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
Jenny Myton
Conservation Program Director
Mandy Norman
Development and Marketing Director
Kristy Ives
Director of Finance and Operations
Western Caribbean Program Staff
Tanya Amaya
Regional Program Director
Mayra Johnson
Administrator Assistant
Paolo Guardiola
North Coast Principal Program Coordinator
Sheyla Maldonado
Finance and Operations Manager, Western Caribbean
Mayra Nuñez
Research Assistant
Pamela Ortega
Bay Islands Program Manager
Emilio Pacheco
Accountant
Javier Pizaña-Alonso
Program Manager
Dr. Antonella Rivera
Principal Investigator
Julio San Martin Chicas
North Coast Program Manager
Monica Urrutia
Community Scientist
Greissi Villatoro
Community Scientist
Ana Bessy Valdés Martínez
Community Scientist
Hawaiʻi Program Staff
Erica Perez
Senior Manager and Head of Sanitation, Hawai'i
Makayla Rickard
Maui Nui Program Manager
Sarah Severino
Maui Nui Program Research Coordinator
Dr. Brian Kastl
Maui Nui Project Manager
Conservation Science Staff
Ben Charo
Program Coordinator
Dr. Andrea Rivera-Sosa
Project and Outreach Manager
Development and Marketing Staff
Kate Beebe
Associate Marketing Director
Manuel Mejia
Associate Director of Partnerships & Community Engagement
Maria McDonough
Senior Strategic Partnerships Coordinator
Allison Coleman
Grants Manager
Kathryn Kelly
Marketing Coordinator
Heather Rowan
Development Operations Coordinator
Administration
Kristi Jones
Senior Accountant General Ledger and Grants
Inside Coral
Assessing Coral Reefs through Adaptation Science
Coral reefs are powerful yet vulnerable ecosystems, rich in biodiversity but increasingly at risk in a changing world. Here at the Coral Reef Alliance, our team advances science to assess the adaptive capacity of corals, protect diverse reef networks, and restore marine ecosystems by influencing management and policy decisions. Our research shows coral reefs can… Continue Reading →
Reef Health Showing Slight Increase in Mesoamerican Reef Region
In the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR), one of the world’s most diverse and vital reef systems, dedicated local communities, fishers, government agencies, scientists, and nonprofits are achieving measurable improvements in reef health. Although challenges remain, the recent 2024 Healthy Reefs Initiative (HRI) Report Card shows a slight yet encouraging increase in reef health across the region… Continue Reading →
Protecting the Cayman Crown – A Vital Step for Coral Reef Conservation and Local Livelihoods
Nestled within the Gulf of Honduras, the Cayman Crown reef is a unique and critical component of the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) system. Recently designated as a protected area, Cayman Crown boasts some of the highest coral cover within the MAR region, featuring live coral cover at an impressive 60% (Giro, 2019). This extraordinary reef serves… Continue Reading →
Restoring Coral Reefs Through Clean Water and Sustainable Fisheries
For over 30 years, the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) has been at the forefront of coral reef conservation. What began as a small group of SCUBA divers passionate about protecting these ecosystems has grown into a global alliance, dedicated to saving coral reefs through innovative partnerships, global conservation science, and community-driven action. Our mission centers… Continue Reading →
Celebrating Our Partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau and Ocean Futures Society
We are beyond excited to announce that we’ve teamed up with the legendary Ocean Futures Society (OFS), founded by the one and only Jean-Michel Cousteau! 🌊 Together, we’re launching a powerful partnership to protect our oceans, spread awareness, and inspire action. Jean-Michel Cousteau will also be joining us as our keynote speaker at the upcoming… Continue Reading →
A Call for Sustainable Practices in Diving Community
Coral reefs are under constant threat from human impacts, and sometimes destruction comes from the people who spend the most time underwater enjoying these beautiful ecosystems up close. For many years, the CORAL team has worked to more deeply understand the tourism impacts from scuba diving and snorkeling so we can use our learnings to inform… Continue Reading →
Reflections and Resilience – A Year After the Lahaina Wildfires
As we mark one year since the devastating wildfires that swept through Lahaina, Maui, I want to share a personal reflection on the impact of this tragedy and our ongoing journey of recovery. My name is Makayla Rickard, and as the Maui Nui Program Manager at the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), both my work and… Continue Reading →
Meet CORAL’s New Director of Finance and Operations
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… Continue Reading →