Robert ("Bob") Groelle joined the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center in 2023, and began volunteering in support of events and programs at the Nature Center after joining. He has served as a director and as Treasurer for Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center ('FONC') organization since 2025.  His interest in the preservation of our natural environment was prompted him to join and support the Nature Center. I also gavce him an opportunity to serve alongside his daughter Chelsea while she was an assistant environmentalist at the Nature Center.  

Bob brings many years of business and legal experience to the role. He practiced law in Florida since 1989, and has been a small business owner for many years in the community. He recently retired from active litigation practice and now focuses on his volunteer activities. But he does stay active in the law providing limited mediation and arbitration services to stay in practice.  Bob obtained his BBA from Florida Atlantic University's College of Business before going on to obtain his law degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law School. He served as managing partner in a busy law practice for 24 years before his retirement.  He also has experience serving as an officer and/or on boards of property owner associations, and on the Finance Committee of a private residential community. His past volunteer activities also include active positions in youth sports and charitable organizations, the Boy Scouts and Junior Achievement.  

Bob feels privileged to serve in a manner that utilizes his experience and business skills in support of the Okeeheelee Nature Center and with the Friends of Okeeheelee nonprofit, and invites and encourages other professionals in the community to join us!

Jeffrey Ault has been serving the public as a volunteer greeter at the Okeeheelee Nature Center for over seven years, warmly greeting visitors to the Okeeheelee Nature Center and providing guidance and answering questions of visitors. He recently joined the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center Board as a Director, and more recently accepted a nomination to become an officer in the position of Vice President.

Jeffrey is a native of New York and was raised in The Bronx. He earned his Masters in Library Sciences from Queens College in New York, and subsequent served is several position in the public library systems throughout the greater New York area.  Before his retirement, he actively served in the position of the Director of the Dobbs Ferry Public Library in Dobbs Ferry, a village along the Hudson River about 15 miles north of Manhattan.  He last resided in Westchester County, New York prior to his retirement and his relocation Florida.

Jeffrey also brings his years of volunteer experience and service on organized boards to the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center.  He is excited to work with the Friends group and staff of the Nature Center to enhance visitor and customer experience, and support the programs and staff of the Okeeheelee Nature Center.

Dell Schein is a dedicated member of the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center (FONC) board, that brings a wealth of experience with her knowledge of biology, education, and non-profit management.

Dell began supporting the Okeeheelee Nature Center in 2016 as a volunteer. Her background and experience working at the Bronx Zoo Education Department provided her with the skills and expertise to excel in the role at the Nature Center. In recognition of her experience and contributions, Dell transitioned to the FONC board in 2018.

Dell holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology Sciences from Empire State College with a minor in Medical Laboratory Technology. Prior to moving to Florida and joining FONC, she balanced a career as a Medical Laboratory Technologist with volunteering at the Bronx Zoo. In recognition of her talents, the zoo offered her a full-time position managing program services and camp coordination. In that role, Dell refined her public interaction and volunteer coordination skills, and gained valuable experience designing and testing online registration systems. Dell's experience as both a volunteer and a manager at the Bronx Zoo has been of great value to the FONC. 

Over her many years with FONC, Dell has spearheaded its fundraising events, including Raptor Day for nature photographers, and the Nature Center's Earth Day Celebration; and has been the liaison between the Nature Center and the musicians that participate in the Bluegrass Jam the second Saturday of the month beginning in October. She has also been active in oversight of the Okee-Teen Scholarship program for the Nature Center's teen volunteers, and has assisted with support and oversight of FONC's gift shop operation at the Okeeheelee Nature Center.

Dell's unwavering commitment and dedication over the years has been important to FONC's support of the Nature Center. Her passion and expertise are a significant benefit to the organization.

Rich Gathright is a dedicated community member with a lifelong connection to Palm Beach County. He has a history of unwavering commitment to preserving the local environment, and serving his community, which is evident in his lengthy service a valued board member of the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center (FONC) since 2013. 

Rich's skillset has been of great benefit to FONC, as well as to the Nature Center and its purpose in preserving the environment and engaging with the community with beneficial programs and exhibits. His service has been amply demonstrated over the years through his active involvement and thoughtful consideration that have become instrumental in furthering the mission of Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center.

 As a dedicated FONC volunteer since 2008 and former treasurer, Geoff has a deep appreciation for FONC's mission and the impact it has on the community.  He is a passionate advocate for environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility.

Geoff’s knowledge and expertise comes from many varied and extensive sources. He received a B.S. of Electrical Engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering, and a M.S. in Applied Mathematics from Binghamton University, served four years with the United States Navy and 30 years with IBM. 

Those life experiences allow Geoff to bring valuable skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and project management to FONCs board of directors. And Geoff also currently co-chairs the annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K fundraiser every March.

In addition to his other attributes, Geoff has always been an avid outdoorsman.  His most enjoyable days are spent traveling or exploring with his beloved wife though the country in their 35-foot Class A motorhome.  Over the years, when not traveling or camping but spending time at home in Lake Worth, Florida, Geoff is often volunteering with the Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club, where he has served as president and treasurer, or with the Palm Beach County Woodturners, for which he previously served as treasurer.   But Geoff is dedicated to, and passionate about, his contributions to the Friends of Okeeheelee and the Okeeheelee Nature Center’s mission of “…fostering an awareness and appreciation of the environment by providing enriching experiences and opportunities for personal encounters with the natural world.”

Bob Schein’s multi layered career in marketing, sales and recruiting has enabled him to channel these skills and expertise to the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center (FONC) supporting the Nature Center.  His supervision of the gift shop and support of many Nature Center events like Earth Day, Raptor Day, leading nature walks and alligator feedings has been invaluable to the center.

Bob obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in Medical Laboratory Technology, which has enabled him to position himself with many organizations over the years honing his managerial, communication and organization skills.  His calling for the Palm Beach County environment and wildlife began when he and his wife, Dell, relocated to the area from New York state in 2010.  Bob became a volunteer at ONC with his wife, Dell, in 2016 and joined the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center in 2018. Together they found a home with the ONC and have given a great deal of their time and energy to FONC over those years.

For over 50 years, Paul Cummings has been a champion for the South Florida environment. Since arriving in Palm Beach County in 1972, his passion for nature has led him to actively participate in numerous organizations including Boca Raton Audubon, the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, and the Florida Trail Association. He is, of course, a dedicated member of the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center (FONC). Paul's leadership is evident in his history of serving on boards and holding officer positions within these organizations. His commitment goes beyond participation – it's about making a difference. 

Paul's academic background strengthens his environmental advocacy. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Military Studies and a Master's degree in Industrial Personnel Management. Additionally, his 22 years in the Air Force instilled a sense of discipline and dedication that carries over into his environmental work. When Paul isn't advocating for nature, you might find him sculpting beautiful works of art from stone and wood. His passion extends to teaching sculpture classes, fostering creativity in others. His expertise is captured in his book, "Sculpture in Stone," a valuable resource for aspiring sculptors. Paul's talent is recognized worldwide, with his sculptures gracing private residences around the globe.

Paul has a long-term connection to the Okeeheelee Nature Center, as since its opening in 1992, he has volunteered his time and expertise in various capacities. Paul's lengthy commitment to the environment has been an invaluable asset to the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center.