Meet Our Officers
Caitlin Curry
Communications Officer

Caitlin is currently a Research Coordinator in Conservation Genetics at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. She has been an Officer for CCF So Cal since it's founding, even while getting her PhD in Conservation Biology and Population Genetics at Texas A&M University and being a postdoctoral researcher at the Omaha Zoo in Nebraska. If you have any suggestions for the website, please contact her!
Caitlin had her first face to face experience with a cheetah at the age of 17 when she had the opportunity to meet 9 month old Karoo at Hunte’s Pavillion during a special behind the scenes tour at the San Diego Zoo. Caitlin is a graduate of the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science in animal behavior and a certified dog trainer through the Animal Behavior College. During her undergrad, she was an intern for Dr. Laurie Marker in Namibia and has been in close contact with her ever since. After graduating from UW, Caitlin was a volunteer researcher for the San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research for five years. Caitlin has heard Laurie speak in nine cities in three countries and is very excited about CCF being a part of her hometown.
Caitlin had her first face to face experience with a cheetah at the age of 17 when she had the opportunity to meet 9 month old Karoo at Hunte’s Pavillion during a special behind the scenes tour at the San Diego Zoo. Caitlin is a graduate of the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science in animal behavior and a certified dog trainer through the Animal Behavior College. During her undergrad, she was an intern for Dr. Laurie Marker in Namibia and has been in close contact with her ever since. After graduating from UW, Caitlin was a volunteer researcher for the San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research for five years. Caitlin has heard Laurie speak in nine cities in three countries and is very excited about CCF being a part of her hometown.

Chris Liebenberg is our former Marketing Officer. He left the CCFSoCal Officer Team to focus on his African Destination Specialist company Piper & Heath Travel, named one of Travel+Leisure's A-list of Travel Professionals!
Born in Northern Namibia, Chris has always had a passion for conservation. Chris has worked on the front line of Namibian conservation projects from a young age and has spent time working in anti-poaching, rhino-dehorning, large carnivore rehabilitation and large mammal relocation. More than 15 years in tourism has taught him the value of tourism as a conservation tool and he works tirelessly in the promotion of the Conservation Tourism Concept. Chris now lives in San Diego with his wife Emily and together they are the owners of Piper & Heath Travel.
Born in Northern Namibia, Chris has always had a passion for conservation. Chris has worked on the front line of Namibian conservation projects from a young age and has spent time working in anti-poaching, rhino-dehorning, large carnivore rehabilitation and large mammal relocation. More than 15 years in tourism has taught him the value of tourism as a conservation tool and he works tirelessly in the promotion of the Conservation Tourism Concept. Chris now lives in San Diego with his wife Emily and together they are the owners of Piper & Heath Travel.