A letter from our Founder and Executive Director, Hillary Hauser:

A letter from our Founder and
Executive Director, Hillary Hauser:

I’m reaching out with some very important news to share. Heal the Ocean is starting the process of looking for a new Executive Director to lead our great organization into the future. Don’t worry… I’m not going anywhere! I will be staying on HTO’s Board of Directors, as Chairman of the Board, and will continue to communicate with you, our dear and valued supporters, about the work that Heal the Ocean is doing. I will also be serving as a mentor for the new Executive Director, to ensure Heal the Ocean continues on the mission we have built together.

Thanks to the support of this community, Heal the Ocean has a powerful track record promoting ocean health, with a strong team of staff and board members. It’s my dream that HTO grows and continues on like this forever, and it’s the perfect time to seek out our next leader. 

We are seeking a seasoned strategist and collaborator to build upon a 25-year history of impact. The new Executive Director will offer fresh insight and a solutions-oriented approach, with the ability to navigate complex coastal issues. This person will carry on Heal the Ocean’s mission to safeguard ocean health in Santa Barbara County and work to advance ocean resilience policies statewide.  

To think this mighty group started 26 years ago without a dime, without a non-profit status, but only an extreme desire to do something to help our wonderful ocean - and to evolve to where we are now, this is truly a dream come true for me. We couldn’t have done it without your support over the years!

Our job posting is live on the Heal the Ocean website here. Please help spread the word to help us find our next Executive Director.


HTO thanks the Poehler-Stremel Charitable Trust
for providing funds to publish our newsletters and e-letters!