Charles is a San Francisco, CA native whose family helped pioneer the City in the 1860s. His parents were academics and world travelers allowing him exploration experiences from an early age. When his father taught him how to sail as a youngster, he was hooked on combining sailing with exploration. His most recent expedition was an Arctic Northwest Passage Sailing transit which used satellite-mapping to survey the route and a new channel was added in the Tasmania Islands, now named after Charles. In addition, ice melt and weather observations were logged. All information was recorded by Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge, UK. In 2015, Charles completed a two-year sailing World Circumnavigation expedition which helped to collect water samples to aid research into the ocean dispersal of microplastics. In overseeing the collection of water samples worldwide, ASC is studying the sources, composition and distribution of this pollution to assist in measures to combat the problem. Also, Charles co-authored the book Circumnavigation Guide: Timed for weather, and a forthcoming book, The ARCTIC Northwest Passage, 2020. He has also authored many related articles in navigation and marine periodicals.

Professionally, Charles has received national recognition with write-ups in Newsweek, The Los Angeles Times and other media for his computer software/hardware expertise. Considered an industry authority he has written the well-reviewed book Will Computers Revolt? Preparing for the Future of Artificial Intelligence, the successful textbook, CAD for Printed Circuits, and a forthcoming book, How to Create Artificial General Intelligence along with, numerous technical articles and talks. The most recent talk was in Boston for the IEEE International Society of Technology, November 2019. He is credited with the creation of two unique Artificial Intelligence systems, including the Brain Simulator and three generations of CAD software. Charles holds a BSEE degree and a Masters in Computer Science. The Founder and current CEO of FutureAI, an Artificial General Intelligence research company, his career has included many years in Silicon Valley and at Microsoft. He was nominated for a Microsoft Alumni Fellow Award.

Philanthropy has included: Lowell Thomas Awards, major sponsor; Mobius Science Center, startup co-founder (in the Periodic Chart of Founding Donors, at Si, Silicon) and received the Citys Benefactor of the Year Award; the Medical School, PNWU, startup donation and on the Board of advisors. The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre donor, one of South Africas leading conservation & wildlife rehabilitation center. Also, the Smithsonian affiliate, Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture Board of Advisors, a major underwriter and Honorary Co-Chair for the Leonardo Da Vinci: Man-Inventor-Genius major travelling exhibition.

Personally, Charles and his wife, Cathy, also an Explorers Club member, have been married and exploring for 40 years. They have one son.