John Philip Donoghue
John Philip Donoghue is an American neuroscientist; he is currently the Henry Merritt Wriston Professor of Neuroscience and Professor of Engineering at Brown University, where he has taught since 1984. John’s academic and neuroscience research credentials are well recognized world-wide. He was a member of the National Institute of Health advisory committee for the White House BRAIN Initiative instituted under President Obama, and won significant awards and recognition for his work from the State of Israel.
John founded Brown's Carney Institute for Brain Science and directed the institute from 2008 to 2015. He later served as the founding director of the Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering at Campus Biotech in Geneva, Switzerland. John is best known for his work developing BrainGate and is recognized as a pioneer in neuroprosthetics and brain–computer interfaces. John’s appearance on CBS’s “60 Minutes” has won many new fans for neuroscience. John and his physician-wife own a lovely summer home on Nantucket and pilot a Boston whaler when not teaching, mentoring his adult offspring, or involved in advanced level scientific research.
George Burman
George Burman, Principal Architect of several ADA compliant major chain hotels and the restoration of International historic landmarks has been in private architectural practice for over forty years. A sailor since childhood, prior member of the Ile Perrot Yacht Club and the Bristol Yacht Club , currently Valiant member of the Herreshoff Marine Center and owner/skipper of some excellent boats including the locally built powerboat Albin 28TE – “2nd Wind “. A paralyzing bout of Guillain Barre Syndrome 15 years ago left him with impaired mobility after-effects. There is no known cure or prevention for this disorder and only physical therapy helps to alleviate some of the residual nerve damage. He had equally harsh after-effects from a cardiac episode several years earlier. With many miles of coastal sailing prior to being partially incapacitated, he purchased a powerboat to better cope with those invisible injuries that physical therapy, medication and clean living cannot address, the uplift of one’s spirit. Married to a developmental-behavioral pediatrician it seemed a natural fit to create this Foundation. Based on personal experience, it became evident that contact with nature and the coastal environment is quite therapeutic for persons of all ages. This organization will have the added benefit of contributing tax-exempt funding to neurological research.
Judith Katz
Judith Katz has had a wide-ranging career in international consulting and banking, and business and non-profit management, with a global focus. For a New England bank, she assessed country risk in 30 countries around the world. Judith was the marketing director for a construction management business. In her current role at a global education nonprofit, she helps promote the importance of studying history and culture in education settings. Judith received a BA from the University of Pittsburgh in Anthropology, an MA in Near Eastern Languages from Indiana University, and an MALD from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
Grant Rhode
Grant Rhode, is Captain of the iconic Dyer 29 powerboat “Dragonfly“, part of the Foundation’s fleet.
Grant’s sailing resume is extensive aboard many boats including the Olympic caliber Shields 30 “Abenaki” currently residing at the Herreshoff Marine Museum wharf. Grant is a Senior Lecturer at the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University. He is associate in research at Harvard University and Faculty Affiliate and Adjunct Professor of the US Naval War College in Newport Rhode Island. He has been a Visiting Scholar in Taiwan at both National Cheng chi University and National Taiwan University.
In addition to his academic achievements and travels throughout the world, Grant is the author of several noteworthy publications including a signification new book of naval and nautical interest due to be published in 2023.
Yvette Yatchmink
Yvette Yatchmink, graduated from Yale University and Cornell University Medical College. She received her PhD from the University of Michigan and was Associate Medical Director for the MA Division of Medical Assistance (Medicaid), for Children with Special Health Care Needs. Yvette joined Hasbro Children’s Hospital and the W. Alpert Medical School of Brown University in 2003, where she provides clinical care and supervision in the Children’s Neurodevelopment Center. She was co-chair of the Society for Developmental Behavioral Pediatric Autism Special Interest Group and currently serves on the Editorial Board of Pediatrics. Her primary clinical and research interests include children with complex developmental and health care needs, autism spectrum disorders, neonatal outcomes, and policies for Children with Special Health Care Needs.
Yvette resides in Rhode Island and assisted with Town of Bristol vaccinations during the recent coronavirus pandemic. Her summers have included sailing and powerboating on Narragansett Bay and Vineyard Sound as well as Maine, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Florida, the Galapagos, the San Juan Islands, and Cape Cod. Yvette holds the family fishing record for landing a 38-pound striper in Block Island Sound.
Frank Munro
A building contractor and sailor from my early 20’s. I caught the bug living in Newport. My sailing experience includes multiple Newport-Bermuda, and Marblehead-Halifax races. Served as crew chief on several first-place boats @ Block Island, Volvo, NBYA and Swanson Cup regattas.
In 2014 I suffered a brain stem stroke, the really bad kind. At the University of Tennessee Medical Center, a primary stroke hospital, a very skilled Neurosurgeon inserted three stents into my brain. With a lot of rehab I was back at work, fully functional in six months. The quick thinking of all the players that night saved my life.
I attended the University of South Carolina on a full athletic scholarship. Graduating with a B.S. in Business Administration. I also have a 50 ton USCG license (in the renewal process).
My wife Brenda and I purchased a dual-diesel coastal cruiser, a Fortier 33 like the front-page photo of this website with the idea of traveling the inter coastal to the Caribbean. My boat is set up for fishing and love seeing kids catch their first fish.
Greg Marsili
Gregg Marsili, a true nautical professional, has been in charge of Bristol Harbor’s maritime activities as Harbormaster since retiring from the United States Coast Guard after a 21 year career in 2013. Gregg and his family reside in Bristol and are very positive additions to the local nautical community and the 2nd Wind Foundation Board of Directors.
Over the past several years Gregg and his assistants have made many changes on the waterfront which now includes a fully equipped Maritime Center and beautifully updated transient docks and moorings. Bristol Harbor is one of the oldest ports in Rhode Island which is dedicated to its traditions of a robust commercial fishing port, as well as warmly welcoming recreational boaters and visitors.
