Officers
Executive Director: Shannon McAteer, PhD.
Shannon McAteer is first and foremost a Christian, husband and father of five boys. He is also the Executive Director and Founder of SEAKERS Aquatic Adventures Inc. and lives in Concord, NC. He has been diving since 1997 and has been teaching scuba since 2001. Shannon is an accomplished scuba instructor who has trained hundreds of divers at recreational, technical and
professional levels. He is a NAUI Instructor Trainer, PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, TDI Technical Instructor and is also an instructor for DAN and PSI/PCI. He teaches scuba at all levels to include Trimix, Cave, and rebreather. Shannon’s most notable dives are the Andrea Doria and the Eagle’s Nest Cave system. Prior to moving to NC, Shannon spent 22 years in the US Army, 15 of those years were spent as a helicopter pilot where he flew UH-1 ‘Hueys’, AH-1 ‘Cobras’, and the UH/MH-60 ‘BlackHawks’. He spent 11 years with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), and after retirement he went on to teach Special Operations Aviation in support of the United States Special Operation Command (USSOCOM). Shannon’s studies include a BS and MAS in Professional Aeronautics and a PhD. in Public Policy
Treasurer: Bob Geisler
After seeing a SEAKERS’ introduction video at Crossroads Church, Bob thought the organization provided the perfect opportunity to refresh the scuba diving skills he learned
in his college days. Bob has always loved the water, with three years of experience being a lifeguard, a water skier who can slalom and barefoot ski, and a pool in his back yard.
With a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Ohio University, Bob has worked 25 years with IBM as a software developer, logistics manager, senior advisory programmer and integration architect. Currently, he works for Wells Fargo as a system architect working with the digital channel technology teams supporting Wells Fargo internet applications.
Bob has used his technical knowledge to support Crossroads Church working as an offering counter, lead usher, financial secretary, camera man, media specialist, video control specialist, trustee and finally, as an architect laying out the initial blue prints for the Next Gen building addition.
While not working, Bob enjoys spending time with his family, wife Melinda and his daughter, Tiffany, and her family. Bob loves hiking, white water rafting and backpacking. Ever since his son, Stephen, was 12-years-old he would plan white water trips every year. Once Stephen turned 16, he planned yearly, large group trips to the Gauley River in West Virginia.
Bob has traveled on three Crossroad Church mission trips to Brazil. So, Bob’s love of the outdoors and evangelism outreach made SEAKERS the perfect next step in his journey with God. Bob loves the SEAKERS’ vision of being focused on youth and public servants and sharing God’s love.
Vice President: Christina McAteer
Christina McAteer is a devoted Christian, wife, mother, sister, aunt, daughter and scuba diver! She earned her Open Water certification in 2001 while an active duty U.S. Army Aviator. Christina did her first
ocean dive at Sea Lion Island in San Carlos, Mexico. She came away forever changed and awe struck at the beauty and complexities of the underwater world – around every corner was a new discovery. She was hooked! In the years since Christina first experienced God’s underwater Kingdom, she has dedicated her life to volunteering and helping in the community, and church. She has spent the last five years volunteering full time at Crossroads Church in Concord, NC working specifically with small groups, interest groups, curriculum, and adult spiritual education. In addition, she serves on the board of her sons’ Parent, Teacher, Community, Organization and as a member of the leadership team for the Women’s Ministry at her Church. God has given Christina a passion for encouraging others, helping people to not only see but also believe in themselves and their abilities. So, when her husband, SEAKERS founder, Shannon McAteer, started using his God given passion for scuba diving to mentor, encourage and lift others up, she knew that God was once again using scuba diving as a vehicle to not only transform her life, but the life of many others through HIS ministry: SEAKERS. Christina feels blessed to be a part of HIS plan for herself, her family, and for His Kingdom.
Secretary: Andy Ragan
Andy Ragan is a disciple of Christ and married to a wonderful woman who was heaven sent, Kim. He is also a father of two children and two grandchildren. Andy has always enjoyed swimming in the ocean and when he married almost 30 years ago, got to go snorkeling in the Caribbean and ever since has enjoyed observing God’s glory in nature, underwater. He received his Open Water SCUBA certification in 2014. Andy greatly enjoys helping others learn new
things and seeing the joy of accomplishment in other's eyes. Andy graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in Economics and Business Administration.