Billy Ocker ,President
Billy has been capturing the wonders of life through the lens for more than 30 years. Many of his photographs have been shown in state and local media as well as being seen around world wide. He has a mature sense of humor and loves to enjoy life to the fullest. These attributes are visible in his photographic technique. He is well like by the members of the club and the Treasure Coast community as a whole. Truly he is real Treasure Coast Jewel and his enthusiasm for the art, during his tenure and the future, will continue to be contagious for sure.
Ben D'Andrea Vice President
Ben began taking pictures at the ripe old age of 6, and he hasn’t stopped since then. He’s had a studio where he did all types of imagery and later on gravitated towards the commercial side of photography.
He spent many years as a managing partner of two internationally trading stock photography agencies in San Diego, Denver and New York City. He has represented at least 3,000 photographers over the years as their picture agent. He went on to serve on the Board of Directors of the Picture Archive Council of America.
He was Director of Photography for the Professional Bull Riders and also ran a photography learning group with over 1,400 members in Denver. He’s judged hundreds of competitions over the years and is now a Certified Judge for the Florida Camera Club Council.
Working in photography for so many years has not diminished his love of it as a hobby also. His favorite picture is always the next one he’s going to take.
Tom Doyle, Secretary
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United States Marine Corps, 1954 to 1962, four years active duty, Honorable Discharge 1962 Sergeant Rifle Squad Leader
Police Department, City of New York, 1960 to 1993, retired as a Lieutenant
On leave from NYPD 1987 to 1989 served as Assistant Commissioner for Traffic Enforcement, NYCDOT
On Leave from NYPD 1989 t0 1991 served as Executive Director NYC Medical Emergency Services
1993 to 2000 worked as an emergency services consultant for various companies that built computer aided dispatch systems for Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Service agencies including a two year job in London, U.K. from 1998 to 2000
2000 to present learning photography and won some awards along the way including 2015 Court of Honor Professional Photographers Society of New York State
B.A. Fordham University 1976, History Major
M.S. Columbia University Graduate School of Business 1980, Operations Research
Kathie Phillips, Treasurer
Photography has been practically a lifelong passion of mine. I received my first camera when I was about 10 years old. Since then I’ve never been without one and I've owned several at one time. I love all forms of photography, but I especially enjoy macro, animals, landscapes and special effects. I joined the IRPC in June 2017. I’ve enjoyed our club meetings, contests and getting to know other photographers. I am honored to serve as your club’s treasurer.
Barbara (Bobbi) Whitlam, Director
I moved to Vero Beach in 2011 after living in Ohio for 50 years.
Retired from a Communications Company and currently work part time.
I’ve been a hiker for 20 years hiking through England, New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, and many places in the US.
I got interested in photography when I got my 1st job as a photographer’ helper at a Kresge’s photo booth. I got to push the button and develop passport and fun pictures; enlarging and tinting pictures was also my responsibility.
I bought my first 35mm camera at a pawn shop and renewed my interest in personal photography.
After joining the IRPC it opened my eyes to many opportunities and levels of creativity and expression. I see things so differently now.
I enjoy the challenges the club offers and have entered many contests outside of the club venue.
I volunteer at the Hospice Visiting Nurse Association thrift shop 1 day a week as well as manage the position of Treasurer for the Indian River Photo Club.
Etta Ocker, Director
Louis Ciszek, Director
Louie is a retired professional wedding and portrait photographer.
He received a BA from Michigan State University and advanced certification in professional portrait photography from Winona International School of Photography. He taught advanced outdoor studio and still life photography on the faculty of the Vero Beach Museum of Art and is one of the original founders and lifetime member of the Indian River Photo Club.