The Leadership behind the The Hydrous’ Next Chapter
An interdisciplinary Board bringing together expertise in business, science, technology, media, and conservation to expand the reach and impact of ocean learning.
The Hydrous is entering a new chapter in its mission to bring the wonder of the ocean to audiences around the world. By combining science, storytelling, and emerging technologies, the organization is developing a new kind of learning ecosystem that creates meaningful and memorable ocean experiences.
Building on over a decade of pioneering evidence-based immersive ocean experiences using extended reality (XR) technologies like augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), The Hydrous is now developing large-scale immersive environments, interactive digital experiences, and strategic partnerships that can reach broader audiences, regardless of their proximity to the ocean.
Guiding this evolution is a Board of Directors whose complementary expertise spans executive leadership, business strategy, immersive entertainment, natural history filmmaking, technology, philanthropy, and ocean conservation. Together, they bring the strategic perspective, creative vision, industry relationships, and organizational experience needed to translate innovation into sustainable growth and lasting impact.
“The Hydrous finds itself at an exciting confluence of cutting edge technology, marine science, and environmental sensitivity,” says Eric Rieseberg, Board Chair. “We are perfectly positioned to advance science, media, and ocean education for the world and its people.”
The Hydrous’ Vision
The Hydrous aims to help people understand, connect with, and care for the ocean. Using technology as a tool, The Hydrous has leveraged the power of virtual reality, augmented reality, and 3D models, and now, large-scale immersive environments and interactive digital experiences to help more people experience, understand, and form personal connections with the ocean.
The organization is developing a learning ecosystem designed to reach audiences through museums, aquariums, science centers, cultural institutions, classrooms, and digital platforms. By partnering with organizations that already have established audiences, infrastructure, and educational missions, The Hydrous can deliver immersive ocean experiences at scale.
These partnerships also create opportunities for sustainable funding and new approaches to ocean education, offering institutional partners compelling experiences and philanthropic supporters the potential for broader, measurable impact.
Leading this work is Chief Scientist & CEO Dr. Erika Woolsey, a marine biologist, National Geographic Explorer, and 2026 TIME Trailblazer.
“Our work is inherently interdisciplinary,” says Woolsey. “Science provides the foundation, storytelling creates the emotional connection, and technology opens new possibilities for how people experience the ocean. Our Board brings the expertise and perspective to help us build meaningful partnerships, expand our reach, and create experiences that inspire audiences around the world."
The Hydrous is making underwater experiences like these accessible through immersive experiences that showcase diverse marine ecosystems and organisms (photo credit: Olly Scholey / Silverback Films).
Leadership Advancing Our Mission
As The Hydrous evolves from pioneering immersive experiences to building a broader learning ecosystem, strong governance and strategic leadership are essential to its success.
The Board brings together leaders with distinct but complementary strengths that connect The Hydrous' scientific and creative capabilities with the business, media, technology, and institutional relationships needed to expand its reach.
Beyond governance, Board members serve as strategic advisors and advocates, helping The Hydrous establish partnerships, strengthen funding and revenue opportunities, expand audience engagement, and build the organizational capabilities required for sustainable growth.
Like a healthy ocean ecosystem, the strength of the whole comes from the distinct roles each member plays and the connections between them.
Meet The Board of Directors
Eric Rieseberg, Board Chair
Healthcare Executive | Ocean Conservation Philanthropist | Organizational Leader
Eric Rieseberg is a healthcare executive, author, and ocean conservation philanthropist who spent more than three decades leading and transforming healthcare organizations across the United States. From company founder and four CEO positions, he brings that experience, along with his passion for marine science and education, to The Hydrous and to marine research and education initiatives in Southwest Florida, including Florida Gulf Coast University’s Vester Marine Field Station and the design and construction of Kimberly’s Reef.
At The Hydrous, Rieseberg contributes executive leadership, organizational perspective, and a longstanding commitment to ocean education and conservation.
Judith Harrison
CEO | Business Leader | Board Director
Judith Harrison is an accomplished CEO and board director who has led and transformed major consumer and retail businesses in the U.S. and internationally. She has served as President and CEO of The Monet Group, Yves Saint Laurent Parfums, ZanyBrainy.com, and General Cigar Enterprises, with senior leadership roles at Liz Claiborne and Macy’s.
As Founder and Managing Partner of Way Point Partners, Harrison advises companies and private equity sponsors on strategic growth, organizational development, and value creation. She brings The Hydrous executive leadership, brand-building expertise, strategic vision, and governance experience to help strengthen its organizational capabilities and advance its mission.
“I am passionate about The Hydrous because I have seen firsthand how a community can restore polluted waters and bring marine life back,” says Harrison. “Through immersive storytelling and innovative experiences, The Hydrous brings the ocean to life — turning curiosity into understanding, connection, and action. It shows that our choices matter and that, together, we can create lasting change for our oceans.”
Vicki Dobbs Beck
Entertainment Executive | Immersive Storytelling Pioneer | Innovation Leader
Vicki Dobbs Beck is a pioneering media executive with more than 30 years of experience leading storytelling and technology initiatives at Lucasfilm, the legendary entertainment studio behind Star Wars and Indiana Jones. In 2015, she co-founded ILMxLAB, Lucasfilm’s groundbreaking immersive entertainment studio, where she helped lead the evolution from traditional storytelling toward active, participatory experiences.
At The Hydrous, Dobbs Beck brings expertise in immersive narrative, interactive world-building, emerging technology, and digital strategy, helping expand how audiences can experience and engage with ocean stories.
“I believe The Hydrous can unlock the wonder of our oceans through immersive exploration — transforming awe into empathy, and empathy into enduring stewardship,” says Dobbs Beck. “When these journeys of discovery are active and personal, they create lasting emotional connections that inspire us to become true caretakers of our marine world.”
Jeff Wilson
Biologist | Natural History Filmmaker | Producer
Jeff Wilson is a biologist, natural history filmmaker, and producer who began his career with the BBC Natural History Unit, working on landmark productions including Life of Mammals, Planet Earth, and Frozen Planet. Since joining Silverback Films in 2013, he has directed and produced acclaimed projects including Our Planet, Penguin, The Mating Game, and Polar Bear.
Wilson brings decades of experience translating the complexity and wonder of the natural world into stories that reach global audiences. At The Hydrous, his expertise in natural history storytelling helps strengthen the organization’s ability to bring ocean science and underwater environments to life.
“The plight of the ocean is the most important subject of our time,” says Wilson. “I feel a deep responsibility to educate, inform, and inspire as many people as I can and to help our audiences fall in love with the ocean.”
Bringing Experiences to Life at the California Ocean Summit
The Hydrous is bringing that purpose to life through a new immersive experience at the 2026 California Ocean Summit in December. In collaboration with Submersa Studios and Silverback Films, the team will showcase never-before-seen footage of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary through virtual reality and large-scale projection. The projection will be accompanied by a special ocean-themed concert featuring Zach Gill (of Jack Johnson’s band and ALO) and other surprise musical guests.
Made possible through generous support from the Nora McNeely Hurley Foundation, the presentation will offer a preview of The Hydrous' evolving approach to immersive ocean learning and its potential to reach broader audiences through partnerships with cultural, educational, and media organizations.
The Hydrous experience will be offered to Summit attendees as part of the conference programming. It will also be available as part of the Summit’s many public cultural experiences.
While the Summit has reached capacity, those interested in attending are invited to sign up for updates and participate in the public programming. Press are invited to inquire through the organizers for potential press passes.
California sea lions and kelp forests will be highlighted in the virtual reality demo at the California Ocean Summit in December (photo credit left: Alex Warham / Submersa Studios; photo credit right: Sarita Relis).
