Celebrating the Women Who Shape Exploration at Lindblad Expeditions
Throughout my career, I have believed that the strongest organizations are those where every voice is valued and every person feels empowered to contribute their perspective, ideas and talents. When people are encouraged to bring their full selves to the work they do, something powerful happens: teams grow stronger, creativity flourishes and the mission we share becomes even more meaningful. And it is this kind of team that ultimately creates the very best experiences for you—our curious and discerning guests.
That belief feels especially resonant today as we celebrate International Women’s Day and recognize the remarkable women who help shape Lindblad Expeditions. Women play essential roles in guiding our journeys, from naturalists and hotel directors to operational leaders ashore. Today, 21 women lead expeditions, 43 serve as ship officers and two command our vessels as captains, bringing expertise and a spirit of discovery to every voyage and helping define the thoughtful, purposeful way we explore the world together.
I am also deeply proud of the extraordinary shoreside team I have the privilege to lead and work alongside every day. Our organization includes 15 women at the VP level and above—six of whom serve on our Executive Leadership Team—along with many more talented women contributing their knowledge and leadership throughout our global offices.
In this special video roundup, you’ll meet just a few of the inspiring women across Lindblad Expeditions—from our first female captain to scientists working to combat plastic pollution—whose work reflects the curiosity, passion and commitment that continue to propel our expeditions forward. Throughout the month of March, we’ll continue sharing more of their stories and celebrating the many ways women in our organization help shape the future of expedition cruising.
Today—and every day—I feel fortunate to work alongside so many talented women who strengthen our company and ensure that the spirit of discovery that began more than 60 years ago continues to thrive for generations to come. I hope you also feel a sense of pride in this passionate team—one that is continually inspired by the spirit of exploration you bring to every journey.
I was born on 6 August 1956 in San Francisco, California to Janet and (the late) Richard Hovis.
I grew up in Santa Monica, California where I attended elementary, junior high school, and high school (graduating in 1974), in addition to involvement in sports and recreation (Little League +, the Boy’s Club ++). Further, it was in elementary school – St. Augustine’s By-the -Sea Parish School that I found, and made the choice to truly journey with God.
I attended Arizona State University from 1974 to 1977 – seeking to become an architect, however, I was not accepted, and, as such, I graduated with a Liberal Arts degree.
Upon graduation from Arizona State University, I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and studied City and Regional Planning at the Master’s level. I successfully completed one (1) year in a two (2) year program – I did not complete the Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning – due to personal reasons.
I returned to Santa Monica where I started (October 1979) my career as graphic designer with Exxon Company, USA. I spent five years with Exxon Company, USA.
While working with Exxon Company, USA I was accepted into architectural school – Sci-Arc in Southern California, however, I did not attend preferring to stay with Exxon..
In 1982 I married Laura Flosi and in April 1983 we had our one and only child – Lauren Alain Hovis – a gift from God.
We moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1984 from Los Angeles, where I went to work as a graphic designer with Kitchell CEM (from 1985 -1987).
From 1987 – 1995 I was an independent contractor, and a registered representative in mortgage finance, financial management, graphic design, and drafting.
Further, I attended the University of Phoenix and successfully obtained a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in 1982.
I was also a member of the Scottsdale Jaycees, where I became very involved in community events and projects.
In 1994, I accepted a cartography position with the Defense Mapping Agency in Reston, Virginia. As such, I relocated from Phoenix to Reston.
In 1998, I was accepted and worked as a Visual Information Officer with the Central Intelligence Agency. In 2002, I worked as a Support Officer until my retirement (due to a need for shoulder surgery) in September 2018.
Away from my Federal Government service, I have been involved in various organizations and activities in Northern Virginia.
In November of 2011, I married Rebecca Ouellette in Santa Monica, California. I reside in San Tan Valley, AZ with my two hamster - Jess and Timothy, our fish, our lizard - RJ Lizard., and our cats - Pearl and Grey.
As to hobbies, I enjoy playing sports, attending sporting events, mentoring individuals from financial management to hamsters, building models, photography, travel, multimedia design, managing partner for RJ Hamster, and jazz – smooth jazz to a samba or a bossa nova.
Love and God Bless,
Peter – aka RJ Hamster Jo hi
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RJ Hamster 