Photo credit: Bryndan Bedel (left); Krai Charuwatsuntorn (right)
California Sea Grant is pleased to announce two important additions to its administrative leadership team: Herminia Robles has been promoted to Chief Administrative Officer and Brenda Charuwatsuntorn has joined as Research Administration Supervisor with the Fiscal Team.
The two appointments will help California Sea Grant continue advancing marine research and outreach efforts.
Herminia Robles - Chief Administrative Officer
Herminia Robles joined the California Sea Grant team in January 2015 as a limited-term employee and has since worked her way up through the ranks — now to Chief Administration Officer.
With a background in retail operations management, Robles has brought unique skills to California Sea Grant, whose mission and vision “have truly captured my heart,” says Robles. “Particularly knowing that I’m contributing to research that positively impacts marine ecosystems.”
Robles has already played a significant role in growing the fiscal team and implementing new processes to enhance departmental efficiency and effectiveness. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to customer service and process improvement, driving enhancements to overall operational efficiency.
Outside of work, Robles is passionate about giving back to her community through volunteer work with non-profit organizations serving underserved communities in the South Bay. A sports enthusiast and devoted San Diego Padres fan, she also enjoys relaxing on the beach with a book.
Brenda Charuwatsuntorn - Research Administration Supervisor
Brenda Charuwatsuntorn brings over 18 years of research administration experience to her new role as Research Administration Supervisor with the Fiscal Team.
She began her career in this field with the Veterans Medical Research Foundation (VMRF), whose mission is to honor veterans with research-based healthcare. Through the collaborative environment between VMRF, the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System and the University of California, San Diego, Charuwatsuntorn developed strong working relationships with UCSD faculty and staff, which led to her transition to the school’s Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine in 2013.
During her 12-year tenure in Dermatology, she grew into a leadership role overseeing the research administration team while supporting departmental operations. "My goal is to provide excellent administrative support so researchers can focus on what they do best and enjoy most — research," says Charuwatsuntorn.
When not working, she enjoys spending time outdoors; hiking, backpacking and leisurely bike rides along the beach are among her favorites.
"Both Herminia and Brenda bring exceptional experience to their roles," said California Sea Grant director Shauna Oh. "Their leadership will be instrumental in supporting our researchers and advancing our mission to integrate research, extension and outreach in service of coastal communities."
About California Sea Grant
NOAA’s California Sea Grant College Program funds marine research, education and outreach throughout California. Headquartered at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego, California Sea Grant is one of 34 Sea Grant programs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce.