Heal the Ocean Announces Karina Johnston as New Executive Director

Heal the Ocean is thrilled to announce the selection of local environmental scientist and ecologist, Karina Johnston, as its next Executive Director. Johnston brings more than 16 years of leadership in coastal environmental science and nonprofit management, along with a deep passion for ocean and coastal health. She will officially assume the role at Heal the Ocean on June 2, 2025.

As Executive Director, Johnston will support ongoing programs and lead a planning process to expand Heal the Ocean’s impact into coastal resiliency – to address the coming threat of Sea Level Rise. Heal the Ocean Co-Founder Hillary Hauser, who has served as Executive Director for over 26 years, will support the transition and stay actively involved as Strategy Consultant, and remain a member of the Board of Directors.

“I am passing the torch to Karina with enthusiasm,” said Hauser. “She is well connected to the ocean community in Santa Barbara and throughout the state. Heal the Ocean has been searching for ways to ef ectively expand our role in solving the problems of sea level rise and to work out local solutions for coastal resilience. Karina brings not only the practical knowledge to do this work, but also the backing of scientists and funders.”

“She is a tremendous asset—not only to Heal the Ocean, but to the City and County of Santa Barbara,” Hauser added. “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 non-profit based 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. “It is my honor to lead Heal the Ocean into the next chapter with support of our essential mission.”

“The intersection of science, policy, and advocacy is vital to help protect and restore our coasts for both people and wildlife,” she continued. “We use science and partnerships to help find applied solutions to complex environmental challenges.”

Johnston nears 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. She brings a strategic, collaborative and creative leadership style to Heal the Ocean.

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 this unique 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 the course of 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.

“This is a pivotal moment for our coastlines and our communities,” Johnston said. “The work ahead requires collaboration, creativity, and deep community engagement. I’m excited to build on Heal the Ocean’s legacy with science-based solutions for a healthy ocean.”

To learn more about Heal the Ocean or to make a donation, please visit healtheocean.org.