Our conservation efforts around the world are supported by a dedicated, brilliant team.
Senior Leadership
Heather Starck
Executive Director
Dr. Helen Fox
Conservation Science Director
Heidi Myers
Finance and Operations Director
Jenny Myton
Conservation Program Director
Mandy Norman
Interim Development and Marketing Director
Mesoamerican Region Program Staff
Tanya Amaya
Regional Program Director
Paolo Guardiola
Program Coordinator
Sheyla Maldonado
Coordinator of Finance and Administration
Pamela Ortega
Program Manager
Emilio Pacheco
Accountant
Javier Pizaña-Alonso
Program Manager
Dr. Antonella Rivera
Principal Investigator
Julio San Martin Chicas
Principal Program Coordinator for the North Coast
Christian Torres
Bay Islands Program Coordinator
Monica Urrutia
Community Scientist
Greissi Villatoro
Community Scientist
Ana Bessy Valdés Martínez
Community Scientist
Hawaiʻi Program Staff
Manuel Mejia
Regional Program Director
Taylor Cook
Research Officer
Erica Perez
Senior Program Manager
Makayla Richmond
Program Coordinator
Jennifer Vander Veur
Senior Program Manager
Conservation Science Staff
Ben Charo
Program Coordinator
Dr. Andrea Rivera-Sosa
Project and Outreach Manager
Development and Marketing Staff
Megan Crain
Development Manager
Heather Rowan
Development Coordinator
Marissa Stein
Associate Marketing Director
Jenny Tolep
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Administration
Kristi Jones
Senior Accountant General Ledger and Grants
Teresa Wood
Human Resources and Operations Coordinator
Inside Coral
CORAL is Making a Splash Around the World. See Where We’ve Advocated for Healthy Coral Reefs
Here at CORAL, summer travel is in full swing. During recent weeks, our staff from around the world have amplified CORAL’s mission to save coral reefs by taking part in various conservation events. We believe it’s vital to collaborate with organizations and leaders in science and conservation to enhance our work, share knowledge, and ultimately… Continue Reading →
Heather Starck Joins CORAL as New Executive Director
It’s time to give a warm welcome to CORAL’s new Executive Director: Heather Starck. In addition to more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit conservation management, Starck brings both a background in marine biology and an incredible enthusiasm for CORAL’s mission to save the world’s coral reefs. Prior to CORAL, Starck served as the… Continue Reading →
Marvel at Awe-Inspiring Designs from CORAL’s Digital Ocean Art Gallery
There’s no question about it—the ocean inspires us. It inspires us to protect its unique and diverse underwater creatures. It inspires us to support the millions of people that rely on the ocean’s food, medicines, and economic opportunities. And it inspires us to continue believing in the strength and reliance of the ocean’s coral reef… Continue Reading →
Statement on Supreme Court’s Decision in West Virginia v. EPA
Today’s decision by the Supreme Court on West Virginia v. EPA is a threat to coral reefs and the people who depend on them. Read our full statement from Dr. Helen Fox, Conservation Science Director of the Coral Reef Alliance, on the Supreme Court’s ruling.
CORAL’s Mesoamerica Regional Program Director was Selected as a Global Ambassador for Panorama
CORAL’s Regional Program Director for Mesoamerica, Tanya Amaya, was selected to be one of the 13 ambassadors to serve in a new and selective global ambassador program led by our partner, Panorama. The initiative provides CORAL with an opportunity to share, promote, and help implement replicable solutions for coral reef conservation on a larger scale. … Continue Reading →
CORAL is Now a Fully Remote Workplace
From Oakland to Maui to Cozumel to Roatan, CORAL is truly spread throughout the world with staff that are working together to save coral reefs. We started a transition to a fully remote workplace in 2020, and since then CORAL has been able to utilize a wider pool of talented staff members and provide a… Continue Reading →
Coral Restoration Likely Won’t Be Enough to Save Coral Reefs. That’s Why We Focus on Reducing Marine Threats
Why don’t we focus on coral restoration? It’s a question we, at CORAL, have been asked time and time again. We address overfishing, minimize water pollution, support local communities, monitor coral bleaching, and lead cutting-edge research on coral adaptation to climate change…but we don’t generally work on coral restoration projects. Our decision comes down to… Continue Reading →
CORAL Teams Up with Celebrity Judges for an Ocean-inspired T-shirt Contest
Ready to add your own creative spin to a CORAL t-shirt? CORAL is looking for participants, of all ages and abilities, to submit up to three original designs that are inspired by the beautiful ocean. We’ve teamed up with some of our favorite celebrity judges who will decide on the top t-shirt. The winning design will… Continue Reading →