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Pacific Whale Foundation
  • Ocean Store
  • Book an EcoTour
  • Donate
  • Whale Watch
  • What We Do
    • ResearchWe conduct long-term monitoring to identify trends and assess major threats to cetaceans around the world and develop science-based solutions
      • Research Locations
      • Publications & References
      • Photo Donations
      • Annual Research Report
      • What’s New with Research?
      • High Impact Research Projects
    • EducationWe offer a variety of innovative educational programs and activities to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.
      • Ocean Camp (Grades 2-5)
      • Ocean Camp (Grades 6-8)
      • Keiki Whalewatching Field Trips
      • Ocean Career Quest for Students
      • Virtual Field Trips
      • Ocean Education Resources
      • Learn About Marine Life
    • ConservationWe develop science-based solutions to major stressors impacting our ocean ecosystem and work together with our supporters and our community to enact programs and policies to protect the ocean and marine life.
      • Adopt a Beach
      • Marine Debris Monitoring
      • Marine Wildlife Viewing Guidelines
      • Marine Life & Ocean Advocacy Efforts
      • Mauka to Makai
      • Go Slow – Whales Below
      • Marine Debris Rapid Response Program
      • Reef Cleanup Dives
    • Maui Community Outreach & Relief ProgramsWe work within our home island of Maui to strengthen collaboration efforts to preserve fragile ecosystems with community-based engagement.
      • Mālama Pono
      • Maui Fire Recovery
      • For Da Keiki
      • Partnerships
    • Malama PonoMālama Pono programs for visitors and community members
  • Why We Do It
    • Vessel CollisionsVessel collisions annually kill or injure tens of thousands of marine mammals
    • Unsustainable TourismWe practice and promote sustainable ocean tourism to protect marine wildlife.
    • Marine Plastic PollutionWe collect and analyze data about marine debris to influence legislation and educate the public.
    • BycatchWe research the impact of fisheries interactions (bycatch) on marine mammals.
    • Climate ChangeWe study the effects of climate change, such as rising sea-surface temperatures, on marine mammals.
    • A humpback whale is jumping out of the water in front of a boat.Book a cruise with PacWhale Eco-Adventures and support our cause
  • Who We Are
    • PacWhale Eco-AdventuresWholly owned by Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF), social enterprise PacWhale Eco-Adventures supports our programs through ecotour and retail revenue.
    • Our TeamMeet the dedicated board of directors and leadership team guiding our ocean conservation efforts.
      • Memberships and Advisory
    • BlogRead our blog for news and updates about ocean conservation.
    • CareersWant to have fun while making a difference? Come join us!
    • FinancialsWe annually publish detailed financial information regarding the nonprofit in 990 tax forms and annual reports.
    • Press RoomsPacific Whale Foundation in the news.
    • A humpback whale is jumping out of the water in front of a boat.Book a cruise with PacWhale Eco-Adventures and support our cause
  • How You Can Help
    • GiveA donation to PWF helps fund vital programs working to combat the 5 Major Threats and protect marine environments and wildlife for future generations.
      • Donate
      • Become a Member
      • Other Ways to Give
      • Book a Cruise
      • Corporate Giving & Sponsorships
    • VolunteerOur community science programs and events offer a great way to get involved and contribute to PWF’s ocean conservation efforts.
      • Adopt a Beach
      • Marine Debris Monitoring
      • Great Whale Count
      • Photo Donations
      • Mālama Pono
      • Ocean Ambassador Volunteer
      • Māʻalaea Harbor Cleanup
    • EngageWhether you live near, are visiting one of our research locations or from a land far, far away, there are several ways to stay engaged and informed.
      • Documentaries
      • Events
      • Additional Ways to Get Involved
      • Location
      • PWF Webinar Series
    • A humpback whale is jumping out of the water in front of a boat.Book a cruise with PacWhale Eco-Adventures and support our cause
Search
Close
  • Ocean Store
  • Book an EcoTour
  • Donate
  • Whale Watch
  • What We Do
    • ResearchWe conduct long-term monitoring to identify trends and assess major threats to cetaceans around the world and develop science-based solutions
      • Research Locations
      • Publications & References
      • Photo Donations
      • Annual Research Report
      • What’s New with Research?
      • High Impact Research Projects
    • EducationWe offer a variety of innovative educational programs and activities to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.
      • Ocean Camp (Grades 2-5)
      • Ocean Camp (Grades 6-8)
      • Keiki Whalewatching Field Trips
      • Ocean Career Quest for Students
      • Virtual Field Trips
      • Ocean Education Resources
      • Learn About Marine Life
    • ConservationWe develop science-based solutions to major stressors impacting our ocean ecosystem and work together with our supporters and our community to enact programs and policies to protect the ocean and marine life.
      • Adopt a Beach
      • Marine Debris Monitoring
      • Marine Wildlife Viewing Guidelines
      • Marine Life & Ocean Advocacy Efforts
      • Mauka to Makai
      • Go Slow – Whales Below
      • Marine Debris Rapid Response Program
      • Reef Cleanup Dives
    • Maui Community Outreach & Relief ProgramsWe work within our home island of Maui to strengthen collaboration efforts to preserve fragile ecosystems with community-based engagement.
      • Mālama Pono
      • Maui Fire Recovery
      • For Da Keiki
      • Partnerships
    • Malama PonoMālama Pono programs for visitors and community members
  • Why We Do It
    • Vessel CollisionsVessel collisions annually kill or injure tens of thousands of marine mammals
    • Unsustainable TourismWe practice and promote sustainable ocean tourism to protect marine wildlife.
    • Marine Plastic PollutionWe collect and analyze data about marine debris to influence legislation and educate the public.
    • BycatchWe research the impact of fisheries interactions (bycatch) on marine mammals.
    • Climate ChangeWe study the effects of climate change, such as rising sea-surface temperatures, on marine mammals.
    • A humpback whale is jumping out of the water in front of a boat.Book a cruise with PacWhale Eco-Adventures and support our cause
  • Who We Are
    • PacWhale Eco-AdventuresWholly owned by Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF), social enterprise PacWhale Eco-Adventures supports our programs through ecotour and retail revenue.
    • Our TeamMeet the dedicated board of directors and leadership team guiding our ocean conservation efforts.
      • Memberships and Advisory
    • BlogRead our blog for news and updates about ocean conservation.
    • CareersWant to have fun while making a difference? Come join us!
    • FinancialsWe annually publish detailed financial information regarding the nonprofit in 990 tax forms and annual reports.
    • Press RoomsPacific Whale Foundation in the news.
    • A humpback whale is jumping out of the water in front of a boat.Book a cruise with PacWhale Eco-Adventures and support our cause
  • How You Can Help
    • GiveA donation to PWF helps fund vital programs working to combat the 5 Major Threats and protect marine environments and wildlife for future generations.
      • Donate
      • Become a Member
      • Other Ways to Give
      • Book a Cruise
      • Corporate Giving & Sponsorships
    • VolunteerOur community science programs and events offer a great way to get involved and contribute to PWF’s ocean conservation efforts.
      • Adopt a Beach
      • Marine Debris Monitoring
      • Great Whale Count
      • Photo Donations
      • Mālama Pono
      • Ocean Ambassador Volunteer
      • Māʻalaea Harbor Cleanup
    • EngageWhether you live near, are visiting one of our research locations or from a land far, far away, there are several ways to stay engaged and informed.
      • Documentaries
      • Events
      • Additional Ways to Get Involved
      • Location
      • PWF Webinar Series
    • A humpback whale is jumping out of the water in front of a boat.Book a cruise with PacWhale Eco-Adventures and support our cause
Close

Who We Are

Our Team

Meet our leadership teams that guide our mission efforts

Photos taken by Selket Kaufman

  • Jump to:
  • Board
  • Senior Leadership
  • Research
  • Education
  • Conservation
  • Outreach

Leadership

Board

Mary Kate Rosack

Board Chair

Laura Chynoweth

Vice Chair

Tahreem Kampton

Board Treasurer

Lisa Vogt

Board Secretary

Wayne White

Member at Large

Bob Wood

Member at Large

Miki’ala Lidstone

Member at Large

Emilia Springett

Member at Large

JS Masson

Member at Large

Senior Leadership

Dayna Garland

Interim Executive Director

Jen Ericson

HR Director

Close-up photo of Josh.

Josh Heimowitz

Chief Development Officer

Jens Currie

Chief Scientist

Headshot of Susan Frett.

Susan Frett

Programs Director

Ryan Randazzo

Accounting Director

Tim Trenholme

Marketing and Communications Director

Staff

Research

Dr. Shannon Barber-Meyer

Senior Research Manager

Dr. Cristina Castro

Programs Director, Ecuador

Dr. Barry McGovern

Research Associate, Australia

Bárbara Galletti Vernazzani

Research Associate, Chile

Grace Olson

Research Biologist, Hawaiʻi

Brian Stirling

Research Technician, Hawai'i

Headshot of May Platt.

May Platt

Research Assistant, Ecuador

Nina Rothe

Research Assistant, Australia

Education

Lauren Spencer (she/her)

Lead Education Specialist

Nicole Belknap

Education Specialist

ECO

Brianna Simon

Outreach Supervisor and Conservation Biologist

Lauren Spencer (she/her)

Lead Education Specialist

Nicole Belknap

Education Specialist

Ashley Hechavarria

Education Specialist

Conservation & OUTREACH

Brianna Simon

Outreach Supervisor and Conservation Biologist

Conservation  

Brianna Simon

Outreach Supervisor and Conservation Biologist

OUTREACH

Brianna Simon

Outreach Supervisor and Conservation Biologist

Lauren Spencer (she/her)

Lead Education Specialist

Nicole Belknap

Education Specialist

Development

Kagan Jenkins

Development Director

Kaitlyn Cole

Grand Administrator and Community Enrichment Specialist

Torrie Kinley

Development Coordinator

Margo Juarez

Development Account Manager

Missing image placeholder.

Raegan Buckley

Development Operations Manager

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Pacific Whale Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

PWF solely owns a social enterprise that offers fee-based programs and services through PacWhale Eco-Adventures to help support its nonprofit work.

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Photo Credit: David Fleetham

Photo Credit: David Fleetham