An Aztec For Life is on the Business End of Marine Mammal Research Organization

By Suzanne Finch

Mike Marchesano ('91, accountancy) became an Aztec four years before he ever set foot on the campus of San Diego State University. 

That’s because Marchesano attended San Diego’s Montgomery High School and their teams’ name, like that of SDSU, is the Aztecs. 

Mike Marchesano

Marchesano chose to attend SDSU so that he could save money by living with his San Diego-based parents, but that wasn’t the only factor driving this decision: “I was a big fan of SDSU football and basketball,” he said. “I was an Aztec in high school, an Aztec in college and, of course, an Aztec for life!” 

When he first came to SDSU, Marchesano intended to study journalism, but after re-evaluating his options, he chose to pursue an accounting degree at the Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy at SDSU’s Fowler College of Business. “I was sold on accounting when I took my first accounting fundamentals course,” he said. “With all the media options these days, I could have wound up carving out a pretty good career had I stuck with writing, but my accounting degree has served me well.” 

It’s Marchesano’s accounting degree that has led him to his current position as the CFO for the National Marine Mammal Foundation (NMMF) where he’s worked for the past 13 years. NMMF is tasked with the veterinary care, feeding, and training of the dolphins and sea lions who make up the Navy’s Marine Mammal Program. “Our researchers, animal care experts and scientists advance the world’s knowledge in marine mammal biology through conservation, environmental stewardship and biologic and bioacoustics research,” he said. “We study how human-made sound and changes to the environment impact marine mammals.” 

Staff member of the National Marine Mammal Foundation interacts with a dolphin under the organization’s care. 

The stated mission of NMMF is “to improve and protect life for marine mammals, humans, and our shared oceans through science, service and education.” The organization has about 140 employees in  Georgia, Washington state and South Carolina, but most, including Marchesano, work at San Diego’s Naval Base Point Loma. “We employ animal trainers, veterinarians and veterinary technicians, all of whom do their part to take care of the mammals on a round-the-clock basis,” he said. “Personnel at our satellite office in Charleston, South Carolina not only do research, but are also equipped to support marine mammal rescue efforts on the Eastern Seaboard and the Gulf Coast. An example of this might include the rescue of a dolphin that’s trapped in a net.” 

While Marchesano is not directly responsible for supporting the marine mammals in the NMMF’s care, he is responsible for supporting the organization’s employees by overseeing their payroll and financial infrastructure, human resources, purchasing and contracts administration. Though it’s a lot to juggle, he said he has SDSU to thank for his multi-tasking abilities. “I think the things that stuck with me most from my time at SDSU were the time management and prioritizing skills,” he said. “As a college student, you’re in an adult world, so I quickly learned to manage my time and prioritize what was important. Throughout my professional career, I’ve always felt it was important to plan and prioritize, and to stay one step ahead if you want a successful outcome.”