David Sklar
Founder and CEO –
David holds a Professional Degree in Architecture from the University of Tennessee and has a multi-faceted background with experience in resort, residential and commercial design projects. In recognition of his innovative eco-sensitive design solutions, Mr. Sklar has spoken at organizations such as the United Nations, Stanford University, University of Maryland, and the American Embassy in the Bahamas. He spoke at the NY Academy of Sciences in 2010, lobbied Congress to pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act as part of the delegation from the Environmental Defense Fund. He has also been invited to present at the UN Program on Realization of Sustainable Renewable Energy Cities & Island Projects, and showcased STAR Island Bahamas at the 14th Annual Congressional Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency EXPO & Forum, put on by the Sustainable Energy Coalition. David is a member of Newsweek’s Global Environment Leadership Advisory Board and a subject matter expert on green development for the World Education Council in Geneva. He continues to be a pioneer in ecotecture with the development of cutting edge green projects.
Frank Carroll
Partner/Musician –
Frank Carroll is a Bahamian musician, promoter, and record producer. Mr. Carroll comes from a prominent Bahamian family whose members contributed to the establishment of the nation’s independence. He has performed and recorded with artists as diverse as Bob Marley, Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton, The Talking Heads and Perry Como. Being raised in the Bahamas, Frank brings to the project his expertise in local and international cultural affairs and plays a vital role in ensuring that STAR Island honors and grows in harmony with the Bahamian culture.
Scott Sklar (No relation)
Senior Energy Advisor –
Scott Sklar heads The Stella Group, Ltd., a strategic technology optimization and policy firm for clean energy, with a focus on system standardization, modularity, and web-enabled diagnostics. Sklar is an Adjunct Professor at the George Washington University teaching two unique interdisciplinary sustainable energy courses, and an Affiliated Professor with CATIE, a graduate university in Costa Rica offering graduate degrees on sustainability. Sklar is also part-time Executive Director of the non-profit Center for Small Business and the Environment, and chairs the Steering Committee of the Sustainable Energy Coalition in Washington, DC. In 2014, he was awarded The Charles Greely Abbot Award by ASES and the Green Patriot Award by George Mason University in Virginia. Sklar was re-appointed to the US Department of Commerce Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee (RE&EEAC), where he serves as its Chair, term ending in 2016.
Sinjin Smith
Systems Engineer –
Mr. Smith is the Executive Director of OASES, Inc., a non-profit scientific research and educational organization focused on preserving and restoring oceans and the environment. OASES has been instrumental in mangrove restoration, coral propagation for reef rebuilding and many new inventions focusing on data collection, robotics, and food generation. He has been a managing partner in several limited liability companies and an ocean engineering consultant for over 20 years. Mr. Smith holds several patents and is applying for many more spanning: buoys, ROV systems, LED lighting systems, data collection and telemetry equipment, thermoelectric generators, multi-functional structural circuits, biometric authentication, and solar-powered hydroponic systems.
Mariana Potter
Project Coordinator –
Mariana is a native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With degrees in Tourism Management and Education, Mariana gained experience in the hospitality industry in companies as Ocean Reef Club in the FL Keys, Wintergreen Resort and The Homestead in VA, and The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort in SC. Mariana worked in operational positions in Recreation, Food & Beverage, as well as management and administrative positions in Human Resources as International Recruiter and Administrator at a four-season resort where she recruited and managed employees from South America, Europe and Asia. She has personal and professional interest in environmental education and the development of green initiatives in tourism.
Ryan Neely
Director of Sales and Marketing –
Ryan is a native of Pittsburgh, PA, and a graduate of West Virginia University with a BA in Finance and Economics. Ryan began his career with The Monteverde Group, a boutique wealth management firm that specializes in working with high net worth individuals on wealth transfer and preservation strategies. Ryan next took an opportunity to join a Start-up and launch ProFromGo, a web design and development firm that helps businesses grow their online web presence. Upon transitioning into his role as VP of Sales, Ryan helped ProFromGo more than double their annual sales numbers for 5 consecutive years with a client base that ranged in revenue from $10 million to $500 million. Ryan worked with companies based all over the United States to help them enhance their online and offline marketing strategies. Ryan was introduced to founder David Sklar and his STAR Island project through a mutual friend. Upon learning about the projects mission Ryan wanted to be part of this groundbreaking project. Now a key team member as head of Sales and Business Development for STAR Island, Ryan will continually seek out innovative and sustainably focused companies and organizations to create strategic partnerships with. He is excited to introduce the STAR Island membership program, which will provide a unique opportunity for members to experience the island and support this world changing sustainable project.