Coastal Steward Professional – Sandy Rodriguez
Sandy Rodriguez is an Alumni from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi and currently an Environmental Multimedia Advisor for ExxonMobil. In this role she assists with reporting and compliance for Gulf Coast Growth Ventures. Beyond the base roles and responsibilities of her job, Sandy volunteers her time outside of work to coordinate GCGV’s Sustainability Group, a group of employees who further sustainability and volunteer throughout the Coastal Bend. Sandy has coordinated large GCGV volunteer groups for a variety of events every year including Friends of Padre Beach Cleanups, a dock rebuild prior to the Poco Rojo, Kid Fish events, Keep Aransas County Beautiful events, a Nurdle Patrol beachcombing event with Jace Tunnel, and Earth Day Bay Day volunteers. Sandy has organized a number of lunch and learns for GCGV employees on topics ranging from our community air monitoring program to ozone action days in partnership with the Coastal Bend Air Quality Partnership. She’s coordinated hosting TAMU-CC’s Vehicle Emissions Testing program onsite at GCGV, and she has helped coordinate distribution of rain barrels to GCGV’s employees to promote at-home water conservation. Where Sandy really shines is developing and expanding unique programs. Employees working in industry often must wear flame-retardant clothing (FRC), which has a shelf-life. Sandy learned about Magpies and Peacocks, a non-profit fashion design house that aims to repurpose old garments. She then created an FRC recycling program at GCGV for employees to bring old, worn-out flame-retardant clothing to be recycled into new fashion items. She then presented this program to a group of local industry plant managers, several of whom are now expanding her program to their site. Similarly, Sandy led an initiative to collect and recycle cigarette butts and ear plugs at GCGV in partnership with an organization called Terracycle. Since these programs began, GCGV has recycled 16,000 pairs of ear plugs and more than 500 pounds of cigarette filters. She presented these programs to the City of Portland and is working to expand these recycling initiatives for a greater impact. Sandy consistently looks for ways that we can recycle common items and pursues opportunities to educate as many as possible on how we can lower our environmental impact. Her energy and enthusiasm for finding novel ways to recycle and partner with other organizations is unmatched, and she inspires so many at our site to be more environmentally aware and do what we can to reduce our own impact.
Coastal Stewards Volunteer – John Weber
John Weber held the first Corpus Christi National Drive Electric Week (NDEW) in 2017 at Del Mar College, and in 2018 he participated in Earth Day-Bay Day held by the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation, at Heritage Park to bring out Electric Vehicles at the event. Since then, both EV events have attracted the attendance, and interest with numerous car dealerships now participating featuring cars, experts, and the opportunity for the public to get up close and personal with different models. An early adopter of EV ownership, John pioneered customization of a solar powered EV while living in Idaho. Since then, he has voluntarily helped numerous friends and acquaintances purchase EVs, helping accelerate the transition to affordable, accessible EVs for all. By holding the free annual event John encourages learning and positive change in our community. John speaks on the value of EV ownership to civic leaders, citizens, students, and anyone else who will listen. John’s efforts have helped many folks in the Coastal Bend become EV owners. EVs and EV charging stations are now common sights in Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend, and Texas is now the 3rd most numerous EV- ownership state in the US. One of John’s most recent innovations was to arrange for Corpus Christi City Councilman Jim Klein to ride in a Ford F150 Lightning for the 2024 Buc Days Parade. There were 1,000’s of parade attendees and 100’s of parade participants who saw the new model F150 EV being driven by a City Council member. Bottom line, 1000’s of people have attended the NDEW at Del Mar College (2017-2023, with the 2024 event coming up in October) and attend Earth Day Bay Day held by the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation, to see these EV’s. There is a real interest in EV ownership and John Weber is helping people make decisions on which EV model works for them, and our environment!
Coastal Community – Flour Bluff Independent School District
Flour Bluff Independent School District has implemented an innovative and impactful district wide OCEANS program that has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to environmental conservation, education, and community engagement, making a significant difference in the lives of students, educators, and the broader community. The OCEANS Program stands out as a beacon of excellence in environmental education, fostering a deep appreciation for our coastal ecosystems and empowering students to become stewards of the environment. Through a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to learning, the program has successfully integrated science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) concepts with real-world environmental issues, providing students with a holistic understanding of the importance of conservation. One of the key strengths of the OCEANS Program is its emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. From field trips to local estuaries and beaches to community-based conservation projects, students are actively engaged in activities that not only deepen their knowledge but also inspire them to take action and make a positive impact on their surroundings. Moreover, the collaborative nature of the OCEANS Program has been instrumental in building strong partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and community members. By leveraging the expertise and resources of the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program, Friends Redhead Pond, Coastal Bend Audubon, Texas Master Naturalist, Texas Parks and Wildlife US NAVY Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, and the Texas State Aquarium, among others, the program has been able to provide students with unique learning experiences, mentorship opportunities, and access to valuable resources that enrich their educational journey. The impact of the OCEANS Program extends far beyond the school walls, as it has become a catalyst for positive change in the community. Other FBISD programs also contribute to the mission, including the High School’s Interact Club, and the Junior High School’s Coastal Explorers, and is further exemplified by the Elementary School receiving the Green Flag award from the National Wildlife Federation’s Eco Schools Program in June 2024. Through stewardship of their own environmental educational area and wetlands, outreach events, educational workshops, and collaborative projects, students involved in the program have raised awareness about environmental issues, promoted sustainable practices, and inspired others to get involved in conservation efforts. In recognition of its outstanding contributions to environmental education, community engagement, and coastal conservation. The program’s dedication to fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and empowering students to become agents of change embodies the spirit of the award and serves as a model for other educational initiatives.
Education K-12 – Jeff Mitchell, Gregory Portland High School
Jeff Mitchell sponsors an extra-curricular club called the Ocean Science Club at Gregory-Portland High School which allows students to learn more about the oceans. He provides the opportunity for the students to have salt-water aquariums in his classroom, along with frequent trips to Sunset Lake to learn about our coastal ecosystems and where he teaches students different ways of collecting specimens and how to identify them. Quote from a former student: “Mr. Mitchell is a great example of an excellent teacher who wants to see his students learn and succeed. His Aquatic Science Class is one many students look forward to each day. He has a lifelong passion for the subject and shared it with his students through his class. He plans many interactive activities for his students so they see science in action. Some of the most memorable activities are dissecting a shark, measuring pH, and looking after an aquarium. His classroom can put a smile on anyone’s face as it is covered with colorful aquariums and pictures of aquatic life. In addition, he actively seeks out ways to take students on field trips. He has taken several classes to explore the gulf on a boating trip. These trips introduced students to the wildlife they are learning about in class and see it in person.” Additionally, he also helps the club maintain a saltwater tank full of local organisms in his classroom to show everyone what is in our local waters. Whether you are holding a Ctenophora (comb jelly) or kissing a shrimp, Jeff Mitchell makes learning and caring about the ocean exciting and enjoyable.
Education – Higher Education – Dr. Dara Orbach, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
Dr. Dara Orbach’s outstanding contributions to marine science research, education, and conservation exemplify the spirit of excellence and innovation that this award honors. Dara Orbach is an accomplished marine biologist who has conducted groundbreaking research on the complex social dynamics, reproductive strategies, and ecological roles of marine mammals. Her pioneering research has advanced the scientific community’s understanding of marine mammal evolution and been featured in hundreds of media pieces. Dara’s prolific community engagement efforts (e.g., public lectures, educational programs, interviews, collaborative projects with local organizations) have effectively communicated the importance of marine conservation to a broad audience and inspired action towards a more sustainable future. Dr. Orbach’s dedication to higher education is evident through her mentorship of >150 student interns/graduate students on research projects and countless students enrolled in her courses on their academic and scientific journeys. As a professor of marine biology at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, she has instilled in her students a passion for marine environmental stewardship. Dara uses creative flipped classroom designs where students actively engage in learning, and her classes are consistently a favorite among students. Dr. Orbach’s tireless efforts to advance the field of marine biology, educate and empower future generations of marine scientists, and promote environmental stewardship make her an exemplary role model and a true asset to the academic and conservation communities.
Non-Profit Organization – Aransas First Land Trust
Aransas First land trust is preserving Aransas County’s natural treasures for future generations to enjoy. The land trust has quietly been working to preserve and protect Coastal Bend wetlands, shorelines, and woodlands since 2002. Aransas First has worked diligently with the City of Rockport, Town of Fulton, Aransas County, non-profits, school systems, universities, TXDOT, and the Aransas County Navigation District to secure grants, and acquire and/or manage properties for habitat. To date, Aransas First manages more than 300 acres of the three habitat types found on the Lamar and Live Oak peninsulas – Live Oak/Red Bay upland, coastal prairie, and coastal bays/estuaries. The land trust has recently partnered with Aransas County towards the acquisition of 972 acres of Copano Cove wetlands that will enhance community resilience while serving as habitat for several threatened bird species. Aransas First Land Trust manages most of the properties it supports as wildlife refuges with trails and signage to enable public access and education. Last year, with the support of FedEx and the Arbor Day Foundation, Aransas First and the City of Rockport hosted the very first Rockport Arbor Day Festival. This was a weeklong community event during which over 60 Live Oak trees were planted. In March of 2024 Aransas First land trust organized the very first annual Aransas Nature Fest. Nature Fest was a weeklong event in partnership with Aransas Pathways, Texas Master Naturalists, Texas Master Gardeners, City of Rockport Parks & Recreation Department, Goose Island State Park, Viking Kayaks, Rockport Center for the Arts, Rockport Cultural Arts District and Bay Education Center. Visitors were able to learn from Texas Master Naturalists and Texas Master Gardeners about Aransas County’s diverse and vibrant ecosystem. The Fest was a combination of expert talks, naturalist-led walks, children’s activities, self-guided tours, and other nature-oriented activities such as bird and butterfly watching, hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, beachcombing, boat riding, and wildlife photography. Aransas First Land Trust has also been working with the Coastal Bend Alliance for Sustainable Stormwater (CBASS) group to educate the community and its leaders on green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) and other nature-based solutions to flooding and water quality issues. Most recently, Aransas First Land Trust secured funding from the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program to develop a nature trail in partnership with the local Episcopal and Baptist churches. The trail will be built by land trust volunteers on land owned by the churches. It will connect to existing city parks and trails providing residents and visitors access to more bird habitat. The Coastal Bend is experiencing rapid growth and development. The changing landscape is less resilient to storms and sea level rise, less hospitable to birds and marine life, and is altering residents’ sense of place. Aransas First believes now, more than ever, it is time to preserve, maintain, and protect Coastal Bend land and habitat.
Business – WaterStreet Restaurants Founder Brad Lomax
Brad Lomax is a champion of our coastal community–a legendary surfer, local seafood restaurateur, founder of the Texas Surf Conservancy, and a trailblazer in the Texas oyster farming industry. Brad is a committed leader on environmental issues and very deserving of the Coastal Community Award, which recognizes those who have provided farsighted stewardship over the Coastal Bend’s natural resources and for their leadership in enhancing the Coastal Bend’s environments. One of Brad Lomax’s key contributions to our community began many years ago in 2009 while he was running the renowned Water Street Oyster Bar in downtown Corpus Christi. The “Sink Your Shucks” program started as the solution to a serious business problem–what to do with all the oyster shells being discarded from his restaurant. He worked with friends at the Harte Research Institute (HRI) at Texas A & M University Corpus Christi to create an oyster shell recycling program that continues today. The program was the first in Texas that reclaims oyster shells from local restaurants and returns them to our local waters, providing both substrate to form new reefs and habitat for fish, crabs, and other organisms. Since its inception, over 3 million pounds of shell have been collected to date and over 45 acres of oyster reef habitat has been restored throughout the Mission-Aransas Estuary in Aransas, Copano, and St. Charles Bays.
From his helm at WaterStreet Restaurants, Brad has done some amazing work in shaping a new, sustainable seafood industry in Texas. His efforts to push for the legalization of oyster farming in Texas were pivotal, helping establish a framework for other oyster farmers and entrepreneurs to follow. By advocating for House Bill 1300 with Representative Todd Hunter, Lomax paved the way for Texas to join other coastal states in adopting oyster farming, which is both economically beneficial and environmentally restorative. Brad founded the first oyster farm in Texas after securing the state’s first mariculture permit in 2020. His farm, the Texas Oyster Ranch located in Copano Bay, is an example of how sustainable aquaculture can thrive in the region, contributing to the local economy while also contributing to a healthy, thriving coastal environment.
Throughout his career and leadership of WaterStreet Restaurants, the “Sink Your Shucks” program, the Texas Oyster Ranch, and now the Texas Surf Conservancy, Brad Lomax expresses his deep commitment and dedication to ensuring thriving marine ecosystems in Texas. He and his teams have created partnerships between nonprofit, business, government, and educational institutions to create a sustainable seafood industry and further the cause for farmed oysters in Texas. His dedication to recycling oyster shells, restoring habitats, engaging in responsible maricultural practices, and educating coastal communities will ensure that future generations will enjoy the long-term health of Texas’ Gulf Coast waters–a truly impactful legacy.
Industry – Corpus Christi Refinery
CITGO is proud of and continues to emphasize its commitment to environmental protection, conservation and restoration. The Corpus Christi Refinery continues to be a leader in the community by investing in long-term programs dedicated to restoring natural habitats while also promoting and demonstrating energy efficiency. Some of the most impactful work in the community originated through the CITGO Caring For Our Coast (CFOC) initiative, which celebrates ten years of impact in 2024. While the program initially focused on coastal conservation and restoration, it has since grown to protect vulnerable coastal and inland habitats. Through key local partnerships, CITGO has invested more than $850,000 and hosted close to 80 volunteer events resulting in more than 12,600 volunteer hours. During that time span, CFOC efforts resulted in 6,300 acres restored, 109,000 pounds of debris collected, and nearly 3,900 plants planted. So far in 2024, volunteers have devoted nearly 250 hours of their personal time to support the Bill Sandifer Big Shell Beach Cleanup, Earth Day Bay Day, a cleanup and planting event at the Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge and Packery Flats Summer Cleanup. CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery also continues to lead the way on operational excellence and sustainability as the only industrial facility in our community with the highly coveted ENERGY STAR® certification. This marked the third time in the last four years that the facility earned this achievement. ENERGY STAR certified plants are verified for energy performance in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide, using less energy and resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Compared to the average facility, the CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery prevents 275,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year. The programs and improvements that led to the certification include the incorporation of real time monitoring units to make units more energy efficient and a prioritization of resources for energy-based capital projects. There have also been several special events at the refinery targeting no cost/low investment energy savings opportunities. The latest effort was a challenge that resulted in more than 130 steam leak repairs across the operating areas of the refinery, significantly reducing energy consumption and reducing emissions. While energy optimization efforts continue at the refinery, CITGO plans to capitalize on strong community partnerships with local organizations. Additional grant money from the Caring For Our Coast initiative will support programs and initiatives from various partners including the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation. It is a privilege for CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery to contribute funds and volunteer manpower to support coastal conservation and restoration in our community.
President’s Award – Robert Adami, Jr.
Robert Adami recently retired from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department after a 35-year career with the natural resource agency. Robert started with TPWD in 1989, working as a Fish and Wildlife Technician, and worked his way up the ranks to Hatchery Biologist and then Hatchery Manager for both the Perry R. Bass Marine Fisheries Research Station in Palacios and then the CCA Marine Development Center in Corpus Christi. As hatchery manager, Robert led his teams in producing millions of red drum and spotted seatrout fingerlings for stocking into Texas coastal bay systems. In 1998, Robert then became the Program Leader for the Shrimp Inspection Program. As program leader for the Shrimp Inspection program, he has worked with regulatory agencies such as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services to help ensure the protection of Texas natural resources. These protections came in the form of ensuring the prevention of exotic species escapements into Texas coastal waters. The preventions were done by routine inspections of exotic species facilities throughout the state to ensure state regulatory safeguards were always in place. Robert also worked with veterinary pathologists at the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory at Texas A&M and the Aquaculture Pathology Laboratory at the University of Arizona to ensure all aquaculturists practiced disease prevention protocols. While working with TPWD, Robert was a Texas representative for the Habitat Subcommittee with the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, worked with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service-Sea Turtle Nesting program, assisted with numerous outings with Texas A&M University and University of Texas students, and held a variety of lectures with Texas Master Naturalists members. Robert has always been involved with nature and the environment and has worked towards protecting its natural beauty as much as possible. He credits his love and respect for nature to his parents. He loves continuing the tradition of working the family ranch and has instilled this love in his children.
Legacy Award – David McKee
David A. McKee grew up in Sinton, Texas, with a fishing rod in one hand and a bb gun in the other! He received his BS in Biology/Secondary Education in 1970 from Texas A&l in Kingsville, an MS in Biology (Marine Science emphasis) from Corpus Christi State University (CCSU) in 1980, and a Ph.D. in Wildlife and Fisheries from Texas A&M University in 1986. Additionally, he has authored three books: Fishes of the Texas Laguna Madre, Fire in the Sea and Fishes of the Rainbow as well as the “McKee Key,” Saltwater Fishes of Texas: A Dichotomous Key.
McKee’s career began as a student teacher at Flour Bluff High School in 1970. While there, he opened an off-road/motocross motorcycle shop in Corpus Christi. After nearly five years and many broken bones, he started his MS degree at CCSU and was hired in 1977 by Texas Park and Wildlife Department/Coastal Fisheries at the Rockport Marine Lab. Three years later, he moved to Flour Bluff to oversee the field station on the upper Laguna Madre and, while there, completed his MS degree. In 1981, McKee began his Ph.D. at Texas A&M University-College Station. After one year, he and his family moved back to Corpus Christi where he conducted his doctoral research at the Texas A&M Shrimp Mariculture Project at the Barney M. David Power Plant, focusing on native penaeid shrimp culture for the Texas live bait shrimp industry. During this time, he became a partner in one of the first commercial Texas shrimp farms (Ocean Ventures near Port Lavaca). In 1985, Dr. Steve Barnes invited him to develop a graduate degree program in Mariculture at CCSU. McKee quickly accepted and, in 1986, received his Ph.D. He taught Mariculture and core marine science courses for 28 years. The Mariculture program placed students in the US and Central/South America for internships and research. At his retirement in 2013, the Mariculture program had graduated students from 21 states and 17 countries, with many continuing in the field of aquaculture. At that time seven students had earned Ph.D. degrees, and four more were in progress.
Over the course of his career, McKee developed and taught 12 different courses (BS, MS, PhD), some without any formal coursework on the subject! Wes Tunnell holds the unbeatable record, having taught 13 different courses. At McKee’s hiring in 1985, he and Tunnell were the total marine science faculty! McKee served on 112 total graduate student committees. Early in his career he served on 55 graduate student committees at one time!
Today, McKee and his wife Jane split their time between Corpus Christi and their property north of Sinton, enjoying time with their three children and six grandchildren, and taking cruises every other year. His latest undertaking is the curation of a large vintage fishing lure and tackle display that he has donated to a new museum nearing completion at the Preserve at the Farley Boat Works in Port Aransas (Opening date has not been announced.)
CONGRATULATIONS!!!