Richard Blackburn’s Statement
I am honored to be nominated to return to the Board of Directors for the NSS CDS. For those of you that do not know me, let me introduce myself. I have been an active caver since 1972. I started cave diving in Feb 2002. I am a life member of both the NSS and the NSS CDS. I am a Fellow of the NSS. I have served on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Speleological Society, Dogwood City Grotto, Lost Mountain Caver’s Grotto, Southeastern Cave Conservancy, and the NSS CDS.
I have volunteered at multiple workshops in my tenure as a CDS member.
I truly believe in the missions of the NSS CDS and the NSS. What I would like to work on as a member of the board:
- Push forward the mission of exploration, education, and conservation
- Work with the training committee when need to make the CDS the goto training agency for cave diving and cave diving standards
I would appreciate your vote, and the chance to service you as a member of the Board of Directors.
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Richard Blackburn
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Matt Hansen’s Statement
Cave conservation is important for environmental reasons, but the general public is largely unaware of caves, divers, or the connection to their drinking water. Alachua and other caves are under constant threat, and our community has done conservation no favors by keeping survey data, maps, and spring locations secret. As the largest cave diving organization, the NSS CDS needs to do more to make the public aware of the locations, extents and importance of our springs and karst windows. We need to work to make maps more available, and advocate in-person and on social media for conservation causes and to continue opening new dive sites for the community.
Matt Hansen
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Lloyd Abentroth II’s Statement
My name is Lloyd Abentroth II, I am honored to be nominated for a member of the CDS board! I was certified in cave diving 2 years ago and my love and commitment towards it has only grown. I am also an Active recreational dive Instructor, as an advocate for the natural world and an enthusiast of cave exploration, I am deeply committed to the protection of caves and springs—fragile ecosystems that are vital to both our environment and our understanding of Earth’s history. Through my platform, I pledge to actively support initiatives that prioritize preservation, research, and the safety of those who explore these incredible natural wonders.
1. Commitment to Cave and Spring Preservation
I firmly believe in the importance of safeguarding our caves and springs for future generations. These areas are not only ecological treasures but also vital water sources and unique habitats. I will work to ensure that these spaces are protected from pollution, over-exploitation, and environmental degradation. This includes advocating for stricter policies around access and development, as well as supporting efforts to mitigate human impact on these fragile environments.
2. Support for Scientific Research and Education
The preservation of caves and springs goes hand-in-hand with scientific exploration. I am committed to supporting research that advances our knowledge of these underground ecosystems—whether it’s understanding their complex hydrology, unique biodiversity, or their role in climate change. I will work to secure funding for scientific studies and champion educational programs that raise awareness about the ecological importance of caves and springs, especially among future generations of researchers, divers, and conservationists.
3. Advocacy for Cave Diving Safety
Cave diving is a thrilling yet inherently dangerous activity that requires expert knowledge, preparation, and equipment. I am passionate about promoting safety standards that ensure responsible exploration of these environments. This includes advocating for proper diver training, the development of advanced safety protocols, and the use of cutting-edge technology that reduces risks. I am committed to fostering a culture of safety where divers can explore caves with respect for both the environment and the limits of human capability.
4. Collaboration and Responsible Exploration
I believe that collaboration between scientists, divers, conservationists, and local communities is essential to the responsible exploration and preservation of caves and springs. By promoting open dialogue and sharing best practices, we can ensure that exploration does not come at the expense of these natural resources. I will work to build bridges between different groups to encourage sustainable practices that respect both the land and the people who live near these sensitive areas.
Through this platform, I aim to inspire others to join me in safeguarding the mysterious, beautiful, and vital ecosystems beneath our feet. Together, we can ensure that caves and springs remain protected, explored responsibly, and respected for generations to come
Thank you in advance for your vote!
Sincerely,
Lloyd Abentroth II
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Stephen Forlenza’s Statement
Hi! My name is Stephen Forlenza. I am a current board member of the NSS-CDS. I hold the Secretary position, and I have done so for the last 9 months. Some of my accomplishments in this period are:
◦ Implementation of the e-blast program. Ensuring dissemination of CDS business in a timely fashion. ◦ Modification of the Cow waiver system. Ensuring accountability by sending email communication to the members and requiring confirmation of safe departure from the property. ◦ Ensuring compliance with current by-laws. Posting of the required 36 months of meeting minutes. Transparent and accessible to all members. ◦ New convenient search feature in the awards and Instructor sections of our web page. ◦ Established a Conference hub on our webpage. All conference data in one easily accessible place for the members. ◦ Re-established CDS Instagram account. ◦ DEMA 2024 booth Captain. Attended the show to further the CDS mission all while keeping within the allocated budget and eliminated anticipated significant losses. ◦ Revamped the CDS website. Repaired all broken links, fixed all typographical and grammatical errors. Removed outdated and redundant data. Initiated an email sign up function. Reformatted the UWS Presentation. Expanded the awards section and added the recognition room and much, much more. ◦ Initiated data retention efforts. Expanded CDS email address for all Directors and committee heads. ◦ Repair of many training database functionality issues. ◦ Instrumental in the eLearning contract negotiations. Significant reduction in potential liability and perpetual financial obligations for the section. ◦ Fostering cave diving safety- Installation of new warning signs at both Little River and Ginnie springs respectively. ◦ Instrumental in the implementation of calendar year (rather than fiscal year) renewal for members. Optimizing income control and simplifying tracking of member retention.
Relevant experience and expertise
I recently retired from FDNY as a Captain. I was a fire suppression officer and a technical rescue specialist. A few years ago, after retirement, I moved from NY and settled in Tampa Florida. Currently, I work as a tow boat Captain/Salvage diver for Towboat US, Tampa Bay-Cedar Key. Towing distressed vessels is my everyday activity. However, from time to time, diving and rigging submerged vessels and raising them back to the surface is part of the daily chore. SCUBA diving is one of my greatest passions. I am certified as a full cave diver and hold many other related certifications, such as, Choptima rebreather, DPV, Stage Cave, Tech Trimix, Divemaster DSD leader, Public Safety Diver, current diving ops, full face mask technician and many, many more. Additionally, I am an open water instructor and enjoy teaching very much. I’ll jump into any puddle I can find!
During my tenure with FDNY, I was the commanding officer of their SCUBA unit. I was responsible for the operations and logistics of the entire SCUBA program. With over 200 personnel actively diving, I was responsible for all funding and budgets, equipment procurement and maintenance, training program and professional development, and personnel management.
Also, during my tenure at FDNY, I managed the largest non-profit 501c3 organization in the FDNY. I worked my way up from borough trustee and finally became President. I was charged with both the General and Scholarship funds. With over 4000 members, I learned how to manage large membership pools, solicit donations and sponsorships, filing 990 and other required reports and most importantly, I learned how to partner with sister and parent organizations optimizing the benefits we could supply to our members.
I have also run not-for-profit organizations and for profit organizations. Each requires a unique skill set to be successful. I offer these unique skills to the CDS.
Vision for the future
If I am successfully re-elected, I would like to focus my energy on streamlining the membership process, clarifying and restructuring the by-laws and continuing the process of data retention.
I would like to thank you in advance for your consideration and look forward to working with you in the future. Safe Diving!
Respectfully Submitted,
Stephen Forlenza
Stephen Forlenza
Forlenza1142@gmail.com
347.266.8781
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Dr. Steven Dalcher’s Statement
NSS-CDS BOD Election 2025
I first became a cave diver in 1995 through David Rhea who emphasized the importance of cave conservation and landowner relations. These ideas became a central core of my belief system concerning the Karst environment. I am currently a NSS-CDS Full Cave Instructor as well as through TDI and I have taught overhead environment classes for TDI, NACD and IANTD. I am a current BOD member and I have worked tirelessly on behalf of the membership in supervising the maintenance and upkeep of our properties. In the last two years I have attended all but two scheduled work days to keep our springs opened and well maintained. Over the last seven months I have scheduled and led work days at Cow Springs, Madison Blue Springs and Edward’s Spring. I have worked with the Cave Access Committee to open up Edward’s Spring to our members and we have two more springs that we hope to open up to our members in the next few months. I designed the CDS Wall of Honor, which was approved by the BOD on February 16, 2025 and we anticipate completion in Fall of 2025. I have written several articles over the years for Underwater Speleology as well as The NACD Journal. I anticipate writing more. I became a Life Member this year as a gesture to demonstrate my belief in the organization and its future. I worked alongside Chris Brock, The Training Director, and the Editorial Team to create The CDS E-learning which will be unveiled in the next few months. I have given generously of my free time and will continue to bring my all to support the CDS. I have seen the great things being accomplished by the CDS and I want to continue to contribute.
If elected to the Board of Directors (BOD) I will strive to continue to uphold the critical work done by the CDS and also to work diligently at opening more sites for our community. Additionally, I will work with state and federal agencies to procure opportunities and funding for research involving the Karst environment. Further, I am a huge proponent of transparency. I believe that everything the organization does should be completely available to the members of the CDS. I am not a politician and have no interest in power struggles and drama. I simply wish to give back to an organization that has done so much for the cave diving community.
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Joerg Hess’s Statement
I started cave diving in 1998. Reggie Ross instilled in me the skills and ethics of cave diving, which I still practice and teach today. Since then, I have been enjoying the benefits of CDS membership and training for coming up on three decades now. I thus consider myself “old school” yet happy to learn new ways.
Having stayed in touch, when Reggie became NSS-CDS training director, I felt encouraged to start giving back to the community that has given to me so generously. Despite Reggie’s passing, I continued the journey that he and I had discussed: I crossed over to become a CDS cave instructor and became active in helping out with the CDS’ core missions—exploration and conservation—in a safe way. Whenever time has allowed, I have very much enjoyed working with our members on coordinating the rebuilding of benches and fences at dive sites—after hurricanes, for example. During such activities, I have led teams of volunteers and revised engineering plans to adapt to local conditions, finally putting my German engineering degree to good use!
I have felt the pulse of the community of cave divers in general, and of the CDS specifically, over the years. Although I have witnessed turmoil in the past, what I see now is a remarkable team of level-headed leaders who have the single aim of leading the CDS forward. I already support them in any way I can. Furthermore, I hereby throw my name in the hat for consideration as program director. I am well aware of the dedication and efforts required to be effective in this role, and intend to put my focus on aspects of safety and science. You may find that I hold expansive qualifications in those areas, see below. I would like the CDS to become a known contributor to cave related science, and safety, beyond its immediate community. Whenever landowners, or agencies, have a cave-related issue, I want the CDS to be the first contact they think of. I am very excited about the momentum we could achieve in the coming years, and hope for your support!
Background information about me:
- German engineering degree (master’s equivalent), PhD in applied biochemistry
- Worked in industry, leading engineering teams
- Junior open water diver at the late age of 12, since they would not give it any earlier
- Open water instructor 1997, instructor trainer 1999
- Started cave diving 1998
- Research into rebreathers starting in 2000, in collaboration with two international universities and the US Navy, published
- Assisting in building up a science diving program since 1999, I have taught hundreds of science divers
- Faculty and founding member of FSU’s Underwater Crime Scene Investigation program, adapting techniques and procedures for the underwater environment, published
- Instructor for cave diving and rebreathers in 2004
- R&D of diving technology and rebreather technology, since 2007
- Numerous exploration and technology projects, related to diving in general and cave diving specifically, over the years, e.g., first use of rebreathers on a bigger scale in the hunt for remipedes in the Yucatan
- Fatality investigations, specifically rebreather related, for local, state, and federal agencies
- Recently re-engaged in cave exploration and teaching, crossing over to become a CDS cave instructor with CCR cave instructor rating, and continuing to expand my portfolio
- Engaged in CDS storm rebuilding efforts, such as Peacock, Madison, Cow
Joerg Hess
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Jennifer Dillaman’s Statement
My name is Jennifer Dillaman, an avid cave diver, dive professional, and underwater photographer. Being nominated to run for the NSS-CDS board seat is very exciting as I want to be as involved as possible with the community that my passion and profession revolves around. I see the CDS doing so many wonderful things and if elected I would try to aid with conservation of current caves, opening of new sites, and growing the student base and membership for the organization.
My first introduction to the overhead environment was with the CDS Cavern course. I remember the thrill of getting materials and instruction from an organization with such a respected history. I hope to help bring more students and divers that same experience. Being a pillar of quality training and providing educational experiences is an aspect of the CDS that I would continually advocate for.
Having dive sites owned/managed by the CDS is one of my favorite aspects of the organizations. I believe it sets the agency apart and offers something special to both its instructors and members. There have been great strides in trying to open more sites and I want to aid in that process any way I can.
Being nominated, and potentially elected to the board, would be a wonderful opportunity for me to help the growth and management of the CDS. I hope to offer my enthusiasm for the sport, experience in dive industry, and drive to help the organization any way I can.