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
Mihana Ho
Maui Nui Field Tech
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
2024 Greatest Hits of the CORAL Blog
2024 has been a remarkable year for coral reef conservation, with educational, informational, and inspirational stories taking center stage. Because of people like YOU, we’re able to bring these stories to life and make a profound impact on coral reefs around the world, as well as the communities that depend on them. Below are our… Continue Reading →
Turning the Tide for Coral Reefs in 2025
Where Your Donation Will Go in 2025 We’re beyond excited to dive into another year of protecting our ocean’s gems—and it’s all thanks to you! Every donation you make fuels our mission to keep coral reefs thriving and full of life. In 2025, we’re kicking things up a notch with a strategic focus to Assess,… Continue Reading →
Dive into #GivingTuesday with CORAL
Join us in celebrating #GivingTuesday, a day of global giving! This year, we’re celebrating 30 years of impact at CORAL—a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people unite to protect coral reefs and the communities that rely on them. But as we reflect on this milestone, we’re reminded that the challenges reefs face today demand… Continue Reading →
Protecting Coral Reefs Through Community-Led Patrolling
In coastal communities around the world, local leaders are on the front lines of protecting coral reefs. Drawing from their deep knowledge of the area, these communities play a crucial role in watching over our marine ecosystems. By prioritizing effective marine protections and community-led management, we’re helping local leaders create lasting impacts that support coral… Continue Reading →
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 →