Board of Directors

Eric Pino - Chairman

Eric serves as Captain and President of the Castaways. Vino (as he’s affectionately known amongst his teammates), a teacher at Christopher Columbus High School, joined the team as a paddler in 2010 when his former coach and then Captain, Steve O’Brien, asked him to fill a vacancy on the team. Since then Eric has been a dedicated fundraiser and committed to furthering the reach of the Castaways. Eric’s wife and kids, as well as his extended family, are all active in volunteering for Castaway events.

If you want to find out more about Eric check out his Castaway profile or his LinkedIn.

Patrick Linforse - Vice Chair

Patrick is an original Castaway and served as Captain of the team for over 10 years until 2020. Patrick joined the team in 2000 when OB, Dave Isenberg, and his brother Bob Linfors were looking for a 4th member to fill the two tandem kayaks. Patrick immediately became a team leader in logistics, media connections, and mission expansion. Patrick has remained a key figure in the Castaway’s success. He now serves as the team’s “consigliere” which offers invaluable counsel to all team members but specifically to Captian Pino.

If you want to find out more about Patrick check out his Castaway profile or his LinkedIn.

Kari Linfors - Treasurer

Kari joined the team in 2010 as a paddler after losing her friend Greg Sousa to cancer. Kari serves as the Finance Committee Chair for the Castaways. Her commitment to the team has grown as her mother, Diane, supports the team yearly by offering road crew support as we paddle down the Keys. The Linfos family also serves as the team’s CPA.

If you want to find out more about Kari check out his Castaway profile or his LinkedIn

Paul Kumer - Secretary

Paul joined the Castaways as a paddler in 2018. Paul is a History teacher at Christopher Columbus High School and it's at Columbus where OB sold him on the idea of paddling from Miami to Key West. Serving as the head of the paddling trip since 2021, Paul has led the trip's logistics efforts as well as serving in other roles within the organization.

If you want to find out more about Paul check out his Castaway profile or his LinkedIn