Board of Directors
Danilsa Santos – President
Born in Luperon, Danilsa has a masters in Jurisprudence and Psychology. She is currently the school psychologist at the Pedro Alejandrino Pina primary school in Luperon.
Thomas Owens – Vice President
US Army brat, lifelong sailor. Tom built the 78 foot ketch S/V Ciganka and runs charters in the Bahamas five months of the year. The rest of the year Tom and his wife live and work on their small farm just outside Luperon. Tom is a founding member of AVENALUP.
Nelson Pimiental – Administrator
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Nelson is bi-lingual and has dual citizenship. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel & Lodging Management from Johnson & Wales University and a Master’s Degree in Global Hospitality Leadership from Georgetown University.
His international experience in tourism and hospitality leadership is a valuable asset to Nautical Tourism on the North coast of the DR.
Nelson came to Luperon in 2021 to build environmentally sustainable projects emphasizing education, culture and destination tourism.
Alison Lofthouse – Public Relations
Alison is a native of Great Britain. She and her husband Miles crossed the Atlantic and sailed into Luperon on S/V Artemis in 2017 and decided to stay. They live aboard and manage private yachts for absentee owners among other services for the sailing community.
José Antonio Cruz – Treasurer
Alan McKenna – Vocal
Alan is a Canadian citizen. He arrived in Luperon by sea in 2000. He is a Boat Builder, Marine Engineer and Yacht Captain.
Emily Willix – Advisor/Consultant
YouTube creator, board game designer, musician, and community organizer. Emily and her husband Clark arrived on their classic sloop S/V Temptress in 2020. She has a degree in Arts Management and Music and over a decade experience in non-profit management, communications and fundraising.
Advisors
