Our planets need clean oceans. Our youth needs clean drinking water. We have a solution for both.
THE MISSION OF THE ROB MACHADO FOUNDATION
The Rob Machado Foundation was founded upon the fundamental belief that our planet needs to be taken care of, and there’s no better place to start than with our local communities and our children. What started out in the early days as the introduction of gardening programs at local schools -- encouraging children to connect with the land they live on and the food they eat -- has evolved into a water filling station program across a growing network of schools and public places that helps deliver clean, filtered water while encouraging reusables over single-use plastic water bottles. While this is the core focus of our foundation, we supplement our efforts to keep plastic and other trash out of our waterways with trash and recycling solutions at beaches, schools, surf events and local beach clean ups.
We believe our youth are the stewards of our planet. We believe communities can come together to impact change. And we believe the future starts here.
JOIN ROB AS HE TAKES YOU ON A JOURNEY WITH THE ROB MACHADO FOUNDATION IN OUR SHORT VIDEO
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ROB MACHADO, FOUNDER
Rob Machado is not just one of the world’s greatest surfers, he’s also one of the sport’s most recognizable characters -- a living icon who continues to expand the definition of what professional surfing is all about. Known for his zen-like flow both on land and in the water, Machado was consistently seeded at the top of the rankings as a competitor on the ASP World Tour. With 12 career WCT victories, Machado was ranked among the top ten surfers for eleven straight years and was inducted into the Surfer’s Hall of Fame in 2000 and re-inducted in 2006 and SIMA Waterman of the Year in 2011.
His contribution to the sport doesn’t end with his accolades in a colored jersey. Since his departure from the ASP tour in 2001, Machado has been one of surfing’s most committed ambassadors, roaming the globe, surfing the world’s best waves and deepening his commitment to various environmental causes. Inspired by becoming a Dad, Machado founded the Rob Machado Foundation in 2004 to educate and empower young people to make sustainable choices.
JUSTINE CHIARA, FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Over the last two decades, Justine Chiara has been a personal talent manager to high-profile figures in both the action sports and music industries.
In addition to her work within sports and entertainment, Chiara is producer of short form content and documentaries. Not-for-profit and philanthropic initiatives are a personal passion and she has served as the executive director of the youth-focused educational outreach organization, Boarding for Breast Cancer Foundation as well as acting as Interim-Executive Director for the Rob Machado Foundation.
PAT MAGNARELLA, BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS
Pat Magnarella joined the Rob Machado Foundation in 2012. Pat has distinguished himself as a visionary manager with a solid track record for spotting talent and nurturing successful long-term careers. As head of Pat Magnarella Management, Inc. (PMM) — a full-service agency that provides a broad range of management, branding, and marketing services — Magnarella guides the careers of some the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including multi-platinum rock bands Green Day, Goo Goo Dolls, and The All-American Rejects.
In September 2009, Magnarella shepherded the launch of the stage version of American Idiot. The show opened on Broadway in April 2010. It was nominated for three Tony Awards, including “Best Musical” and took home honors for “Best Scenic Design” and “Best Lighting Design.” Magnarella was also an associate producer on the American Idiot: Original Broadway Cast album, which won a 2011 Grammy Award for “Best Musical Show Album.”
CAROLYN WHITEHOUSE, BOARD SECRETARY
Carolyn Whitehouse is a consultant in the software industry and formerly the Chief Operating Officer of Blue Sky Software/eHelp Corporation. During her 20+ years experience in high-tech, she has worked to build systems, processes, and effective communications to help teams reach their highest goals.
From 2008-2011, Carolyn served as Cardiff School District’s Environmental Liaison to the Rob Machado Foundation. She helped the District implement ocean environmental programs as well as three successful initiatives that continue to have an impact on students and the environment: Organic Gardening, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Healthy School Lunch.
Carolyn is passionate about nature and loves to spend her spare time participating in water sports, as well as snowboarding, hiking, camping, and spending time with her husband and two boys.
THAD BENSHOOF, COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Thad Benshoof joined the Rob Machado Foundation in 2017 to strengthen the ties into the local community. Thad is a local businessman who owns and operates restaurants and various food product companies. His extensive history in food services, with a focus on locally sourced products has given him a great connection to a community that thrives on sustainable food choices.
In his role with the Rob Machado Foundation, Thad will be enriching the relationship with the Cardiff community, expanding the programs to other locations and working to enhance the overall mission of the foundation.
TODD MILLER, TREASURER
Todd Miller joined the Rob Machado Foundation in 2017. Todd previously served for seven years as Board Chair and Treasurer of ElderHelp of San Diego and brings a breadth of non-profit experience to the Rob Machado Foundation and looks to lend his experience to help grow RMF’s programs in support of its mission.
A San Diego native, Todd has worked in the action sports, financial services and real estate industry while maintaining his passion for volunteering and giving back. In his free time, Todd enjoys being outdoors and can be found at the beach surfing or at the soccer field playing with his son.