OCEAN CONSERVANCY

Washington, DC · Founded 1972

Protects the ocean through science-based solutions to global challenges

Primary audience
Global Communities
Work area
Marine Conservation
Topic
Ocean Protection
Contact
Janis Searles Jones
Website Contact

About Organization

Ocean Conservancy creates evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. With 181 employees and annual revenue of $49.2 million, the organization conducts scientific research, advocates for policy reforms, and mobilizes conservation initiatives across multiple marine habitats. Based in Washington, DC, it works globally to combat pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction.

What They Focus On

Ocean Protection

Conducts research and advocacy protecting marine ecosystems from pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction.

Wildlife Conservation

Develops evidence-based solutions safeguarding ocean species and habitats essential for marine biodiversity.

Community Support

Works to ensure healthy oceans for communities that depend on marine resources for livelihoods and sustenance.

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2023)

$49.2M

Expenses (2023)

$51.8M

Assets (2023)

$95.3M

Employees (2023)

181

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Scientific Research

    Conducts studies on ocean challenges including pollution, climate impacts, and habitat loss.

  • 02

    Solution Development

    Creates evidence-based strategies for protecting marine ecosystems and dependent communities.

  • 03

    Policy Advocacy

    Works with governments and institutions to implement regulations and reforms protecting ocean health.

  • 04

    Conservation Action

    Mobilizes initiatives combating pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change impacts globally.

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by OCEAN CONSERVANCY

Marine Research

Conducts scientific studies on ocean health, pollution, and marine ecosystems to inform conservation strategies.

Policy Advocacy

Works with governments to strengthen regulations protecting oceans from pollution and overexploitation.

Habitat Conservation

Implements protection initiatives for coral reefs, coastal areas, and other critical marine environments.

Pollution Prevention

Develops programs reducing plastic waste and other contaminants entering ocean ecosystems.

Climate Action

Addresses ocean impacts of climate change through research and advocacy for science-based solutions.

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind OCEAN CONSERVANCY.

Janis Searles Jones

Janis Searles Jones

Chief Executive Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $677,431
Kenneth Donaldson

Kenneth Donaldson

Chief Financial Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $251,840
Chris Dorsett

Chris Dorsett

Vice President, Conservation
Full-time
Compensation: $234,388
Malissa Lash

Malissa Lash

Deputy Chief of Development
Full-time
Compensation: $191,007
Kacky Andrews

Kacky Andrews

Chief Conservation Officer
Shawn Castellanos

Shawn Castellanos

Chief Development Officer
Jenna DiPaolo

Jenna DiPaolo

Chief Brand and Communications Officer
Jamie Kalliongis

Jamie Kalliongis

Vice President, Strategic Communications
Adri Lacerda

Adri Lacerda

Vice President of Operations
Nick Mallos

Nick Mallos

Vice President of Conservation, Ocean Plastics
Oscar Negroni

Oscar Negroni

Vice President, Brand & Marketing
Amanda Nickeson

Amanda Nickeson

Vice President, Major and Planned Giving
Fatima Candace Vahlsing

Fatima Candace Vahlsing

Vice President, Climate
Jeff Watters

Jeff Watters

Vice President, External Affairs
BM

Bonnie M Crabtree

Director
2 hrs/week
CB

Claire Bernard

Director
2 hrs/week
CL

Colin Le Duc

Director
2 hrs/week
EB

Erin Browne

Director
2 hrs/week
JR

Jeff Rosenthal

Director
2 hrs/week
LF

Laura Francis

Director
2 hrs/week
PS

Paul Shang

Director
2 hrs/week
SG

Steve Gibbs

Director (Thru 07/23)
2 hrs/week
SH

Suzanne H Woolsey

Director
2 hrs/week
TT

Troy Templeton

Director
2 hrs/week
TS

Ty Stiklorius

Director
2 hrs/week
SH

Sarah Humphries

Chief Of Development
Full-time
Compensation: $300,637
EW

Emily Woglom

EVP
Full-time
Compensation: $292,963
KA

Katherine Andrews

Chief Of Strategy
Full-time
Compensation: $274,503
AL

Adrienne Loftin

Chief People & Culture Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $250,599
GL

George Leonard

Chief Scientist
Full-time
Compensation: $199,045
SH

Scott Highleyman

Senior Advisor, Ocean Conservancy
Full-time
Compensation: $196,649
JW

Jeffrey Watters

VP, External Affairs
Full-time
Compensation: $195,858
SB

Sarah Beiderman

Chief Of Staff
Full-time
Compensation: $177,269

Milestones

1972

Organization Founded

1972

Established to protect ocean health and marine wildlife through science-based conservation efforts.

1986

Coastal Cleanup

1986

Launched International Coastal Cleanup becoming world largest volunteer ocean conservation effort.

2015

Trash Free Seas

2015

Initiated major program combating ocean plastic pollution through research and policy advocacy.

2023

Global Operations

2023

Reached 181 employees and $49.2 million revenue working on ocean conservation worldwide.

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

DG
Denise Godreau Secretary 2.00 hrs/week
JS
John Sargent Chair 2.00 hrs/week
SA
Sanjay A Pingle Vice Chair 2.00 hrs/week
WB
W Bowman Cutter Treasurer 2.00 hrs/week
Kacky Andrews
Kacky Andrews Chief Conservation Officer
Shawn Castellanos
Shawn Castellanos Chief Development Officer
Jenna DiPaolo
Jenna DiPaolo Chief Brand and Communications Officer
Kenneth Donaldson
Kenneth Donaldson Chief Financial Officer
Chris Dorsett
Chris Dorsett Vice President, Conservation
Janis Searles Jones
Janis Searles Jones Chief Executive Officer
Jamie Kalliongis
Jamie Kalliongis Vice President, Strategic Communications
Adri Lacerda
Adri Lacerda Vice President of Operations
Malissa Lash
Malissa Lash Deputy Chief of Development
Nick Mallos
Nick Mallos Vice President of Conservation, Ocean Plastics
Oscar Negroni
Oscar Negroni Vice President, Brand & Marketing
Amanda Nickeson
Amanda Nickeson Vice President, Major and Planned Giving
Fatima Candace Vahlsing
Fatima Candace Vahlsing Vice President, Climate
Jeff Watters
Jeff Watters Vice President, External Affairs

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Photo Highlights

Key moments and events from the organization

Organization photo
Source: Programs
Organization photo
Source: Programs
Green Turtle attempting to eat a discarded plastic bag
Source: Programs
A rosy gold sunset off the coast of Maui, Hawaii with a whale's tail breaching from the water in the foreground.
Source: About Page
Volunteers participate in 2022 International Coastal Cleanup event in Santa Monica, California.
Source: About Page
Exxon Valdez Oil Spill clean up Alaska
Source: About Page
Volunteers clean up Kingman Island in Washington D.C.
Source: About Page
Offshore drilling
Source: About Page
Organization photo
Source: About Page
Organization photo
Source: Website

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990 (2023)

Total Reported (2023)

$3.7M

Highest Paid

$723K

Janis Searles Jones

Compensated Officers

12

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Janis Searles Jones CEO $677,431 $45,894 $723,325 50
Sarah Humphries Chief Of Development $300,637 $40,950 $341,587 45
Emily Woglom EVP $292,963 $38,263 $331,226 45
Katherine Andrews Chief Of Strategy $274,503 $27,487 $301,990 45
Kenneth Donaldson CFO $251,840 $24,155 $275,995 45
Chris Dorsett VP, Conservation $234,388 $41,182 $275,570 40
Adrienne Loftin Chief People & Culture Officer $250,599 $24,050 $274,649 45
George Leonard Chief Scientist $199,045 $44,918 $243,963 40
Malissa Lash VP, Resource Development $191,007 $44,729 $235,736 40
Jeffrey Watters VP, External Affairs $195,858 $32,810 $228,668 40
Scott Highleyman Senior Advisor, Ocean Conservancy $196,649 $30,582 $227,231 40
Sarah Beiderman Chief Of Staff $177,269 $19,641 $196,910 45

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.