President
Theodore E. Gildred III
Theodore E. Gildred III, a long-time member of the Board of Directors of the Institute of the Americas (IOA), was appointed as the President of the IOA on November 15, 2018. Mr. Gildred is also the President and CEO of The Lomas Santa Fe Group, a commercial real estate development company based in San Diego and Bon Vivant Resorts, LLC, (BVR) a hospitality development company with projects in the US, Mexico and the Marshall Islands. Mr. Gildred has over 30 years’ experience working in Latin America in the real estate and finance sectors. Early in his career, Mr. Gildred worked as an investment banker in Sao Paulo at Banco de Boston, and later in the Latin American Corporate Finance Group at ING Barings in New York and finally at Morgan Stanley in London as a member of the Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund (MSREF) where he worked on equity investments in Latin America and Europe. Mr. Gildred has extensive experience living and working in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and Chile. Mr. Gildred is also a partner at North of Now, a film production company based in Los Angeles.
Mr. Gildred holds a BA in History from Stanford University and an MBA in International Finance from Columbia University and has studied at the Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) in Brazil. Mr. Gildred served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and was based in the U.S. and Japan.
Mr. Gildred has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Institute of the Americas for nearly 20 years as well as the Board of the San Diego Air and Space Museum and is a member of Young President’s Organization (YPO). Mr. Gildred is conversant in Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese and some Japanese. Mr. Gildred is a pilot and an outdoors man and enjoys skiing, surfing and automobiles.
Staff
Jeremy M. Martin is Vice President, Energy & Sustainability at the Institute of the Americas, an inter-American public policy think-tank located at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). The Institute of the Americas Energy & Sustainability Program works to foster a deeper understanding of the most critical energy issues facing the Western Hemisphere. Jeremy spends his time delving into the geopolitics of energy and closely following energy industry trends and policy issues across the Americas, and is a frequent commentator and writer on Latin American and energy issues. Jeremy has testified before the US Congress on energy issues in Latin America, teaches a graduate course in Latin American Energy Policy at UCSD and the University of San Diego (USD) and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Inter-American Dialogue’s Energy Advisor newsletter. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the San Diego Diplomacy Council and is a member of the host committee for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation San Diego Chapter annual Bet on Cures event. Thanks to his upbringing, he is a diehard Red Sox fan, Civil War buff, and news junkie. Jeremy graduated with honors in History from The Citadel in Charleston, SC and a Masters in International Affairs/International Development from the American University in Washington, DC. He has yet to achieve his lifelong dream of being a Stand-Up Comic.
Jeremy M. Martin is Vice President, Energy & Sustainability at the Institute of the Americas, an inter-American public policy think-tank located at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). The Institute of the Americas Energy & Sustainability Program works to foster a deeper understanding of the most critical energy issues facing the Western Hemisphere. Jeremy spends his time delving into the geopolitics of energy and closely following energy industry trends and policy issues across the Americas, and is a frequent commentator and writer on Latin American and energy issues. Jeremy has testified before the US Congress on energy issues in Latin America, teaches a graduate course in Latin American Energy Policy at UCSD and the University of San Diego (USD) and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Inter-American Dialogue’s Energy Advisor newsletter. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the San Diego Diplomacy Council and is a member of the host committee for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation San Diego Chapter annual Bet on Cures event. Thanks to his upbringing, he is a diehard Red Sox fan, Civil War buff, and news junkie. Jeremy graduated with honors in History from The Citadel in Charleston, SC and a Masters in International Affairs/International Development from the American University in Washington, DC. He has yet to achieve his lifelong dream of being a Stand-Up Comic.
Ms. White has been an integral member of the staff of the Institute of the Americas having served in a number of capacities; Community Program Director, Board Secretary, Director Special Projects and Development, Innovation Program Director (Biotech, Health and Science), and now as Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives while continuing as Board Secretary to the Institute’s international Board of Directors. In her time with the Institute, she has organized and implemented a plethora of events and programs including small, private gatherings and board meetings throughout the hemisphere, seminars, workshops, and large-scale events such as fundraising events, Institute anniversary events, and black-tie award galas for current and former Latin American heads of state. She organized a series of events bringing Latin American entrepreneurs and innovation intermediaries, to learn about San Diego’s innovation ecosystem; design thinking; tech transfer; and, other key elements for a successful innovation ecosystem. Currently, she is a member of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I &E) Program team seeking partnerships with various entities to launch new activities and expand existing ones. Her primary focus is on biotech, health, and science programming for a range of audiences, private sector leaders, academia, journalists, and entrepreneurs in the form of visiting delegation missions, workshops, seminars, and customized programming.
Ms. White has been an integral member of the staff of the Institute of the Americas having served in a number of capacities; Community Program Director, Board Secretary, Director Special Projects and Development, Innovation Program Director (Biotech, Health and Science), and now as Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives while continuing as Board Secretary to the Institute’s international Board of Directors. In her time with the Institute, she has organized and implemented a plethora of events and programs including small, private gatherings and board meetings throughout the hemisphere, seminars, workshops, and large-scale events such as fundraising events, Institute anniversary events, and black-tie award galas for current and former Latin American heads of state. She organized a series of events bringing Latin American entrepreneurs and innovation intermediaries, to learn about San Diego’s innovation ecosystem; design thinking; tech transfer; and, other key elements for a successful innovation ecosystem. Currently, she is a member of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I &E) Program team seeking partnerships with various entities to launch new activities and expand existing ones. Her primary focus is on biotech, health, and science programming for a range of audiences, private sector leaders, academia, journalists, and entrepreneurs in the form of visiting delegation missions, workshops, seminars, and customized programming.
Cecilia Aguillon is the Director of the Energy Transition Initiative at the Institute of the Americas, an impartial and independent non-profit organization promoting dialogue and collaboration across the Western Hemisphere to foster sound public policies and to advance sustainable inclusive economic growth and prosperity. She enables public-private dialogues to develop sustainable renewable energy markets. Cecilia worked at Kyocera Solar, Inc. in California on Business Development and Government Relations for 18 years. She worked with policy makers on designing solar energy programs and renewable portfolio standards for implementation across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. She developed these initiatives in cooperation with several trade associations throughout the United States. She served on the board of the California Solar Energy Industries Association (CalSEIA) and participated in the design and implementation of the California Solar Initiative. She is currently on the board of the Climate Action Campaign working to implement sustainable energy programs for San Diego, California.
Cecilia Aguillon is the Director of the Energy Transition Initiative at the Institute of the Americas, an impartial and independent non-profit organization promoting dialogue and collaboration across the Western Hemisphere to foster sound public policies and to advance sustainable inclusive economic growth and prosperity. She enables public-private dialogues to develop sustainable renewable energy markets. Cecilia worked at Kyocera Solar, Inc. in California on Business Development and Government Relations for 18 years. She worked with policy makers on designing solar energy programs and renewable portfolio standards for implementation across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. She developed these initiatives in cooperation with several trade associations throughout the United States. She served on the board of the California Solar Energy Industries Association (CalSEIA) and participated in the design and implementation of the California Solar Initiative. She is currently on the board of the Climate Action Campaign working to implement sustainable energy programs for San Diego, California.
Dr. Pizani has extensive experience in developing new territories and fostering existing and developing new relationship with key stakeholders in the biotech ecosystem, she has been involved for more than fifteen years in the life science field in Mexico, USA and EU as a medical professional, health care executive, entrepreneur and biotech consultant. She served on the regional and national Advisory Board of the National Chamber of Communication and Technology (CANIETI ) for four years. In addition, she participated as a Judge in Google for Startups formerly known as Google for Entrepreneur, Dr. Pizani is a Co-author with UC san Diego and Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, and presenter in the International Society for Telemedicine & eHealth (ISfTeH). Dr Pizani received the Degree of Master of Advance Studies in Leadership Healthcare Organizations from the University of California, San Diego.
Dr. Pizani has extensive experience in developing new territories and fostering existing and developing new relationship with key stakeholders in the biotech ecosystem, she has been involved for more than fifteen years in the life science field in Mexico, USA and EU as a medical professional, health care executive, entrepreneur and biotech consultant. She served on the regional and national Advisory Board of the National Chamber of Communication and Technology (CANIETI ) for four years. In addition, she participated as a Judge in Google for Startups formerly known as Google for Entrepreneur, Dr. Pizani is a Co-author with UC san Diego and Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, and presenter in the International Society for Telemedicine & eHealth (ISfTeH). Dr Pizani received the Degree of Master of Advance Studies in Leadership Healthcare Organizations from the University of California, San Diego.
Nora Livesay is currently the Director of Finance for the Institute of the Americas, a not for profit organization located on the campus of the University of California, San Diego.
Ms. Livesay graduated Magna Cum Laude from Radford University, Radford, Virginia, with a BS degree in business, emphasis accounting. She has over 30 years of work experience for three not for profit organizations and has been responsible for the proper allocation and accounting of restricted donor, foundation and grant funds, along with the required financial reporting for government grant awards. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, reading, movies, and sporting events.
Nora Livesay is currently the Director of Finance for the Institute of the Americas, a not for profit organization located on the campus of the University of California, San Diego.
Ms. Livesay graduated Magna Cum Laude from Radford University, Radford, Virginia, with a BS degree in business, emphasis accounting. She has over 30 years of work experience for three not for profit organizations and has been responsible for the proper allocation and accounting of restricted donor, foundation and grant funds, along with the required financial reporting for government grant awards. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, reading, movies, and sporting events.
Rita Oliveira is a Program Associate for the Energy and Sustainability Program. She is also the Office and HR Manager as well as Assistant to the President. Rita holds a Bachelor Degree in Economics from Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Portugal and MBA from National University, in San Diego. Prior to joining the Institute, she worked as a collector at Chase Home Finance in San Diego and as an Assistant Manager for F. Abecassis in Portugal.
Rita Oliveira is a Program Associate for the Energy and Sustainability Program. She is also the Office and HR Manager as well as Assistant to the President. Rita holds a Bachelor Degree in Economics from Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Portugal and MBA from National University, in San Diego. Prior to joining the Institute, she worked as a collector at Chase Home Finance in San Diego and as an Assistant Manager for F. Abecassis in Portugal.
Rebecca (Becky) Hernandez serves as the Assistant Director of the STEAM Program for the Institute of the Americas, a not for profit organization located on the campus of the University of California, San Diego.
Becky graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley (formerly the University of Texas – Pan American), Edinburg, Texas, with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. In addition, she spent her last two years as an undergraduate working on a research project involving a brain parasite that manipulates its fish host behavior. Ultimately, this undergraduate research project culminated in her first publication, in the Journal of Parasitology.
After graduating, she worked as a high school Pre-AP chemistry teacher at IDEA College Preparatory in Mission, Texas. Given her interest in STEM, she served as a mentor for students participating in the science fair competition and participated in both the annual STEM event hosted by her campus as well as the one hosted by her undergraduate institution.
Later, her passion for marine biology (and parasites) led her to Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UCSD, where she first worked as a Laboratory Technician and subsequently received her M.S. in Marine Biology. There, she focused on examining how California Killifish used their behavior as a defense against parasites.
Rebecca (Becky) Hernandez serves as the Assistant Director of the STEAM Program for the Institute of the Americas, a not for profit organization located on the campus of the University of California, San Diego.
Becky graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley (formerly the University of Texas – Pan American), Edinburg, Texas, with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. In addition, she spent her last two years as an undergraduate working on a research project involving a brain parasite that manipulates its fish host behavior. Ultimately, this undergraduate research project culminated in her first publication, in the Journal of Parasitology.
After graduating, she worked as a high school Pre-AP chemistry teacher at IDEA College Preparatory in Mission, Texas. Given her interest in STEM, she served as a mentor for students participating in the science fair competition and participated in both the annual STEM event hosted by her campus as well as the one hosted by her undergraduate institution.
Later, her passion for marine biology (and parasites) led her to Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UCSD, where she first worked as a Laboratory Technician and subsequently received her M.S. in Marine Biology. There, she focused on examining how California Killifish used their behavior as a defense against parasites.
Coming Soon!
Prior to his current position at the Institute, Carlos did freelance work as Web Developer, Graphic Designer and Multimedia consultant. He also worked for JVC Electronics and for the marketing department at The LandAmerica Financial Group the third largest title insurance group in the US, where he worked as Junior Web Developer and Graphic Artist. A native of Spain, Carlos moved to San Diego, California in 1999. In 2001 he graduated as Web Designer at the North Media Center. From 2001-2004 he attended San Diego City College at the Graphic and Multimedia Design Department.
Prior to his current position at the Institute, Carlos did freelance work as Web Developer, Graphic Designer and Multimedia consultant. He also worked for JVC Electronics and for the marketing department at The LandAmerica Financial Group the third largest title insurance group in the US, where he worked as Junior Web Developer and Graphic Artist. A native of Spain, Carlos moved to San Diego, California in 1999. In 2001 he graduated as Web Designer at the North Media Center. From 2001-2004 he attended San Diego City College at the Graphic and Multimedia Design Department.
Diana Rodríguez has been Energy & Sustainability Program Associate for over nine years. Diana also is the Institute’s Facilities Manager. Prior to joining the Institute, Diana worked assisting the DCM at the Embassy of Colombia in Washington, D.C., for seven years. She holds a BA on International Trade from Los Libertadores University in Colombia.
Diana Rodríguez has been Energy & Sustainability Program Associate for over nine years. Diana also is the Institute’s Facilities Manager. Prior to joining the Institute, Diana worked assisting the DCM at the Embassy of Colombia in Washington, D.C., for seven years. She holds a BA on International Trade from Los Libertadores University in Colombia.
Jacqueline Sanchez serves as Energy & Sustainability Policy Associate at the Institute of the Americas in La Jolla, California, where she focuses on energy and sustainability policy development issues with countries in Latin America. Jacqueline has actively participated in climate change and renewable energy endeavors including being part of the U.S. Department of Energy and APEC program: “Women Empowerment in the Renewable Energy Sector” where she was amongst the 13 finalists and travelled to Singapore to join the final phase of the program; becoming a Climate Reality Leader for Al Gore’s Initiative: The Climate Reality Project; and participating in California’s Governor’s: Global Climate Action Summit.
Prior to joining the Institute of the Americas, she worked for the British government as Senior Trade and Investment Officer leading the Renewable Energy and Environment sectors working at the Embassy in Mexico City as well as an assignment for 5 months at the Embassy in Quito, Ecuador.
Jacqueline holds two bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Accounting with concentration in International Business from New Mexico State University (NMSU) and an MBA from Mexico’s Institute of Technology (ITAM) in Mexico City. Her postgraduate education includes a diploma in Project Management from ITAM and a certificate in Economics for Foreign Policy from the London School of Economics (LSE).
Ms. Sanchez has several years of experience in international business development covering different sectors and she has a broad knowledge of the U.S., U.K., Mexico and other markets in Latin America. Jacqueline has worked, lived and studied in the U.S., Mexico, France, and Ecuador, and speaks Spanish, English and French.
Jacqueline Sanchez serves as Energy & Sustainability Policy Associate at the Institute of the Americas in La Jolla, California, where she focuses on energy and sustainability policy development issues with countries in Latin America. Jacqueline has actively participated in climate change and renewable energy endeavors including being part of the U.S. Department of Energy and APEC program: “Women Empowerment in the Renewable Energy Sector” where she was amongst the 13 finalists and travelled to Singapore to join the final phase of the program; becoming a Climate Reality Leader for Al Gore’s Initiative: The Climate Reality Project; and participating in California’s Governor’s: Global Climate Action Summit.
Prior to joining the Institute of the Americas, she worked for the British government as Senior Trade and Investment Officer leading the Renewable Energy and Environment sectors working at the Embassy in Mexico City as well as an assignment for 5 months at the Embassy in Quito, Ecuador.
Jacqueline holds two bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Accounting with concentration in International Business from New Mexico State University (NMSU) and an MBA from Mexico’s Institute of Technology (ITAM) in Mexico City. Her postgraduate education includes a diploma in Project Management from ITAM and a certificate in Economics for Foreign Policy from the London School of Economics (LSE).
Ms. Sanchez has several years of experience in international business development covering different sectors and she has a broad knowledge of the U.S., U.K., Mexico and other markets in Latin America. Jacqueline has worked, lived and studied in the U.S., Mexico, France, and Ecuador, and speaks Spanish, English and French.
Fellows
Leonardo Beltran
Non-Resident Fellow
Nelson Narciso Filho
Non-Resident Fellow
Francisco Xavier Salazar Diez de Sollano