Karina Johnston has been named Heal the Ocean’s next executive director. Johnston brings more than 16 years of leadership in coastal environmental science and nonprofit management, along with her passion for ocean and coastal health.
Hillary Hauser, co-founder and executive director of the group for some 26 years, will support the transition and stay actively involved as strategy consultant, and remain a member of the Board of Directors, Heal the Ocean said.
“I am passing the torch to Karina with enthusiasm,” Hauser said. “She is well connected to the ocean community in Santa Barbara and throughout the state.
“Heal the Ocean has been searching for ways to effectively expand our role in solving the problems of sea level rise and to work out local solutions for coastal resilience,” Hauser said. “Karina brings not only the practical knowledge to do this work, but also the backing of scientists and funders.
“Karina has the energy and vision to lead Heal the Ocean forward in a very strategic way.”
Johnston previously served for nearly 14 years at The Bay Foundation, a nonprofit in Los Angeles. As science director, she managed multidisciplinary teams, led budgeting and grant processes, and oversaw major coastal restoration projects and water quality initiatives.
Notable achievements include directing the scientific monitoring of the Malibu Lagoon Restoration Project and the Santa Monica Beach Restoration Pilot Project.
“Since childhood, I have been fascinated with our coasts and the beauty and diversity of our underwater world,” Johnston said. “Throughout my career, it’s become clear that working at the intersection of science, policy, and advocacy is vital to help protect and restore our coasts.
“It’s my honor to lead Heal the Ocean into the next chapter. The work ahead requires collaboration, creativity, and deep community engagement. ”
Johnston is nearing completion of her Ph.D. in environmental science and management from UC Santa Barbara, and has a career grounded in science-based solutions and community engagement.
A board certified environmental scientist and certified ecological restoration practitioner, Johnston’s expertise spans coastal restoration ecology, water quality, and coastal policy.
Her recent work has focused on improving the resilience of our coastlines to climate impacts such as sea level rise and flooding through nature-based adaptation projects including dune, beach, and wetland restoration.
Johnston helped found Loyola Marymount University’s Coastal Research Institute, driving organizational development, securing funding, and authoring regional strategic and climate plans for Los Angeles through a collaborative process.
She currently serves as the facilitator for the Goleta Slough Management committee, coordinating efforts among diverse stakeholders to protect and restore the local ecosystem.
The search for Heal the Ocean’s new executive director was conducted by Blair Search Partners, San Diego, in collaboration with an internal hiring committee, including Hauser and Board members Charles Vinick and Thomas Dabney.
Transition support was facilitated by Jessica Scheeter Consulting. Over three months, more than 160 candidates were vetted from across the country.
“Johnston’s combination of scientific expertise, nonprofit leadership, and deep roots in the ocean health community made her the standout choice,” Heal the Ocean said.
Johnston starts her new job on June 2. To learn more about Johnston, click here. To support HTO, click here.