Contact: Marcus Reamer
Strategic Communications Director, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
marcus@marinesanctuary.org
301.608.3040 x 311
MONTEREY, CA – The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (the Foundation) announces the hiring of Ginaia Kelly as chapter director of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (the Chapter). Beginning October 22, Kelly will be responsible for managing the Foundation’s local work to support Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (the sanctuary).
Kelly has more than 16 years of experience with nonprofit organizations and has lived near the sanctuary for over 25 years. She spent much of that time advocating for conservation and protection of both the sanctuary, ocean and its shores.
“Our communities appreciate the importance of the sanctuary to the health of the ocean and local economies,” said Secretary Leon Panetta, Board co-Chair for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. “Ginaia will support our efforts work with the sanctuary on whale rescue and bringing more attention, both locally and nationally, to this treasured place.”
“We are fortunate to have Ginaia Kelly on board as Chapter Director,” said Hilary Bryant, Board co-chair of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. “Ginaia’s commitment to ocean conservation and community engagement will be invaluable to our local chapter. Her efforts will enable us to increase public awareness in order to protect the sanctuary for future generations.”
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a national treasure because of its unique and abundant biodiversity. The local chapter’s mission is to inspire the public to protect the sanctuary through support of sanctuary programs and partnerships.
“As we aim to engage our community and the nation in critical sanctuary education, conservation and stewardship programs, we are fortunate to have the support of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation,” said Paul Michel, Superintendent of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
“Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is part of our nation’s conservation legacy,” said Kris Sarri, President and CEO of the Foundation. “Ginaia’s extensive work with local nonprofit organizations in Santa Cruz County and dedication to ocean conservation is invaluable to the Foundation’s and our effort to support local stewardship of the sanctuary.”
With roots in Santa Cruz County, Kelly lives in Davenport with her husband and two sons. She is a former competitive surfer and professional high diver.
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Designated in 1992, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a federally protected marine area off of California’s central coast. Stretching from San Francisco to Cambria, the sanctuary encompasses a shoreline length of 276 miles and 6,094 square statute miles (4,601 nmi2) of ocean, extending an average distance of 30 miles from shore. At its deepest point, the sanctuary reaches 12,713 feet (more than two miles) and harbors an incredible variety of marine life, including 36 species of marine mammals, more than 180 species of seabirds and shorebirds, at least 525 species of fishes, and an abundance of invertebrates and algae.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is a local chapter of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation based in Monterey and Santa Cruz, CA. The chapter’s mission is to inspire the public to protect Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary through public outreach and reducing wildlife disturbance, specifically focusing on whale rescue efforts. Learn more about the chapter at montereybayfoundation.org.
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is the chief non-profit partner for our National Marine Sanctuary System. The Foundation focuses on conserving areas of national significance in America’s ocean and Great Lakes by engaging citizens and communities in education, research, and on-the-water conservation work. Learn more about the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation at marinesanctuary.org.