Heal the Ocean (HTO) on June 19, marked the passing of the torch to Karina Johnston the group’s new executive director, and paid tribute to Hillary Hauser, who has been leading the HTO for 27 years.
“It was a tsunami of love and friendship – city and county leaders, longtime supporters, and HTO collaborators came together to celebrate the past and look toward the future,” HTO said.
Hauser introduced Johnston, who brings more than a decade of experience in science-based coastal restoration and resilience. Johnston served as senior restoration ecologist at Tidal Influence and science director at The Bay Foundation.
Refering to a recent news article headlined “We are Pipes and Wrenches,” Hauser literally passed Johnston a giant red pipe wrench tied with a ribbon as a symbol of hands-on, can-do environmental work.
“She’s not just talk — she does the work,” Hauser said. “Karina is the Queen of Getting Things Done.”
Hauser will remain on the board and continue as the organization’s strategic advisor.
A highlight of the evening was the premiere showing of “Heal the Ocean: Mission Forward,” a short film directed by Heather Hudson, Graciegirl LLC Productions.
The film, interwoven with Hauser’s piano and narration, took viewers through HTO’s 27-year journey, from its founding on the steps of the County Administration Building in 1998 to today’s wide-ranging work protecting coastline groundwater and watersheds.
Hudson, who led the event, introduced HTO Board members in attendance: Charles Vinick, Thomas Dabney and Tom White.
Vinick, HTO Board president, offered a tribute to Hauser. Longtime supporter Steve Halsted spoke about his collaboration on HTO’s 16-year work to build the Rincon Septic-to-Sewer Project.
State Sen. Monique Limon’s aide Geordie Scully closed the tributes with a certificate of commendation from the California State Senate, recognizing Hauser’s decades of leadership and impact.