Oceana | Protecting the World's Oceans

Senior Communications Manager, Marketing & Communications

Based in: Washington, DC, USA

Growing up in Durham, NC I was surrounded by expansive acres of undeveloped woodland where my parents allowed my brother and me to wander freely beyond our backyard. Revisiting my place of birth after living in the Mid-West for 14 years, I could hardly recognize the area where I cultivated so many fond memories. The surrounding farmland was developed into carbon copy suburban homes and all of the woods I once played in had been cleared. It reminded me that my affinity to the natural world is deep-seeded, which is one reason why I sought further education in environmental studies.

I graduated from Denison University in 2000 with an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and a concentration in Communications. I gravitated towards sustainable agriculture, especially after my Junior semester in Costa Rica, where I spent 4 months studying with the School for Field Studies. After graduating, I acquired an internship in Washington, DC working for an Ohio Congressman on environmental issues.

Many years later, I have found myself with a career working mainly in the non -profit sector helping organizations develop targeted strategies to hone their messages, mobilize members, build on-the-ground support, raise money, and communicate effectively with the media, the public, and decision-makers. I started building this expertise as Program Manager for the Center for Food Safety, a non-profit that works on sustainable agriculture initiatives, and later as a consultant with the public interest consulting firm, M+R Strategic Services. I have worked for various clients including U.S. PIRG, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, National Direct Student Loan Coalition, the U.S. Organic Trade Association and over twenty organic food and fiber companies.

Working for Oceana feels like coming home. I love going into work every day knowing that I am part of an organization that is making a real difference in protecting the natural world - in particular, 71% of the planet. Since joining Oceana in the summer of 2007, I have learned a lot about the state of our oceans and am proud to be giving a voice to this magnificent part of nature.