The People Behind the Mission
Nova Gold's team continues to grow across every discipline. The operators, scientists, leaders, and advocates who make this mission possible come from every corner of the service community. Their ranks expand with every new partnership, every expedition, and every person who answers the call.
— Co-Founders —
There From the Beginning.
These are the people who believed in the mission before there was a foundation, a name, or a plan. Their commitment in the earliest days helped turn a shared vision into something real. Their contributions as founding members are woven into everything Nova Gold has become.
Eric M. Kocher
Co-Founder, USMC Veteran
Staff Sergeant (Former)
Eric Kocher is a former United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant who served with the legendary 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, one of the Marine Corps’ premier reconnaissance units. A veteran of one combat deployment to Afghanistan and four combat deployments to Iraq, Eric was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts for his courage, leadership, and sacrifice during some of the most demanding combat operations of the Global War on Terror. His experiences during the 2003 invasion of Iraq were later featured in Evan Wright’s acclaimed Generation Kill, helping to provide an authentic portrayal of modern Recon Marines.
Throughout his military career, Eric earned a reputation as an exceptional Recon Marine whose professionalism, physical endurance, and unwavering commitment to his fellow Marines commanded the respect of those who served alongside him. Seriously wounded during combat operations in Fallujah, he overcame life-changing injuries while continuing to exemplify the resilience, discipline, and quiet leadership that define the Marine Corps reconnaissance community. His experiences continue to inspire veterans and civilians alike through his example of perseverance and service.
As a Co-Founder of the Nova Gold Foundation, Eric has been part of the organization since its inception, helping shape its vision of supporting veterans, first responders, and their families through exploration, diving, education, and purpose-driven expeditions. He brings elite operational experience, combat-tested leadership, and an unwavering commitment to teamwork under the most demanding conditions. His dedication to service, resilience, and helping others recover and thrive makes him an invaluable leader within the Nova Gold Foundation.
Sgt. Eddie Wright
Co-Founder, USMC VETERAN
SERGEANT (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 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.
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.
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.
Purpose. Service. Heritage. Recovery.
