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Meet the Team

JeffRayOBXChair2025

Jeff Ray, Chair

Jeff works as a speech-language pathologist for Currituck County Schools. He has a degree in political science and a master's in communication disorders. He currently lives in Waterlily which is on Church's Island in Currituck Sound. He has a wife and three kids, two of whom are grown and one is ten. He grew up in Central Florida, surfing New Smyrna Beach and moved out here in 2005 from Boone NC. 

TaylorMcConnellViceChairOBX2025

Taylor McConnel, Vice Chair

Taylor has spent her career as an informal, environmental educator. She has worked for non-profits (Friends of the Rappahannock, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and Chicoteague Bay Field Station), the City of Virginia Beach and Nofolk (Virginia Aquarium and Nauticus), and has worked for the State of Virginia and North Carolina (Tidewater Community College and NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island). Currently she is the Visitor Services Coordinator at the Aquarium. She has bachelor degrees in Biology and Environmental Science and master degrees in Resource Management and Environmental Education.

DaveTaylorTreasurerOBX2025

Dave Taylor, Treasurer

Dave and his wife recently moved to the OBX from Knoxville, TN, where they lived for 22 years. He is into hiking, gardening, being on the beach and being outdoors. He loves to fish (all kinds), boat, kayak, cycle (recently replaced running, which he did for 40 years) and explore nature.

MadisonHeadOBXSecretary2025

Madison Head, Secretary

Madison is a North Carolina native who is passionate about the Outer Banks community and its natural environment. She has a professional background in Marketing and Business Administration. In her free time she enjoys reading and creative writing, as well as kiteboarding, surfing, and relaxing at the beach.

willyholmesobx2025

Willy Holmes, Ocean Friendly Restaurant Coordinator

Born and raised on the beautiful barrier islands of the Outer Banks, Willy has always felt a deep connection to the ocean and the community that thrives around it. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality and event industry, he's built strong ties with sustainable small businesses, farmers, and fisherfolk across the region. He's passionate about protecting the coastal places I love, and is excited to serve this chapter of Surfrider and lead the Ocean Friendly Restaurants program. Willy's goal is to help build a strong, active community of volunteers and work with local restaurants to reduce single-use plastics and embrace ocean-friendly practices. Surfing has been a constant source of joy, connection, and inspiration in Willy's life. It’s how he connects to nature, stays grounded, and builds community. He believes the ocean gives us so much—and it’s our responsibility to protect it in return. Whether he's riding waves at sunrise or introducing someone to their first surf session, he carry that love into everything he does. Willy's committed to protecting this coastline not just for today, but for the generations to come.

Interested in Joining the Team?

The Outer Banks Chapter is led by volunteers, and we're always looking for folks who are passionate about ocean protection and enjoyment to join the crew. Join us at a chapter meeting or event to learn about opportunities, or reach out below to find ways to get involved at a leadership level!

Open Positions
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