Meet MBFT's Newest Board Member Gilbert Vendryes
By Emily Hess, March 10, 2025
Originally from France, Gilbert is a passionate epicurean. He has called Northern California home for more than a decade now. His professional background is in high tech, where he has spent over 30 years focused on international strategy and partnership development. Having worked with some iconic brands such as Apple, EMC, and VMware, as well as leading global partner programs at Zoom, Gilbert has gained valuable business experience that he now leverages in service of community.
“My focus has always been on building strong relationships and creating mutually beneficial partnerships. I also have experience advising startup companies, which has given me valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of smaller, growing organizations,” says Vendryes, on his decades of experience in the corporate world.
Gilbert moved from the Bay Area to Santa Cruz to embrace a different lifestyle, and to be immersed in the natural beauty and vibrant community of the area. As he puts it, “It was a move driven by a longing for a closer connection to nature and a greater focus on my personal passions.” It was his passion for great local food and culinary talent that brought him to learn about MBFT, which aligned with his outlook on community engagement and development.
“Since moving to Santa Cruz, I've become increasingly involved with the farm-to-table concept and the amazing local food scene. The Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust quite quickly captured my attention after having met with Melissa during one of the Get Hooked dinner events in Carmel. The organization's commitment to preserving the heritage of local fishing and ensuring the long-term health of our marine ecosystem deeply resonates with me. I believe that sustainable fishing practices are essential for the economic vitality of our coastal communities and the ecological balance of the Monterey Bay,” says Vendryes.
To further understand Vendryes’s connection to the Monterey Bay and the community he’s acquired here, we asked him a few questions
What is your favorite way to interact with the Monterey Bay?
“I'm a big fan of all forms of art, including the culinary arts! So, one of my favorite ways to connect with the Monterey Bay is through its incredible seafood. I love exploring local restaurants, getting weekly deliveries of the freshest catches from Community Supported Fisheries, and learning about the sustainable fishing practices that protect our oceans. Beyond that, simply being near the ocean – whether it's a walk along the beach or a drive along the coast – is incredibly restorative. The interplay of the ocean, the coastline, and the diverse marine life is truly inspiring.”
What part of the Trust’s work and Mission speaks to you the most?
“I'm particularly drawn to the Trust's focus on the people behind the fishing industry, and also beyond. It's not just about the fish; it's about supporting the hardworking fishermen and their families who are the backbone of our coastal communities. And it is also about strengthening this sense of community within our two counties, raising the awareness around the needs of local industry and most importantly the importance eating local seafood has in our endangered global ecosystem, and its impact on our environment. I also admire the Trust's collaborative approach, working with fishermen, scientists, and the community, and their dedication to finding solutions that benefit both the fishing industry and the health of Monterey Bay.”
It’s an understatement to say we are thrilled to have Gilbert on board. With his deeply inspiring enthusiasm, wealth of business knowledge, and endless ideas, we know he will help take the organization and our mission to the next level. Vendryes adds “I'm eager to learn more about the challenges facing our fisheries and work collaboratively to ensure a thriving future for Monterey Bay. I'm also looking forward to connecting with the Trust's supporters and donors and learning from the diverse perspectives of everyone involved in this vital effort.”
Are you inspired to join Gilbert in helping take MBFT to the next level? We are looking for additional board members. For more information about the role, and who else is on the board, check out our website HERE.