BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dan Becker, President
Dan Becker brings a global view of the world to the organization because of his passion for international travel and appreciation of other cultures. He’s spent extensive time throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas to expand his knowledge beyond western life. Over the past 30+ years, Becker has worked for organizations from start-ups to large international companies ranging from hospitality to technology. He’s fulfilling a life long dream of being self-employed as a successful REALTOR® to have the flexibility to continue exploring the world while giving back to others. Prior to becoming Board President, Dan Becker served in the positions of board Secretary and Board Treasurer from 2011-2015.
Philip Russ, Vice President
Philip Russ is an experienced regulatory compliance and quality assurance professional with 20 years experience in the pharmaceutical, medical device and biologics industries. He has a record of success developing and managing efficient business processes and systems to support these organizations. Russ grew up in Southern New Jersey, received his education in pharmaceutical chemistry from the University of the Science in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and currently resides in San Diego, California. Russ is the owner and principal consultant of IcGXP Inc. IcGXP offers a range of regulatory compliance and quality assurance services. Russ has worked with many organizations developing and promoting new and novel therapies for various disease states. Russ is passionate to help shepherd therapies like aquatic bodywork to the forefront of communities of healthcare providers treating conditions like PTS where traditional drug therapies are only minimally effective.
Maggie Hannegan, Board Member
Maggie Hannegan has 20 years of successful donor development, many of those as a self-employed contractor working to assist nonprofits in the greater San Diego area. She successfully raised over $1.5M in the last few years when she was a part time Development Director at another local foundation. Maggie is a firm believer in cultivating and growing our donor base using a pragmatic and realist approach. Debbie started out as a contractor for Wave Academy and has since transitioned to become a volunteer member of our Board. Coming from a military family, Maggie is deeply connected to our Mission.
LEADERSHIP
Dave Towe, Founder
Dave Towe has 35 years of business and leadership experience, which he brings to his current role as founder of Wave Academy – a San Diego-based nonprofit providing specialized warm water therapy known as Aquatic Bodywork Therapy to military veterans grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), their families and caregivers. Prior to founding Wave Academy, Towe held senior positions in sales and operations, including Director of Sales, Recreational Equipment, Incorporated at REI; Vice President of Operations at REI; and Vice President of Retail at Adventure 16 (A16).
Elizabeth Berg, Executive Director
Elizabeth Berg comes to Wave Academy with 20 years of experience helping non-profit organizations succeed. Her leadership roles in development, communications, strategic planning and partnership building have helped non-profits thrive. Previously, she held director-level positions at several local non-profit organizations. She is thrilled to bring her experience to Wave Academy to support our veterans. The veterans in her life include her father and father-in-law, both of whom served in the U.S. Navy. Elizabeth is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and has master’s in journalism from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She earned her bachelor’s from U.C. Davis. Elizabeth volunteers in the community as a mentor with the San Diego Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and as a parent supporter for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Her current role of advocating for the benefits of water therapy also fit with Elizabeth's passion for water as a place to swim, surf, play and reflect.
