Rita Monde
Director of Logistics and Compliance
Rita Monde is the Director of Logistics and Compliance at Surf 9, responsible for product testing, production and customer shipping logistics. A vital facilitator for our sales partners, her meticulousness ensures that product is received by our partners both on time and in the correct format. She removes many common distribution pain points for the logistics teams of our sales partners with her robust vendor negotiation skills to ensure there are no delivery delays in product delivery from our manufacturers to North America.
Before joining Surf 9 in 2014, Rita worked in Academia, as a Research Laboratory Supervisor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, as a Project Manager at Purdue University and a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Oregon. Rita holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Trinity College-Hartford.
Rita enjoys the working culture at Surf 9 and bringing her 8-year-old Coonhound mix, “Eden the Elf” to the office. Rita is training Eden in Tracking (human trailing) and plans to enter a AKC Tracking trial soon.
Vince Matchett
Director of Operations
Vince Matchett is the Director of Operations at Surf 9, responsible for inventory and supply chain management. Responsible for all product operations once merchandise is through customs, he ensures our sales partners receive order fulfillments on-time and with accuracy.
Prior to joining Surf 9 in 2016, Vince spent six years at Chico’s FAS as a New Store Coordinator and four years at Sears Holdings Corporation as a Sr. Associate Buyer. Vince holds a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences degree in Criminal Justice from the University of North Dakota.
In his free time, Vince loves to spend time with his family and friends, including his wife and two children.
Matt Ochipa
Product Development
For the last 12 years, Matt Ochipa has led Product Development at Surf 9. Matt oversees the design and development of Surf 9 products through production while maintaining a strong focus on innovation and technology. Matt is responsible for material and fabrication selection, approving prototype samples, and providing overall direction for the entire process to ensure high-quality products from conception to execution.
Matt joined Surf 9 with extensive footwear experience from a footwear accessories wholesaler. During his spare time, you can find Matt outdoors surfing, camping, and adventuring.
Derya Onaran
Director of Sourcing and Product Development
Derya Onaran is the Director of Sourcing and Product Development at Surf 9, responsible for managing the supply chain, including product development, sourcing, and production. Derya ensures we are providing the right value at the right time, with quality as the number one priority for both our watersports and footwear divisions. She also focuses on building partnerships overseas to keep up with the demand and availability in the market.
Before joining Surf 9, Derya started her career at a garment manufacturer in Turkey before moving to New York City to complete her second degree at the Fashion Institute of Technology. After working for large wholesalers, trading companies, and retailers in NY and FL, she moved back to Florida to be among friends during the pandemic, which she considers home.
In her free time, Derya enjoys reading, going to the beach, and exploring the outdoors with her husband, two daughters, and dog.