Michael Munger – Executive Director
Michael Munger has been the Executive Director since 2003 after serving 2 years as CIRCAC’s Director of Operations. Mike brings over 39 years of experience working with the oil industry in Alaska both in Cook Inlet and the North Slope. Prior to Cook Inlet RCAC, he was with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation during which time he served as an Environmental Specialist responsible for regulatory oversight of all Cook Inlet exploration, production, and refining facilities.
Susan Saupe – Director of Science and Research
Susan Saupe received a B.S. in Chemistry (1985) and an M.S. in Chemical Oceanography (1990) from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. During the mid- to late 1980s, she worked on multiple stable isotope food-web studies in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas, including her thesis “Nutrient dynamics and carbon supply to the north Aleutian Shelf nearshore ecosystem.” In 1988, she moved to Woods Hole, MA, to work with a team developing stable isotope methods for assessing dissolved organic flow through east coast estuarine ecosystems. She returned to Alaska to conduct damage assessment studies for the University of Alaska Fairbanks following the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill until 1996 when she joined CIRCAC’s staff. Since joining CIRCAC, Ms. Saupe has developed a multi-disciplinary science program with multiple funding sources and partnering organizations. She was also the Lead Scientist for the first surveys of Alaska’s Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program and initiated a web-based ShoreZone coastal mapping program in Cook Inlet and surrounding areas that has since developed into a state-wide program sponsored by NOAA.
Steve “Vinnie” Catalano – Director of Operations
Vinnie assumed the duties as the Director of Operations in February 2006. His background includes a 20-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard with an extensive background in Marine Safety as a pollution investigator, boarding officer, vessel engineer, and operator. He is qualified in all aspects of spill response and as part of his previous duties held a Tankerman’s license and Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License with the hazardous materials endorsement. After his retirement from the U.S. Coast Guard, he worked as a Vessel Manager for Alaska Maritime Agencies; followed by employment with Cook Inlet Spill Prevention and Response, Inc. (CISPRI), as a Logistics Technician and later as an Oil Spill Technician. He and his wife Robin have been residents of the Kenai area since 1990. Residing in Nikiski, they enjoy motorcycling, fishing and spending time with their nine grandchildren.
Maddie Jamora – Director of Administration
Maddie joined CIRCAC in the fall of 2018. Prior to moving to Alaska, she received degrees in both Environmental Sustainability Studies and Geography at the University of Utah. Maddie has previous work experience with community event planning, recreation management, campus and education, aquatic programs, and coordinating volunteers for a non-profit organization. Originally from Hawaii, Maddie looks forward to further exploring and learning here in Alaska.
Shaylon Cochran – Director of Communications and Public Outreach Shaylon joined our team in 2020. A resident of the Kenai Peninsula since 2011, Shaylon brings nearly a decade of journalism and media experience to the organization. Most recently, he was a host and reporter at KDLL Public Radio in Kenai, where he reported extensively on the oil and gas industry, sharing stories with local, state and nationwide audiences. Out of office time is usually spent with his dog, Abby, exploring the Peninsula’s many hiking, bike and ski trails and the taking advantage of the abundant fishing opportunities in the summer.
Candice Elias – Administrative Assistant
A lifelong Alaskan, Candice joined CIRCAC this last fall of 2021. She was born and raised in Anchorage, with family ties to the village of Golovin. She moved from Anchorage to the Kenai area in 2005. During the last 16 years, she has co-owned and operated a restaurant, worked in the healthcare field and raised children. Now she looks forward to learning more about the oil industry while applying over 20 years of administrative experience to her new role at CIRCAC.
