Heal the Ocean Introduces new Executive Director at the El Paseo

**HTO Co-Founder Hillary Hauser “Passing the Wrench” to new Executive Director Karina Johnston – All photos by Jasmin Tupy**

Heal the Ocean (HTO) filled the El Paseo Restaurant on Thursday, June 19, to celebrate the “Passing of the Torch” to HTO’s new Executive Director, Karina Johnston, and to pay tribute to Hillary Hauser, who has been leading the organization 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.

Left: Hillary Hauser, Congressman Salud Carbajal, Karina Johnson
Right: Former State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, retired Superior Court Judge George Eskin

What a reunion it was! Among the many special guests were:

U.S. Congressman Salud Carbajal
District Deputy Director Diana Villanueva
Next Senate President Monique Limón, represented by Geordie Scully
Former Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson
Retired Superior Court Judge George Eskin
Santa Barbara City Councilmen Eric Friedman and Mike Jordan
Retired Fire Chiefs Pat McElroy (city) and Eric Peterson (county)
Local architect legends Brian Cearnal, Andy Neumann, and Jeff Shelton

Left: Heather Hudson | Right: Charles Vinick

The evening’s program, led by Heather Hudson, introduced HTO Board Members in attendance: Charles Vinick, Thomas Dabney and Tom White. Charles Vinick, HTO Board President, offered a moving tribute to Hillary, who will remain on the Board and continue as the organization’s Strategic Advisor.

Left: Steve Halsted | Right: Hillary Hauser and Geordie Scully

Longtime supporter Steve Halsted also spoke, recalling his collaboration on HTO’s 16-year work to build the Rincon Septic-to-Sewer Project. Sen. Monique Limon aide Geordie Scully closed the tributes with a certificate of commendation from the California State Senate, recognizing Hillary’s decades of leadership and impact.

Click to Watch. By Heather Hudson, Graciegirl LLC

Next up was the premiere of “HEAL THE OCEAN: MISSION FORWARD,” a short film directed by Heather Hudson, Graciegirl LLC Productions. The film, interwoven with Hillary’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 our coastline groundwater and watersheds.

Passing the Torch - Wrench and All

In a signature moment of the evening, Hillary introduced Karina Johnston, HTO’s new Executive Director. Karina brings over a decade of experience in science-based coastal restoration and resilience, having served as Senior Restoration Ecologist at Tidal Influence and Science Director at The Bay Foundation.

Hillary shared how a recent news article titled the piece “We are Pipes and Wrenches” — and, taking a cue from this title, she literally passed Karina 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,” Hillary said. “Karina is the Queen of Getting Things Done.”

From All of Us to All of You: We are so excited for this next chapter in HTO’s journey — and we’re deeply grateful to all who came to celebrate, support, and to be a part of this important milestone.

Thank you for being part of the HTO community.

Flower arrangements by Debbie Klein, Audio Visuals provided by Tylor Trotta

Left: Brian Cearnal, Andy Neumann | Right: SB City Councilmen Eric Friedman and Mike Jordan

A huge thank you to HTO Volunteers and in-office staff
Left: Jennifer Fry, Hilary David, Heather Hudson, Haley Sims, Lyndsey Kenefick
Right: Amber McEldowney, Noah Boland, Amy Brex, Karina Johnston, Hillary Hauser, Jasmin Tupy, Haley Sims

With gratitude,