Founded by Mr. John McKeown and Mr. Scott M. Kalt, Ocean Pacific Investments brings together decades of expertise in energy, infrastructure, real estate, and corporate law.
OUR TEAM
Scott M. Kalt
Main Principal & President
Scott M. Kalt is a founding partner at Elkins Kalt Weintraub Reuben Gartside LLP, where he has built a distinguished career as a leading corporate and securities attorney. With decades of experience, he counsels clients ranging from emerging startups to established enterprises, guiding them through mergers and acquisitions, venture financings, private equity investments, and complex governance matters. His practice combines technical expertise with a practical understanding of business realities, making him a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, executives, and boards.
Scott has played a central role in structuring high-stakes transactions that have shaped industries. He has led teams through multi-million-dollar acquisitions and strategic joint ventures, bringing creativity, precision, and a long-term perspective to every deal. Recognized as both a skilled lawyer and pragmatic strategist, he ensures that his clients’ business objectives remain at the forefront.
Known for his accessibility and clarity, Scott is dedicated to demystifying complex issues and empowering clients to make informed decisions. Beyond his legal practice, he mentors young attorneys and contributes actively to professional associations that advance corporate law. He is also committed to community service, supporting philanthropic initiatives that align with his values. Scott’s experience reflects integrity, leadership, and vision, qualities that define both his career and character.
John McKeown
Main Principal & CEO
John McKeown is an accomplished executive, entrepreneur, and international developer with more than 30 years of experience in energy, real estate, and infrastructure. Based in Long Beach, California, he is President & CEO of Synergy Oil & Gas, where he spearheaded one of California’s landmark environmental initiatives: converting an active oil field into one of the country’s largest wetlands restoration projects in collaboration with the City of Long Beach, the California Coastal Conservancy, and the California Coastal Commission.
Internationally, John is the Developer and Principal Investor of Puerto Barú in David, Panama—a modern, environmentally responsible port designed to enhance Panama’s trade infrastructure and drive economic growth in the Chiriquí region. He oversees the project through Ocean Pacific Investments, which he founded in 2018, supported by a full-time Panama-based team.
Earlier in his career, John established Coldwell Banker Commercial – REAG, brokering over $1 billion in transactions in and around the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, earning nine national “Circle of Distinction” awards. He later launched McKeown Realty in 2011 and co-founded a Las Vegas brokerage acquired by Colliers International. His clients have included Fortune 500 companies such as Bank of America, Maersk, China Shipping, IBM, Sprint and GE Investments.
John studied Business at Loyola Marymount University and is a licensed commercial pilot.
Ismael Gonzalez
Vice President
Ismael González is a Panamanian businessman with more than 25 years of experience in financial management, investments, and business development across the industrial, commercial, and logistics sectors. He is currently Vice President of Ocean Pacific Investments, a U.S.-based investment fund that promotes sustainable regional development opportunities through strategic partnerships and high-performance execution teams.
Among the projects he leads, a key highlight is Puerto Barú in David, Chiriquí Province, Panama — a logistics infrastructure platform set to transform the western region of the country by generating new economic opportunities, strengthening connectivity, and advancing sustainable development, while boosting key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and logistics.
Before his current role, he served as an executive at KPMG Panama, where he advised multinational corporations, including Fortune 500 companies, on corporate finance. He also gained extensive experience in marine infrastructure, where he distinguished himself as CFO of Intercoastal Marine.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of South Florida, as well as a Global MBA from TEC de Monterrey and Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona. Committed to creating social impact through responsible investments, he combines financial expertise with a business vision focused on sustainable growth and development.