PCS Board Members and Staff


Learn more about PCS's people — CHANGES COMING SOON!

Ms. Maura Gordon, Chairperson Ms. Gordon is a founding member of PCS and has served on the Board of Directors since its inception. She is a private businesswoman, operating the Palau Internet Café, and a founding member and staff person of Palau Resources Institute, a non-profit corporation working for sustainable development. Ms. Gordon holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Hawaii and before moving into private business had a distinguished career in Palau schools as teacher and counselor. She is active in a number of community organizations
Umiich Sengebau, Vice Chairperson
Mr. Kaleb Udui, Jr., Treasurer Mr. Udui is President of National Development Bank of Palau. Previously, he was a senior executive with the Bank of Hawaii Palau Branch and formally held senior positions in the Palau Ministry of Administration including the post of National Treasurer. He holds a MBA degree from the University of Hawaii and has served on the PCS Board of Directors since 1997.
Mr. Clarence Kitalong Mr. Kitalong is one of PCS’s newest board members having begun his service in October of 2002. He is a traditional chief, a fisherman, and a biologist who owns and operates The Environment, Inc., a private firm that specializes in biological and environmental impact assessments.
Dr. Caleb Otto Dr. Caleb Otto was elected as a Senator to the Seventh Olbiil Era Kelulau in November 2004. Senator Otto received his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Washington in 1970 and Masters in Health Administration in 1975. Subsequently Senator Otto worked as a hospital specialist and later became a director of health services. In 1989, Senator Otto received a bachelor degree in medicine and surgery (MBBS) at the Fiji School of Medicine, University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji. He was an intern at CWM Hospital in General Medicine at Suva for one year and became a clinical tutor at the Fiji School of Medicine for the next three years. Upon his return home Senator Otto served as chief of medical staff at the Belau National Hospital and then as chief of preventive services overseeing the Public Health Division at the Ministry of Health. He was the director of Public Health before retiring on June 30, 2003. He is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Education, and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and State Relations.
Mr. Victor Uherbelau Mr. Uherbelau is a lawyer who specializes in marine affairs. He has held a number of sernior posts in the Palau Government and has recently completed six years of service as Executive Director of the Pacific Regional Forum Fisheries Agency based in the Solomon Islands. He is currently employed as a legal advisor for the Ministry of Resources and Development. He has served as a member of the PCS Board of Directors since 2001.
Gilbert Demei, Board Member Surangel Whipps, Sr., Board Member Delegate Noah Idechong, Board Member Yimnang Golbuu, Board Member

Elbuchel Sadang, Executive Director

Asap Bukurrou, Senior Marine Conservation Officer Mr. Bukurrou has a wealth of experience in aquaculture and marine fisheries management and monitoring. He worked at the Palau Bureau of Marine Resources for 4 years as an aquaculture and fisheries technician where he conducted resource assessments, fish spawning aggregation surveys, and was trained as a long-line fisheries observer. He also received four months of intensive aquarium operations training in Japan, and worked as the Senior Aquarist at the Palau International Coral Reef Center.
Foober Obichang Skebong, Community Conservation Coordinator Mr. Skebong is currently president of a youth organization called Ngarcholtitech Club and a president of BMS alumni class of 78. He holds several certificates in relation to communities and conservation. Mr. Skebong’s work at PCS focuses on communities in Ngaremlengui, Ngatpang and Aimeliik states to identify priority terrestrial areas for inclusion in the Protected Areas Network, and to initiate action to designate these sites as protected areas.
Collin Joseph, Community Conservation Coordinator Ms. Joseph is a resident of Melekeok State, home of the new and forthcoming Capitol of Palau and home to the Ngardok Nature Reserve. Mr. Joseph is a member of the Reserve Board for the Nature Reserve and has extensive experience with community-based management of natural resources.
Gillian Johanes, Community Specialist Mr. Johanes is a resident and traditional title-holder in the state of Airai. He has thirty years of experience in community development including youth affairs, social work, and land management. He was the first Palauan US Peace Corps Representative in Palau. At PCS, he has spearheaded the Ngerikiil Watershed Initiative in Airai state where he works closely with state and traditional leaders to protect Palau’s primary source of drinking water.
Yalap P. Yalap, Environmental Education Officer Mr. Yalap holds a diploma in environmental education from the University of Kent (England). He came to PCS in 2000 following a lengthy career in business and tourism. As former Executive Director of Belau Tourism Association, Mr. Yalap is very familiar with environmental issues affecting Palau and very experienced as a trainer and human resource planner. His most recent project has been the award winning “Uel a Sechelid” (Turtles Are Our Friends) education and awareness campaign.
Anuradha (Anu) Gupta, Senior Terrestrial Officer Ms. Gupta has a joint Bachelor’s degree in Biology and English from the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. (US) and a Master of Science degree in Marine Resource Management from Oregon State University (US). Prior to joining the PCS staff, Ms. Gupta served as a US Peace Corps Volunteer with the Palau Environmental Quality Protection Board. Ms. Gupta’s focus at PCS is on terrestrial and watershed conservation through Birdlife International’s IBAs Project.
Scott Kiefer, Marine Conservation and Education Assistant Mr. Kiefer has a Bachelor’s degree in Resource and Environmental Management as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Scientific Illustration, both from the University of Michigan (US). He has worked in Palau as a S.C.U.B.A dive instructor, naturalist kayak guide and served an internship with the Coral Reef Research Foundation. Currently, he is involved with the artistic design and creation of educational/promotional material, assisting with the management and monitoring of marine resources and the development of tourism management activities.
Godines Ngiltii, Operations Manager Mr. Ngiltii is a licensed boat operator and outboard mechanic. He is responsible for maintenance and operations of PCS equipment, boats and vehicles.
Mingrang Kloulechad, Administration and Finance Officer Ms. Kloulechad has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Guam. Prior to PCS, Ms. Kloulechad served as a Math tutor to Student Support Service in the University of Guam. Ms. Kloulechad is responsible for all accounting and administration of PCS.
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