Sgt. Eddie Wright

Co-Founder, USMC (Ret.)

Eddie Wright is a retired United States Marine Corps Sergeant, combat veteran, and advocate for wounded veterans and military families. Inspired by a family tradition of military service, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and served as both an infantry Marine and Reconnaissance Marine, completing deployments to Okinawa and Iraq during the Global War on Terror. While conducting combat operations in Fallujah, Iraq, in 2004, Eddie sustained catastrophic injuries after being struck by a rocket-propelled grenade during an insurgent ambush. Despite losing both hands and suffering severe combat wounds, he demonstrated extraordinary resilience and determination throughout his recovery.

Following his rehabilitation, Eddie returned to active duty and became the first bilateral arm amputee to serve as an instructor within the United States Marine Corps, training and mentoring the next generation of Marines. His leadership, perseverance, and commitment to service have made him a respected figure within the veteran community and a powerful example of overcoming adversity.

Today, Eddie continues to dedicate himself to supporting veterans, wounded warriors, and their families. Through his involvement with veteran-focused organizations and community initiatives, he helps fellow service members navigate the challenges of recovery, transition, and finding renewed purpose after military service. His experience in combat, leadership under adversity, and lifelong commitment to service make him a valuable mentor and advocate for those who have sacrificed in defense of their nation.

SSgt. Cody Miranda

Co-Founder, USMC (Ret.)

Cody Miranda is a retired U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant with 18 years of service, having enlisted at 17 and deploying in support of Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. He served with Lima Company 3/3, A Company 3rd Recon (Hawaii), 1st Force Reconnaissance Company, and Naval Special Clearance Team One, and later instructed at the Marine Corps’ Basic Reconnaissance Course.

After retiring following recovery from a traumatic brain injury at Balboa Naval Hospital, he participated in a Himalayan expedition and was featured in the film High Ground, leading to public speaking engagements nationwide, including at the U.S. Capitol. He later worked as a treasure diver in Nova Scotia before becoming CEO of Frontline Preparedness.

Mike Pizzio

Co-Founder & Board Member, FBI (Ret)

Mike Pizzio is a retired FBI Special Agent and former Deputy U.S. Marshal with a distinguished career in law enforcement, diving, and emergency response.

A certified diver for more than 50 years, Mike established and led an FBI Search and Recovery Dive Team and has participated in numerous television documentaries focused on historic shipwrecks, including expeditions to sites in depths exceeding 400 feet.

Demonstrating his commitment to service, Mike volunteered for three deployments to Iraq, where he worked directly alongside U.S. military personnel.

Mike is a highly accomplished instructor and trainer, holding certifications in Trimix and Rebreather diving. He is also an FBI Firearms Instructor, a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed 100-Ton Captain, and a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

His extensive experience in leadership, operational planning, diving, and training makes him an invaluable asset to the Nova Gold Foundation and its mission of supporting veterans, first responders, and heritage recovery initiatives.

Mike Haas

Co-Founder & Board Member, RPD (Ret)

Mike Haas is a veteran law enforcement professional and master diver with decades of experience in underwater search, recovery, and public safety diving. He began his career with the Randolph Township Police Department in New Jersey, where he established and led the department's dive team. He went on to found and lead the Morris County Underwater Search and Recovery Dive Task Force, directing operations across 39 municipalities in northern New Jersey for twenty years, ranging from evidence recovery and underwater crime scene investigations to difficult body recovery missions.

An accomplished technical diver and expedition team member, Mike brings extensive experience in challenging underwater environments and historic shipwreck exploration. He is featured alongside Captain Jeff MacKinnon and the team on the History Channel series The Death Coast, where he applies his expertise to the search for lost shipwrecks and the preservation of maritime heritage off the coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. He is also a member of the prestigious Explorers Club.

Mike's leadership, professionalism, and passion for exploration make him an invaluable member of the Nova Gold Foundation and its mission of supporting veterans, first responders, and heritage recovery initiatives.

Jayson Martin

Veteran, CAF (Ret)

Born and raised in Moncton, New Brunswick, Jayson Martin has built his life on service, resilience, and dedication to others. He proudly served with India Company, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, completing operational deployments to both Afghanistan and Haiti. His military experience forged a deep commitment to teamwork, leadership, and perseverance under challenging conditions.

The values instilled through his service continue to guide both his personal and professional life. As a veteran, Jayson remains passionate about supporting fellow service members and advocating for opportunities that foster purpose, camaraderie, and continued service beyond the military.

As a member of the Nova Gold Foundation team, Jayson brings firsthand operational experience, integrity, and a strong sense of duty to the organization's mission of supporting veterans, first responders, and maritime heritage initiatives. His dedication to service and his unwavering commitment to helping others make him a valued member of the Nova Gold Foundation and an important part of its vision for the future.

MCpl. Jody Mitic

CAF (Ret)

Jody Mitic is a retired Master Corporal of the Canadian Armed Forces and one of Canada's most recognized veterans' advocates. A highly trained sniper with The Royal Canadian Regiment, Jody served for more than 20 years in the Canadian Army, including operational deployments to Bosnia and Afghanistan. In January 2007, while leading a sniper team in Afghanistan, he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED), resulting in the loss of both of his legs below the knee.

Following his recovery, Jody became an inspirational public speaker, bestselling author, and tireless advocate for wounded veterans, first responders, and people living with disabilities. He co-founded the Never Quit Foundation, promoting adaptive opportunities and support programs for injured military personnel and emergency responders. He is also the author of the national bestselling memoir Unflinching: The Making of a Canadian Sniper and the book Everyday Heroes.

Greg Miller

Board Member, USA (Ret)

Greg Miller is a United States Army combat veteran who proudly served with the 101st Airborne Division from 2005 to 2009, receiving an Honorable Discharge following his military service. During his time in uniform, Greg completed two combat deployments in support of the Global War on Terror.

On one deployment, Greg was struck in the back by a 7.62mm armor-piercing sniper round. Remarkably, he survived because he had been issued an enhanced protective armor plate only hours before the mission. His experience became a powerful testament to the importance of advanced body armor, leading him to testify before the United States Congress on the critical need for improved protective equipment for frontline troops.

Today, Greg is a passionate advocate for veterans and first responders, using his experiences to raise awareness about the lasting impacts of combat, the importance of proper equipment and support systems, and the need to ensure that no veteran fights their battles alone.

Allan Stortts

Outdoor Reconnection Specialist, CAF (Ret)

Allan Stortts is a Canadian Armed Forces veteran who served his country with distinction, attaining the rank of Master Corporal (MCpl) during his military career. Drawing upon his military experience and firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by service members transitioning to civilian life, Allan has dedicated himself to supporting veterans through outdoor and nature-based programs.

A strong believer in the healing power of the outdoors, Allan has spent years helping veterans reconnect with purpose, camaraderie, and resilience through wilderness experiences, adventure-based activities, and peer-supported recovery initiatives. His work focuses on creating environments where veterans can rebuild confidence, strengthen social connections, and improve their overall well-being through meaningful outdoor experiences.

Allan's commitment to veteran wellness aligns closely with the mission of the Nova Gold Foundation. His experience in nature immersion, mentorship, and veteran support programs provides valuable insight into developing initiatives that help veterans and first responders overcome challenges while rediscovering purpose through service, teamwork, and adventure.

Stephen Dugas

Maritime Researcher, CAF (Ret)

Before founding ShipwreckHunter.ca, Stephen Dugas served more than 25 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. His naval career began as a Marine Engineering Mechanic and progressed to Marine Systems Engineering Officer. During his service, he served aboard six East Coast frigates and later held senior engineering leadership positions responsible for technical governance, risk management, operational planning, and regulatory compliance across Canada's Atlantic Fleet.

Following his naval career, Stephen founded ShipwreckHunter.ca, a Canadian initiative dedicated to researching, locating, documenting, and sharing the stories of historic shipwrecks throughout Atlantic Canada. Combining historical research with modern marine technology and underwater exploration, he is committed to preserving Canada's maritime heritage through responsible documentation and public education.

With more than 30 years of diving experience, Stephen has explored the waters of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, employing archival research, side-scan sonar, underwater photography, and structured field investigations to uncover the stories behind Canada's forgotten shipwrecks. His work includes extensive research into the S.S. Charlottetown and numerous other significant maritime losses.

Stephen holds a Master of Science in Occupational Health and Safety with a concentration in Environmental Management, a Bachelor of Science degree, and has completed Parks Canada's NAS Part I Underwater Archaeology Program. He is also a retired PADI Master SCUBA Diver Trainer and has completed professional training in project management, Lean Six Sigma, and ISO 9001 quality systems.

Scott Cormier

Veterans' Advocate, CAF (Ret)

Scott Cormier is a respected veterans' advocate and co-founder of the Veterans Wellness Alliance (VWA), an organization dedicated to improving the well-being, resilience, and long-term success of veterans as they transition beyond military service. Under his leadership, the VWA has developed programs focused on mental health, peer support, community engagement, advocacy, and access to resources that help veterans and their families successfully navigate civilian life.

Driven by a deep commitment to those who have served, Scott has become a strong voice within Canada's veteran community, fostering partnerships and initiatives that promote wellness, connection, and renewed purpose. His work emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and holistic support systems that empower veterans to thrive long after their military careers have ended.

Scott's dedication to veteran advocacy and wellness aligns closely with the mission of the Nova Gold Foundation. His experience building veteran-centered programs and strengthening support networks brings valuable insight to initiatives focused on healing, recovery, mentorship, and creating meaningful opportunities for veterans and first responders.

Through his leadership and unwavering commitment to service, Scott continues to make a lasting and positive impact on the veteran community across Canada.

Michael Murray

Co Founder

Born in Los Angeles, California, Michael Murray has built an extraordinary life defined by adventure, storytelling, and exploration. An accomplished actor, producer, voiceover artist, musician, and treasure hunter, his career has spanned Hollywood, television, and some of the world's most remarkable expeditions.

Michael first gained national attention with a starring role in Steven Bochco's groundbreaking television series Cop Rock, launching a successful career in film and television. Over the years, he became one of Hollywood's most recognizable voiceover talents, serving as the voice of major brands including Hyundai, Molson, Miller Beer, Citicorp, and Wendy's, while also performing roles in acclaimed animated series and video games, including The Simpsons and Rugrats.

Driven by a lifelong sense of adventure, Michael stepped away from Hollywood in 1997 to join a National Geographic-backed treasure expedition in South America. As a member of a six-man salvage team aboard the R/V Explorer, he helped recover millions of dollars in treasure from the legendary 1654 Spanish galleon La Capitana, one of the greatest treasure ships ever lost on the Spanish Main. His travels later took him deep into Mexico's Sierra Tarahumara Mountains, where he documented the lives of modern-day gold prospectors.

Michael's passion for maritime history and treasure hunting eventually brought him back to the world of expedition television, where he co-created a treasure-diving reality series for Spike TV/Viacom alongside Dan Griego. His extensive experience in television production, storytelling, and maritime adventure has made him a respected figure in both the entertainment and exploration communities.

Harvey Morash

Master Diver

Harvey Morash is one of Atlantic Canada’s most experienced technical divers, underwater explorers, and dive instructors, with more than three decades of experience beneath the surface. Certified as a diver in 1991, he has logged more than 4,000 dives in some of the world’s most challenging environments, including deep wrecks, cave systems, ice diving, and advanced technical diving operations.

A highly respected member of Canada’s diving community, Harvey has worked with Parks Canada’s National Marine Archaeology Unit on an as-needed contract basis since 1993, contributing his extensive knowledge of maritime heritage and underwater operations. He holds a Nautical Archaeology Society Level II certification and is a NAUI Technical Full Trimix Instructor, specializing in advanced diver training and expedition-level diving.

An avid cave diver, Harvey has completed approximately 700 cave dives and has been an active rebreather diver since 2014. His passion for exploration is matched by his dedication to documenting the underwater world as an accomplished underwater photographer and videographer. He has also provided underwater support for numerous film and television productions, bringing his technical expertise to the entertainment industry.

Beyond diving, Harvey spent nearly three decades working as a commercial seafood harvester from 1992 to 2020, giving him an intimate knowledge of the waters and coastlines of Atlantic Canada. He also holds a Transport Canada FM4 Master’s Certificate and previously served as a Divers Alert Network (DAN) Instructor.

Christopher Richardson

Master Diver, CAF (RET)

Christopher Richardson is a highly respected diving professional, educator, and industry innovator with more than three decades of experience spanning military, technical, recreational, and public safety diving. A Canadian Armed Forces veteran, Christopher served aboard submarines, surface vessels, and with the Army, participating in operational deployments during the 1991 Gulf War, as well as NATO and United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Since becoming a dive instructor in 1994, Christopher has earned one of the most extensive collections of instructor credentials in the diving industry. As a Course Director, Instructor Trainer, Technical Instructor, Cave Instructor, and Public Safety Diving Instructor, he has trained thousands of divers and instructors worldwide while helping establish and advance international diving standards through leadership roles with NAUI, TDI, SDI, ERDI, RSTC, and other major certification agencies.

Christopher's career has included managing premier dive operations in the Cayman Islands, consulting on diving systems for private superyachts, and holding senior leadership positions with globally recognized manufacturers including Mares, Dacor, Oceanic, EDGE Dive Gear, and HOG. In 2014, he founded Deep 6, where his commitment to uncompromising quality, technical excellence, and customer service has earned the company an outstanding reputation throughout the international diving community.

A recipient of numerous industry awards for instructional excellence and service, Christopher has also served on several international advisory and standards boards, helping shape the future of diver education and technical diving worldwide. He holds both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), combining operational expertise with executive leadership.