Antha Williams of Bloomberg Philanthropies Joins Oceana’s Board of Directors
Press Release Date: June 3, 2021
Location: Washington, DC
Contact:
Anna Baxter | email: abaxter@oceana.org
Anna Baxter
Today, Oceana, the international ocean conservation organization, announced Antha Williams, Global Head of the Environment Program at Bloomberg Philanthropies, has joined the organization’s Board of Directors.
“Antha is a remarkable leader who has made a difference through her work for the oceans, the climate, and the planet,” said Oceana CEO Andrew Sharpless. “We are truly fortunate to have her join Oceana’s Board of Directors. Her advice, expertise, and commitment will be essential as Oceana continues its campaigns to save the oceans and feed the world, and to support global efforts to address climate change.”
Under Williams’ direction, the Environment Program at Bloomberg Philanthropies leads U.S. and global efforts in partnership with global business and government leaders, grassroots movements, and environmental advocates to fight climate change and protect the environment by driving the transition to clean energy, supporting climate action in cities, and preserving ocean ecosystems.
“Today, our ocean faces threats on multiple fronts: pollution, overfishing, and climate change,” said Williams. “Through the Vibrant Oceans Initiative, Bloomberg Philanthropies and Oceana are together working to ensure the ocean, key marine ecosystems and the billions of people who depend on them can survive and thrive. I’m thrilled to join Oceana’s board to deepen our work together and accelerate our impact.”
Prior to her leadership roles in philanthropy, Williams worked as a campaigner and organizer, directing large scale voter protection efforts. She currently sits on the Board of Directors of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, European Climate Foundation, League of Conservation Voters, and Oceans 5 in addition to Oceana.
In 2014, Oceana became part of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Vibrant Oceans Initiative, which advances evidence-based conservation practices and implements data-driven policies to protect the ocean and those who depend on it. Starting with work in Brazil, Chile, and the Philippines, the partnership expanded in 2018 to also include Peru and the United States. Since then, with Bloomberg’s support, Oceana has achieved critical policy victories in these countries to protect marine habitat, create science-based fisheries management, increase transparency at sea, and more. The Vibrant Oceans Initiative works with partners in an additional five countries and has supported the protection of nearly 7 million square miles of ocean since 2012.
Other Oceana Board Members include Keith Addis, Gaz Alazraki, Herbert M. Bedolfe, Ted Danson, Nicholas Davis, Maya Gabeira, César Gaviria, María Eugenia Girón, Loic Gouzer, Jena King, Ben Koerner, Sara Lowell, Stephen P. McAllister, Dr. Kristian Parker, Dr. Daniel Pauly, David Rockefeller, Jr., Susan Rockefeller, James Sandler, Simon Sidamon-Eristoff, Dr. Rashid Sumaila, Diana Thomson, Valarie Van Cleave, Elizabeth Wahler, Sam Waterson, and Jean Weiss. More information on Oceana’s Board Members is available at oceana.org/about-oceana/leadership/board-of-directors.
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Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-third of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 225 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal, every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit www.oceana.org to learn more.
