Say hello to our adventurous addition to the leadership team! When she isn’t exploring in her overland Jeep, Kristy Ives is working tirelessly to protect the beautiful planet she loves to explore. With over 25 years of experience in non-profit finance management, Kristy brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to CORAL. Let’s dive into her story and get to know the woman behind the numbers!
A Childhood by the Sea
Kristy’s love for the ocean began early. Growing up in Miami, Florida, just a stone’s throw from the Florida Keys, she spent her childhood exploring the underwater world. “I grew up boating, snorkeling, and diving in Biscayne National Park,” she recalls. This early connection to the sea sparked a lifelong passion for marine conservation.
Her journey took her to the University of West Florida in Pensacola, where she majored in environmental resources. “I chose this university because it had a 1,000-acre wildlife preserve, much of which was beachfront—ideal for my studies.” Now, she lives on a serene lake just outside of Atlanta, Georgia, but her heart remains tethered to the ocean.
From Finance to Conservation
Kristy’s journey into non-profit finance was an unexpected yet fortunate turn of events. After graduating, she landed a job at the National Audubon Society. “The Director needed someone to help with the budget, and I volunteered. It quickly became apparent that I had a natural talent for finances and budgeting,” she explains. This newfound talent led her to earn a degree in finance, blending her passion for the environment with her financial skills.
Her innovative approach at Audubon, where she transformed the budget model and improved fundraising strategies, set the stage for her role at CORAL.
I absolutely must work someplace where I can experience and feel the impact. With CORAL, I feel that I can actually make that happen.
Memorable Moments and Exciting Adventures
When she’s not working, Kristy and her partner, Sam, spend three months a year overlanding in their Jeep, exploring remote and stunning landscapes. “We take our Jeep, which pulls a small off-road trailer, out into the wilderness. We’re talking public lands where there aren’t people for miles. We actually work on the road, using Starlink for internet,” she says.
Kristy is also a passionate diver. One of her favorite dive experiences was when she swam through a massive school of moon jellies and came face-to-face with a manta ray. “It was enormous and absolutely amazing. Manta rays are not common in South Florida, so it was quite a rarity.”
Shaping the Future at CORAL
Kristy’s extensive background and innovative mindset make her an invaluable asset to CORAL. She’s eager to apply her knowledge and experience to propel our mission forward. “I love finding solutions and fixing broken systems. It excites me to work on a great idea, a plan, and figure out how to make it happen,” she says enthusiastically.
We’re beyond excited to have Kristy on our team and can’t wait to see the incredible impact she’ll make. Stay tuned for more adventures and insights from Kristy as she dives into her new role at CORAL!
Welcome to the team, Kristy! 🪸
