Our Story
San Francisco Tsunami Aquatics is an inclusive masters-level swim and artistic swimming club for LGBTQ+ athletes and allies. Founded in 1986, we welcome swimmers of all levels—from seasoned competitors to brand-new beginners. Tsunami offers high-quality training, stroke clinics, and a strong sense of community. We're proud to compete locally and internationally while fostering fun, friendship, and fierce performances.
Board of Directors
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Chris Stuart
PRESIDENT
president@sftsunami.orgAs President of the Tsunami Board of Directors, Chris is responsible for providing leadership, oversight and direction to ensure the team’s success in day to day operations as well as in meeting the team's strategic goals. The president works closely with other board members, coaches and all other Tsunamis to promote a positive and inclusive environment that fosters teamwork, sportsmanship and fun for our LGBTQ+ aquatic community.
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John Gilliland
TREASURER
treasurer@sftsunami.orgJohn oversees the team finances, managing investments and ensuring SF Tsunami's financial health. Includes budgeting and forecasting in conjunction with financial statement presentation.
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Paul Walker
GOVERNMENT LIAISON
government@sftsunami.orgPaul handles communications with SF Recreation & Parks regarding pool operations.
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Eduardo Ontiveros
BILLING
billing@sftsunami.orgAs the billing manager, Ed takes care of all your Mindbody-related needs, such as refunds, membership payment questions, scholarship inquiries, and overall account management.
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Patrick Knudsen
FUNDRAISING
fundraising@sftsunami.orgPatrick organizes and leads inclusive fundraising initiatives to support team events and competitions, promote community engagement, and ensure equitable access to resources for all members.
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Kari Beene
SYNCHRO LIAISON
synchro@sftsunami.orgKari serves as the Synchronized Swim Liaison, acting as the primary point of contact between the synchronized swimming team and the board. She ensures that practice schedules, competition details, and team updates are communicated clearly and efficiently, provides new members with guidance on joining the team, and supports coaching staff in securing equipment and coordinating practice time with the city.
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Jay Biethan
SOCIAL
social@sftsunami.orgJay runs the team’s social channels, organizes monthly happy hours and seasonal events, and is always looking to spark collaborations with other LGBTQ+ teams and nonprofits to keep the community safe, connected, and radiant.
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Cris Loftus
COMPETITION & MEMBERSHIP
membership@sftsunami.orgCris helps onboard new members to the team, sends out team communications, and helps to spread the word about upcoming swim meets.
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Justin Yue
MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY
media@sftsunami.orgJustin manages the creation and maintenance of the team website, working together with all board members to ensure that team information is clearly communicated and easily accessible.
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Gino Manieri
SECRETARY
secretary@sftsunami.orgGino takes meeting notes and actively monitors the agenda at board meetings to ensure discussions are on track. Additionally, he is trying to organize historical media for the team.