Our Multitalented Team

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James Sved, CEO of Subsea Solutions and SVED|RESTORATION, is the mastermind behind The Subsea Sustainability Project. An ocean explorer who first earned his Advanced Openwater Diver certification in 1985, James is a US-based heritage restoration architect, and a city planner with great success in reviving communities.  He has further experience as a subject matter expert for the US Naval Nuclear Laboratory.  Mr. Sved has been involved in nearly $1 Billion worth of federal CERCLA and RCRA cleanup projects since 2021, and is experienced in working in environmental restoration and sustainability leadership. In 2024, James was the recipient of the Game Changer Award from the Naval Nuclear Laboratory for his innovative solutions. His inventive creations went to sea aboard the newest Virginia-Class submarine, SSN-799 USS Idaho, in 2024.  

James has been involved with the successful transformation of four coastal/port city municipalities, displaying success in navigating and guiding local, state, and federal government agencies.  In 2015, a Director of Planning and Community Development in Virginia called James, “A visionary - the type colleague everyone should have the privilege of working with in their career.”

James won the National Preservation Honor Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2004, for his work on the restoration of the Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. He also received the Virginia Outstanding Individual Award for Historic Preservation in 2005, and the Richmond History Makers award in 2019 for his contributions to historic preservation in the city.  

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources called James, “One of the most influential preservationists in Virginia over the last 25 years.” James’ transformation of Richmond’s Main Street Station was named the Building Design and Construction Magazine Restoration Project of the Year in 2004, and was celebrated by the US Postal Service in 2023 as, “An architectural gem,” with its own postage stamp, attesting to the lasting success of James’ visionary work. 

 
James was awarded as an Honorary Kentucky Colonel in 1994, and was welcomed into The Explorers Club in 2014.

Mr. Sved holds advanced degrees from Randolph-Macon College and the University of Virginia, and did his doctoral studies at the College of William & Mary. He is a former university lecturer at Virginia Commonwealth University and at the Medical College of Virginia.

In 2025, James was recognized by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, for his, “Remarkable dedication and expertise in breathing new life into the Commonwealth’s most cherished landmarks,” and for, “Enriching the lives of countless Virginians.”

Liz Taylor, CEO, DOER Marine, has been involved in projects relating to ocean exploration, coastal restoration, water management, levees, and watersheds. She advocates for protecting public access to the water and broadening water competency.  She is an advisor to Cal Maritime, the Wild Oyster Project and served on the Deep Water Horizon Study Group. She has participated in more than 60 scientific diving and educational ocean exploration projects including three Explorer’s Club flag expeditions. 

Taylor co-hosts the Dive In with Liz and Sylvia series, produced by The Ocean Elders. She has authored numerous articles and white papers. Taylor is the recipient of the prestigious Wings WorldQuest innovation award, a Fellow of the Explorers Club, and a Women Divers Hall of Fame inductee.

Liz Taylor, a visionary leader in marine technology and exploration, has been at the forefront of advancing oceanic research and engineering solutions. 

Taylor's field experience is extensive, with expeditions spanning the Pacific Islands, Galapagos, Easter Island, and many other notable marine locations. These expeditions have contributed significantly to marine research and conservation efforts.

Taylor embarked on her professional path at the Caribbean Marine Research Center, serving as its President. There, Taylor gained invaluable experience in aquaculture and marine research management, notably in grouper and conch aquaculture programs

In 1991, she joined Deep Ocean Engineering as Vice President of Marketing, where she honed her skills in client relations and systems export logistics. Four years later, she ascended to the role of President at DOER Marine.‍

Taylor's role encompasses business development, government contracts, marketing, and educational outreach. A notable achievement under her tenure is Project Deepsearch, an ambitious initiative to construct a full ocean depth human-occupied submersible. This project underscores Taylor’s commitment to advancing oceanic research through innovative technologies like advanced glass materials.

Liz Taylor is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley.

Taylor's  dedication to making a tangible impact in the marine world is a testament to her leadership and vision.

Elizabeth (Liz) Tarquin is CEO of CASE Consultants International, a Woman-Owned Small Business and HUBZone-certified firm specializing in environmental resilience and sustainable futures. With over 30 years of experience and dual U.S.–New Zealand citizenship, Liz brings a global perspective to science-based, community-driven, and technology-enabled solutions.

Liz has led projects for government and commercial clients, applying cutting-edge science and technology to make environmental data actionable across sectors. Her portfolio includes work with NOAA, NASA, USDA, EPA, New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries, and others.

Liz also serves as a strategic advisor to IntelliReefs on marine restoration and carbon integration, and to Rākau Carbon in New Zealand, supporting Indigenous-led carbon credit development through native reforestation.

Ms. Tarquin, a Gulf Coast native, holds dual degrees in International Business and Marketing from Georgetown University, and is recognized for bridging science, technology, communications, policy, and finance to drive long-term environmental resilience.

From marine conservation to digital ecosystems, Henri Hemmerechts has built bridges between science, business, and purpose. Through OceanRoamers, Henri has provided hands-on expertise in environmental restoration, seascaping, and sustainable marine development — supporting coastal communities, partners, and professionals worldwide.

As founder of the International Association of Dive Professionals (IADP), Henri also leads nonprofit advocacy, professional training programs, and cross-border expeditions — while offering decades of experience in dive center operations and underwater project execution.

Henri has also been instrumental in THE RED SEA PROJECT™.