocean thermal energy conversion development with the US Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory (NCEL).
“The economic future and Earth systems future are interconnected. We should seek out the best solutions for both to the betterment of all humans.”
Ryan Elliott PE (Mech), Ocean Engineering Lead
Subsea systems engineer with 20+ years of offshore experience in design, testing, and deepwater installation across global basins, including the Pacific, Indian Ocean and polar environments. Known for executing complex subsea deployments—getting large‑scale systems to depth and back safely.
“I have been aware of water scarcity issues since childhood and see fresh, clean water as a major concern all around the world.”
Michael Hollander PE (Chem), Concept Design Engineering Lead
Vice President at Innovative Design, Inc. (IDI), leading the multi‑disciplinary team behind the Tiabzu concept design. Decade of experience delivering multi‑million‑dollar projects within highly controlled, complex industrial environments.
“Investing my time and energy to make potable water more accessible is giving back to the people I have come to deeply care about.”
Dan Tormey PhD, Geochemistry (MIT), BS Civil Engineering (Stanford), Science Advisor
Managing Director, Catalyst Environmental Solutions, 2018 SPE Environment and Safety Award. Named to National Academy of Sciences, Science Advisory Board.
“Our team looks at water scarcity with a different lens and as a result has found methods to produce fresh water from ocean sources in a benign manner, and with innovative ways to use containerized fresh water to solve a variety of challenges associated with offshore development. Add Bob’s artist’s view, seeing things differently and in beautiful ways, inspired me to join our team.”
Dave Blankenhorn PG, (Stanford) Regulatory Advisor
President of Catalyst Environmental Solutions, an award-winning environmental consulting firm. Leads permitting, regulatory compliance, and environmental strategy for offshore development and deployment.
“I am inspired by Tiabzu’s innovative solution to address water supply needs while minimizing impacts on the environment.”
Mike Edwards JD, External Relations
Oil and Gas energy executive with 25+ years in offshore development and operations as regulatory interface, community and governmental communications. Led Investor Relations at PDC Energy, overseeing public company communications and stakeholder engagement.
“Producing fresh water from the ocean isn’t difficult, but doing so in a manner that minimizes impacts on the sea life is vital to the health of the oceans.”
Lou Mastriani JD, IP/International Trade
Former Member, U.S. International Trade Commission; Chambers-ranked in IP & international trade. Advises on IP strategy, US & international trade compliance.
“I immediately recognized that the Tiabzu project is revolutionary on several levels and applications.”