FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
08/24/2006
CONTACT: Alexis Henry, Communications Manager
Direct (949) 732-6413 / Office (949) 492-8170
email: ahenry@surfrider.org
SURFRIDER FOUNDATION HIRES EAST COAST-BASED WATER QUALITY COORDINATOR
The Surfrider Foundation is pleased to announce that it has hired Mara Dias as its new Water Quality Coordinator. Mara holds a MS in Environmental Studies from the University of Charleston and was the recipient of a prestigious John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship in Washington, DC. Mara brings with her experience working on coastal management issues in federal, state and local government. She is also a former Peace Corp volunteer, having assisted local fishermen in Samoa to establish marine protected areas.
The position is Surfrider Foundation’s first full time environmental staff hire on the east coast, continuing a trend to increase the Foundation’s presence on the East Coast. As Water Quality Coordinator, Dias will be responsible for managing the Blue Water Task Force, our volunteer-based water quality monitoring program, and supporting water quality campaigns in the East Coast and Gulf.
“Water quality impacts are the most common issue we face along all coasts, so increasing our capacity to address water quality issues will help us address these issue head on,” said Chad Nelsen Surfrider Foundation’s Environmental Director. “We are excited to have Mara on board and look forward to furthering the development of the Surfrider Foundation’s capacity and presence on the East Coast.”
“I'm very excited to be joining the Surfrider Foundation team,” said Dias. “We have great potential to improve our effectiveness on the East Coast and I look forward to being part of that effort,” added Dis. “I’m looking forward to working with the chapters on the East Coast and helping them achieve success in their water quality campaigns.”
Dias assumed her duties on August 1st, 2006.
The Surfrider Foundation
is a non-profit grassroots environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Now in its 25th year, the Surfrider Foundation has grown from a small group of dedicated surfers in Malibu, California to a global movement made up of over 50,000 members and 90 chapters worldwide. For more information visit us at www.surfrider.org.
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