A healthy Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary recognized as a national treasure for its unique and abundant biodiversity, and widespread community support.
Years of service: 28
Their story: The MBNMS is the official nonprofit partner to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and its chief advocate. They engage the public through outreach and education programs; develop and strengthen partnerships to protect ecosystem health; and directly support programs and projects that center around science and conservation. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary has a diversity of marine life found nowhere else on the planet. The goal is to inspire the public to protect Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and create the next generation of ocean stewards..
Fundraising focus: All donations between now and Dec. 31 made through “MC Gives” qualify for matching funds. In the near-term, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation will focus on:
- BayNet – training volunteers to educate about 40,000 people per year along recreation trails about the sanctuary and protecting local wildlife.
- Team OCEAN – naturalists who volunteer their time to talk with the public about the sanctuary and helps keep boaters from harming wildlife.
- Whale Rescue – supporting whale disentanglement and rescue programs through responder training and equipment upgrades.
Before joining Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Kelly served as the Board Chairperson for Save Our Shores, as well as the Interim Executive Director of Save Our Shores and Save the Waves Foundation. She led the Santa Cruz County Chapter of the American Red Cross and was the Director of Workforce Development Services, Santa Cruz County, as well as served as a consultant to several marine conservation nonprofit start-ups. Kelly holds a law degree and worked as an attorney in Santa Cruz for many years before making the jump to full-time non-profit management.
ginaia@marinesanctuary.org