Robert J. Swan, Executive Director:
The Executive Director saw first hand at an early age what happens when one dedicates themselves to others. Growing up working and learning from his Grandfather, John Ford, of International Educational Recordings, helped uplift people in over 120 countries provided the foundation on which the OBS philosophy is built. Stewardship. Mr. Swan retired from a successful commercial construction business in 1993. He returned to his passion, the sea, to discover what could be done to help preserve the marine environment. Taking with him his experience, in the 1970’s in which he organized an expedition sponsored in part by United Airlines, for the Steinhart Aquarium, California Academy of Science. This was a three island study and marine specimen collection effort to observe the effects of commercialization on the reefs and surrounding waters of the marine habitat of Maui, Lanai and Molokini, Hawaii. While in the South Pacific he identified a need which was embraced by the Marine Science department of the University of the South Pacific. However commercial development prevailed. Science once again took a back seat. How many other worthy causes have been negatively impacted? Upon reflection, Mr. Swan contemplated what could and should be done to empower others in their charitable aspirations? He realized there must be a way to fund charity by completing a circle of events which bring value and benefit to all. His path took him to an individual who understands stewardship, business and loyalty.
Andrew Phillips:
Andrew Phillips, who founded Payment Resources International Inc. (PRI) in 1998, is a 25-year veteran of the payment processing industry. Following TransFirst’s acquisition of PRI, Phillips became president of Transfirst’s Independent Sales Services division. Phillips focused on identifying and implementing key marketing and sales strategies for Transfirst’s ISO and agent relationships and surpassed all requested goals and objectives
Before founding PRI, Phillips owned and operated several other payment-processing companies, including CheckRite, a check recovery franchise, and Integrated Transaction Services, a full-service processing independent sales organization that also specialized in electronic benefits transfers. His technology expertise led him to develop some of the industry’s top processing technologies, including Transaction Central™, a Web-based credit card and ACH terminal that features all the functionality of an electronic countertop terminal.
Using his unique experience and background, Phillips built PRI into a leading processing company specializing in emerging markets and alternative strategic verticals. Under Phillips’ leadership, PRI demonstrated above-average portfolio growth with below-average merchant attrition.
As president and founder of CARDFLEX FINANCIAL SERVICES, Phillips is now focusing on identifying and achieving the opportunities currently available in the Stored Value and Pre-paid market with a focus on providing a superior product and service standard for businesses and the evolving consumer market.
A highly successful entrepreneur, Phillips is also committed to community service. He owns and operates Accelerate Trainings, an educational company that uses state-of-the-art seminars, professional personal coaching, and multi-media products to help individuals and groups perform at peak capacity. He has served as vice chairman of the Make A Wish Foundation of Orange County, and has been very involved in the revitalization of the YMCA also in Orange County.
Jesse S. Wall, Jr. Treasurer:
Jesse S. Wall, is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in private practice. Prior to being licensed, he was certified as an Enrolled Agent by the Internal Revenue Service.Mr. Wall is the President of a full service CPA firm that provides clients a range of services that include bookkeeping, accounting and payroll. He was previously employed at a major tax preparation firm for three years, and worked one year in the tax division of a bank trust department. In addition, he is a Retired United States Army Lieutenant Colonel.Mr. Wall has a Bachelor of Science and Masters Degree in Business Administration.
Ralph M. (Max) Lucas, Jr.
Mr. Lucas’ career contains a wide range of experiences in banking, management, consulting, and consumer lending, which includes credit and debit cards, start-up engagements, senior organizational positions, payday lending and transactional processing. Specifically, Mr. Lucas, who has over thirty years of banking, more than 18 years in credit cards was the Chief Financial Officer and Director at Credit Services, part of Citigroup (NYSE: C), where for nine years he spent his efforts on financial management, strategic planning and special business related assignments. Mr. Lucas was the former CFO and Director of EGX Funds Transfer, an Electronic Money Transfer and Prepaid Telecommunication public traded company. Mr. Lucas’ experience includes serving as Executive Vice President with Axcess Marketing Group with responsibilities for financial compliance and product development of all consumer products. Mr. Lucas’ experience also includes twenty-two years with First Chicago Corporation, now part of Bank One (NYSE: One) where he was Vice President & Financial Manager for the Trading Products and Investment Banking Groups, and Corporate Secretary and Controller for the Travelers Cheque program. Mr. Lucas is also the former President of CASHx-press, a short-term, cash advance loan company providing payday loans through the Internet and Customer Service centers and Credit Card Financial Corporation, a company which purchases and converts retail installment contracts into unsecured credit card debit. Mr. Lucas was listed in the 1992/1993 Worldwide Edition of Who’s Who for his financial management skills in the credit card industry. Mr. Lucas has a BS in Accounting from Northern Illinois University, a MBA in Finance from Loyola University and an AB in Banking from Rutgers University.
Pedro Da Costa:
Pedro Da Costa: Director Project SANA / Instituto Para el Desarrollo & CEO EcoWise SA de CV
Pedro is a former fundraiser for the 40 year old Missions of Baja, a Medical Ministry in Southern Baja; An Educator for 25 yrs, a Migrant Education Administrator; Founded Salud Financiera, co-creator of the first money transfer card for US Latinos; Entrepreneur; professional speaker; sales trainer; event promoter; radio-show host and expert on Hispanic markets; Elder at Robert Schullers Crystal Cathedral.
EcoWise: an environmental firm executing major environmental projects with government and private industry.
Instituto Para el Desarrollo:
Founded by Dr. Enrique Rico and Ivan Moscosco, this institute supports several Mexican development projects, involving environmental and farm areas. Dr Rico is a former Mexican Congressman and Director in Mexico’s City Environmental Office. He is a renowned expert on environmental subjects and a professor at Mexico’s Polytechnic Institute, the equivalent to MIT. Dr. Ivan Moscoso is the former UN Secretary of Environment for Latin America in Mexico and currently is the director of LA RED DE MUNICIPALIDADES a network of mayors from the major cities of Latin America.
