Event Chairs and Executive Committee

SAM ARMSTRONG 

Mr. Armstrong was president (1993-94) of Moores Cancer Center Board when he started the Luau & Longboard Invitational benefiting Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health. He reached out to John Otterson, and they recruited a group of surfers to create the event. He has continued to be a driving force behind the invitational for the last 33 years, including having a team and surfing in the event all 33 years. He has served on the School of Social Sciences Dean’s Advisory Board and Chancellor’s Associates over the years. Mr. Armstrong has worked as an investment advisor for more than 30 years largely focused on the life sciences industry. Mr. Armstrong is a Trustee for the W.P. Carey Foundation. He is an avid surfer and a member of the WindanSea Surf Club.

JOHN OTTERSON 

Mr. Otterson joined Jackson Square Ventures in 2015 following 25 years at the heart of the innovation sector with Silicon Valley Bank, including fifteen years with SVB Capital where he led LP relations for the bank's highly selective venture investment group. An unabashed fan of entrepreneurs, he co-founded EvoNexus in San Diego and the precursor to Maui Makai, uniquely combining his passion for watersports and entrepreneurship.

TYLER CALLAWAY 

Tyler Callaway is a longtime surf industry leader, accomplished competitive surfer and multiple time cancer survivor whose story embodies resilience and community impact. A former owner of FCS and a veteran of the global surf industry, Callaway has been deeply involved with the Luau & Legends of Surfing Invitational for decades, helping raise funds for cancer research at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center.

A four‑time national surfing champion and advocate for surf‑centered philanthropy, Callaway survived melanoma, which he first received treatment for in the 1980s; thyroid cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2012; and prostate cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2019. His recovery and gratitude for the care he received at Moores Cancer Center inspired his ongoing commitment to supporting cancer research and patients. “I’ve been so lucky with my outcomes. I’m grateful to everyone at Moores Cancer Center and dedicated to developing the Thrivers Team to support patients and their loved ones who are fighting their own battle.” 

Today, Callaway remains an influential figure in the surf community, both as a mentor and ambassador, and continues to share his experience to inspire others facing cancer and to champion the power of community in advancing lifesaving research.

JON ROSEMAN 

Jon Roseman is a globally respected surf innovator, entrepreneur and longtime steward of Fiji’s iconic Cloudbreak. As co‑owner and managing director of Tavarua Island and Namotu Island Resorts, he has spent more than 30 years helping shape one of the world’s most revered surf destinations, earning the trust of Fijian tribal leaders, professional surfers and the international surf community.

Widely regarded for his deep knowledge of Cloudbreak’s history and heavy-water swells, Roseman has been present for many of the most significant surf events of the past three decades. His leadership has also extended to sustainability: He has championed renewable-energy initiatives and community‑based environmental stewardship through his past academic work at Yale University and continues to engage with current work at Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy. 

As co-chair of the Legends of Science and Surfing, Roseman brings his passion for ocean culture, community engagement and longstanding commitment to giving back — celebrating the powerful intersection of science, resilience and the surfing world.

PAIGE ALMS 

Paige Alms is a world champion big wave surfer, entrepreneur and dedicated community advocate whose passion for the ocean is matched by her commitment to helping others. A pioneer in women’s big wave surfing, Paige made history as the first woman to win the prestigious Big Wave World Tour Championship, solidifying her place as one of the sport’s most respected athletes.

Known for breaking barriers in professional surfing and inspiring the next generation through mentorship and advocacy, Paige believes deeply in using her platform to create positive impact. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to giving back through community outreach, advocating for environmental stewardship and supporting causes that bring people together. She understands the importance of resilience, connection and showing up for others during life’s most difficult challenges. As someone who values the power of community, she is honored to support legends and the lifesaving mission of Moores Cancer Center.

As an honorary co-chair for legends, Paige is proud to help unite athletes, supporters and philanthropists in support of advancing cancer research, patient care and hope for families impacted by cancer.

MARK EGAN 

Mark Egan ’96 is a UC San Diego alumnus and has worked in the health care and life science industry for nearly 30 years. Mark’s involvement with the Legends of Science and Surfing has included fielding teams and working with industry sponsors.