The People Behind the Mission
Our Team
Veterans, captains, engineers, and community leaders united by a commitment to protecting South Carolina's coastal waterways.
Operations – Executive Team
Leadership driving Wounded Nature's day-to-day mission.
Captain Rudy Socha
CEO — USCG Licensed Boat Captain
Rudy Socha has more than 20 years of management experience in launching successful companies — on or ahead of schedule and under budget. In 1979–1980 he was hired by Nuclear Metals to clean up a massive amount of depleted uranium machine turnings; that project was completed two years ahead of schedule and $2.7 million under budget. Rudy also has 20-plus years of assisting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland with fundraising and corporate relations, serving five years as President of the Alumni Association. In 2003, Rudy co-authored Above & Beyond, profiling 88 former Marines successful in civilian life, with royalties paid directly to seven Marine Corps-related nonprofits. Rudy is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and a USCG Licensed Boat Captain with a Master's rating. He is passionate about cleaning up rural and hard-to-access beaches, tidal marshes, and coastlines in wildlife-critical areas.
Board Members
Wounded Nature–Working Veterans is always looking for new board members who can help raise the funds necessary to carry out our mission. Contact Rudy Socha if interested.
Tom Hargett
Board Member
Tom recently relocated to Charleston from the Washington, DC area, where for the last several years he has focused on selling technology solutions to the public sector. He has worked with small companies and startups trying to land accounts in the federal and public sector markets, as well as larger companies with significant DC operations. Prior to DC, Tom worked for Dish Network in various sales and management roles, with tenure in Denver, Charlotte, and the Washington area. Some other nonprofits Tom has worked with and supported include The Carolina Raptor Center, The Nutter Run, The National Kidney Foundation, and The Red Cross. As a newer resident, he is enjoying investigating the robust restaurant options in Charleston and hopes to re-engage his old fishing habit. Tom is originally from NJ, a graduate of UNC-Charlotte, and happy to be back in the Carolinas.
Brianne Stasiak
Board Member
Bri Stasiak is a native of Buffalo, NY who recently made Mount Pleasant home in search of warmer weather and new experiences. She is an engineer for Turner Construction Company and helped build the International African American Museum in downtown Charleston. Bri earned her B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University at Buffalo in 2016. Wounded Nature–Working Veterans has become an important nonprofit in Bri's life — she attends marsh cleanups, outreach events, and monthly meetings, and runs the Instagram account. She wants to do her part in keeping her new home clean, healthy, and beautiful. Aside from work and Wounded Nature, Bri stays involved by serving on the UB Engineering Young Alumni Board, volunteering at the Charleston Animal Society, and being a member of the Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals. Bri likes to spend her time baking, crafting, reading, beaching at Isle of Palms, and DIY-renovating her first home.
Ram Majji
Board Member — Technology & Government Affairs
Ram Majji is the Founder & Principal of Highgate Public Affairs, a South Carolina government relations practice built on policy depth, procurement expertise, and data-driven strategy. With more than 30 years working at the intersection of technology and public institutions, Ram advises organizations navigating state procurement, government modernization, and legislative strategy. His civic record includes serving as Director of Operations for the Yes for Frisco PAC, co-founding the Frisco ISD Forward PAC, serving on a $500 million bond committee representing constituents on infrastructure investments, and serving on the Board of the Professional Fire Fighters Association. Ram is a SCDNR Certified Boater and brings deep knowledge of South Carolina's coastal policy environment to Wounded Nature's mission. He is registered with the SC State Ethics Commission as a Lobbyist & Lobbyist's Principal.
Steve Sanders
Board Member — USCG Licensed Captain
Bringing a lifetime of experiences shaped by military service, professional leadership, and a deep connection to the Carolina coast, Steve is a licensed U.S. Coast Guard Captain and United States Air Force veteran. Born in South Carolina, with generations of his family rooted in the state, he went on to build a 26-year career at Microsoft, serving in multiple leadership roles. Steve's combination of maritime experience, deep technical knowledge, and organizational leadership supports his commitment to environmental protection and coastal restoration. Having moved back to the Charleston area nine years ago, Steve reconnected with the region's waterways, wildlife, and marine culture. Outside of his environmental work, Steve enjoys boating the local waterways, fishing throughout the Charleston area, and playing golf across the Lowcountry's many courses.
David Nauheim
Board Member — Legal Counsel
David Nauheim is an Attorney at Law and founder of Nauheim Law Office, LLC, where he has represented plaintiffs in personal injury and employment law cases since September 2012. Prior to founding his own practice, David served as an Associate at The Blair Firm. He earned his JD in Law from Liberty University School of Law. David brings legal expertise and a commitment to advocacy to the Wounded Nature–Working Veterans board.
Chris Owen
Board Member
Chris retired from the Army after 22 years of service. Having grown up in Manhattan Beach, California and growing up surfing and fishing he developed a love of the ocean. Since retirement from the Army Chris has worked in the construction and marine industries. He currently has his own marine engine repair business and is a Yamaha Engine Technician. Chris continues his love of the ocean and has been involved in removing derelict/abandoned boats, installing oyster reefs and removing large debris items from tidal marshes. In his spare time, Chris is an avid fisherman and occasional shark tooth hunter.
Chad Taylor
Board Member
Chad retired after serving in the Air Force for 22 and a half years. Since that time he has worked a number of interesting jobs including Pool Boy, Pool Maintenance, and as a Boat Captain for Charleston Water Taxi. Currently Chad is the owner operator of Charleston Harbor Excursions. As a native of South Carolina, Chad has a deep appreciation for returning its coastal areas and waterways to their original pristine condition. Chad has participated in boat removals, tidal marsh cleanups, laying oyster beds and many other environmental activities that benefit his home state. Chad lives in Mt. Pleasant, SC with his wife Amanda and their two daughters.
Whit Hathaway
Board Member — Coastal Operations & Outreach
Whit Hathaway's life reflects a strong connection to the coast, the environment, and the outdoors. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2020 with a degree in Environmental Studies, a field that aligns closely with his appreciation for natural ecosystems and sustainable resource management. Living on Johns Island, Whit has developed a deep understanding of the Lowcountry's unique landscapes, waterways, and coastal culture. He previously worked for the Charleston Oyster Farm, where he gained firsthand experience with aquaculture and the sustainable cultivation of one of the region's most iconic seafood resources. Today, he works for Troyer Yachts, continuing his connection to the water through the boating industry. Outside of work, Whit enjoys fly fishing on his skiff and spending time with his fiancée and their dog, Millie, on Johns Island.
USCG Licensed Volunteer Boat Captains
Our licensed captains make every on-water mission possible.
Join Our Team
We're always looking for passionate volunteers, board members, and sponsors who want to make a real difference in protecting South Carolina's coastal waterways.
Get Involved