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
Development and Marketing Director
Mesoamerican Region Program Staff
Tanya Amaya
Regional Program Director
Paolo Guardiola
Program Coordinator
Sheyla Maldonado
Coordinator of Finance and Administration
Mayra Nuñez
Research Assistant
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
Brooke Hoffman
Program Coordinator
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
Michael Allen
Major Gifts Officer
Maria McDonough
Development Coordinator
Heather Rowan
Development Coordinator
Marissa Stein
Associate Marketing Director
Jenny Tolep
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Administration
Kristi Jones
Senior Accountant General Ledger and Grants
Inside Coral
CORAL Earns a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator
We are proud to announce Charity Navigator, a charity assessment organization, has officially granted CORAL a four-star rating for its excellence as a highly effective charity. This is the best possible rating and it signifies that we are meeting or exceeding industry standards and best practices across almost all areas evaluated. With an inclusive company… Continue Reading →
Get to Know Heather Starck, CORAL’s New Executive Director
New Executive Director Heather Starck is making a splash in the world of marine conservation through her leadership at CORAL and immense dedication to saving the world’s coral reefs. When she’s not rereading “Lord of the Rings” or rooting for her favorite college basketball team, Starck is scuba diving to some of the world’s most… Continue Reading →
It’s Time to Reserve Your 2023 Calendar
Don’t Miss Your Chance! CORAL’s 2023 Calendar is Now Available with a Donation of $50 or More It’s that time of that year again…time to get your 2023 CORAL calendar! Each year, we assemble a picturesque calendar, featuring stunning underwater photographs from around the world. From images of colorful coral reefs to shots of the… Continue Reading →
How Do Corals Reproduce? And What Can We Do to Keep Them Healthy?
Like the birds and the bees, corals also need to reproduce and continue to build upon the colorful reefs that we know and love. But have you ever wondered how the coral animal reproduces? Afterall, it can’t move and it doesn’t have any reproductive organs. Let’s take a look at exactly how new coral babies… Continue Reading →
CORAL Hosts a Fundraising Event with Jake Shimabukuro to Support Hawai‘i’s Coral Reefs
On July 28, CORAL hosted its first fundraising event since the start of the pandemic. The event was in Honolulu, Hawai‘i and served as an opportunity for guests to enjoy a night of music and learn about coral reef conservation on the Hawaiian Islands. Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro performed a series of inspiring songs, while… Continue Reading →
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 →