Dan serves in an advisory capacity to The Tugboat Group, including Tugboat Institute, Tugboat IP and Tugboat Ventures. From 2016 to 2021, Dan served as the CFO of The Tugboat Group and also led several key business and operational initiatives. Prior to joining Tugboat, Dan held multiple financial roles at Fortune100, public, and venture-backed companies in the U.S. and Europe, including Intel, Affymetrix, and NuGEN Technologies. Dan holds a BS in Math and Operations Research from University of California, Los Angeles.

Michelle manages financial reporting and payroll for Tugboat Institute and contributes to a variety of operational and programming projects, including Certified Evergreen. She appreciates the opportunity to see Evergreen 7Ps principles at work in member companies and learning how those principles impact Evergreen employees and communities. Prior to joining Tugboat, Michelle served in corporate accounting roles in various industries, including insurance, retail, and senior living services. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from York College of Pennsylvania.

Ryan heads the creative development, strategy and distribution of Tugboat Institute’s curated content, research, education, and Certified Evergreen programs. Prior to joining Tugboat Institute, Ryan converted his experience in product management, technology and data analysis into executive positions in operations and human resources at Willis Towers Watson, Restoration Hardware, and Blue Shield of California. Playing the long game resonates with Ryan especially when you consider the important milestones in life. As a native of Hailey Idaho, Ryan is overjoyed to bring his wife back to his home state to raise their young son in the same Wood River Valley where his family still resides. An avid cyclist, Ryan enjoys viewing the world from two wheels and seeing life all over again through the eyes of his son. Ryan holds a BS degree in Business Administration and an MBA from University of Redlands in California.

Maria engages purpose-driven leaders in the Evergreen movement, recruits new members, builds community, and promotes programs and events to serve the Tugboat community. She loves connecting with the inspiring leaders who make up Tugboat membership and providing opportunities for the tribe to learn and share insights with one another for the benefit of their Evergreen businesses. Prior to joining Tugboat, Maria served for 10 years as Vice President at The Advisory Board Company, where she managed a sales and member relations team and engaged in marketing, business development, and sales management before serving her community for eight years as a Governing Board Member for the Menlo Park City School District. Maria holds a BA in History/American Studies from Princeton University.

Jenn contributes to building the Tugboat Institute community and developing meaningful connections with current and prospective members. She is committed to helping to create programs and events to serve inspiring Evergreen® leaders and to continuing to grow the Evergreen movement. Prior to joining Tugboat Institute, Jenn spent several years in sales and marketing roles. She holds a BA in History from Hillsdale College.

Susanne leads Tugboat Institute’s marketing, public relations, and communication efforts along with strategic partnership programs. Prior to joining Tugboat Institute, Susanne held executive communication positions at The Idaho Foodbank, Pixar Animation Studios, The Walt Disney Studios, and DreamWorks. Her experience in the nonprofit sector and Hollywood instilled in her an appreciation for purpose driven work and the desire to make a positive impact–or at the very least make someone laugh. Susanne believes that everyone has a compelling story to tell and counts herself lucky to be able to listen. Susanne earned a BA degree in American Studies at the University of California, Davis.

Annie oversees Tugboat Institute Events, Tugboat Forums, and Tugboat Institute member relations. Annie is inspired by the purpose-driven leadership, sharing of insights, and authentic connections she sees at each gathering and deeply enjoys serving Evergreen leaders and businesses. Prior to joining Tugboat Institute, Annie contributed to a variety of digital and print content platforms as a freelance writer and editorial consultant, with a focus on the outdoor industry, and also spent four years as a professional ski racer. She graduated from Middlebury College with a degree in Philosophy before completing the summer Bridge program at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business.

Nani spearheads and executes Tugboat Institute events in-person experiences such as the Fall Exemplar Visit, Gathering of Teams, and the annual Tugboat Institute Summit. Nani thrives in the event planning environment where no two days are alike and applies the Aloha spirit of her home state of Hawaii to ensure our members receive warm and relatable experiences. Prior to joining Tugboat Institute, Nani was the owner and founder of two textile-based companies and also spent several years as an Artist Manager for Live Nation Entertainment. Coming from a family of private business owners, Nani grew up with roots deeply planted in Evergreen principles and is proud to be serving the movement. She earned a BS degree in Music Business from Northeastern University in Boston.

Dave founded Tugboat Institute in 2013 to connect, support, and inspire purpose driven leaders of Evergreen businesses. Dave is responsible for all aspects of Tugboat Institute including setting strategy, curating experiences and developing relevant programming along with championing and celebrating the importance of Evergreen companies. Dave believes Evergreen leaders and their businesses are simply capitalism at its best. Prior to founding Tugboat Institute, Dave founded Tugboat Ventures in 2006 and co-founded four companies, including drugstore.com and Good Technology. Dave holds a BS in Engineering from University of California, Berkeley and an MBA from Stanford GSB. Dave and his wife have been happily married for over two decades and count themselves lucky to have raised their son and daughter in Sun Valley. Dave is also a voracious reader. When he puts down the books, he can be found hiking, golfing, and cycling with his family.