U.K. Philanthropist Heather Stevens Joins Oceana
Press Release Date: September 17, 2010
Location: Washington, D.C.
Contact:
Anna Baxter | email: abaxter@oceana.org
Anna Baxter
Oceana announced today that U.K.-based philanthropist Heather Stevens has joined its Board of Directors. Stevens, the Trustee of the Waterloo Foundation, has long been a supporter of Oceana’s conservation work around the world.
“This is such a crucial time for the oceans, and I am proud to have this opportunity to join the Board of Directors for Oceana,” said Stevens. “The Waterloo Foundation has been working in specific areas of the globe to promote responsible fishing practices and improve ecosystems. This is an issue of great importance for us and the world.”
In 2007, Stevens and her husband David Stevens founded the Waterloo Foundation, an independent grant-making foundation based in the U.K., which she now chairs. The Foundation works around the globe, focusing on world development, environmental issues including climate change, child development and projects local to Wales. The Foundation has funded considerable work in the marine sector including campaigns to combat illegal fishing in West Africa and to improve the fishing industry and marine life in the Pacific Coral Triangle.
“What an addition Heather Stevens makes to our Board of Directors,” said Oceana Board Chair Keith Addis. “Her work with the Waterloo Foundation will provide a unique and valuable perspective for Oceana and the Oceans.”
Oceana’s Board of Directors is the organization’s governing body. It approves all strategy, budgets and direction for the group’s campaigns and organizational activities. Oceana’s board includes actors Ted Danson and Sam Waterston, former Organization of American States Secretary General César Gaviria and world famous fisheries scientist Dr. Daniel Pauly.
Since its founding in 2001, Oceana has achieved dozens of concrete policy victories for marine life and habitats, including stopping bottom trawling in sensitive habitat areas, protecting sea turtles from commercial fishing gear and protecting the Arctic from industrial fishing. Because of Oceana’s effectiveness, rating agency Charity Navigator has awarded the group four stars (the highest possible rating in its category).
“Heather and the Waterloo Foundation have provided crucial support to Oceana for many years and really helped Oceana make a difference for our seas,” said Andrew Sharpless, Oceana’s Chief Executive Officer. “Now, with the benefit of Heather’s advice and support as a Board member, Oceana will be able to get even more done.’
Other members of Oceana’s Board include: Herbert M. Bedolfe, III; Simon Sidamon-Eristoff (Secretary); María Eugenia Girón; Stephen P. McAllister; Michael Northrop; Dr. Kristian Parker (Vice Chair); Dr. Sally-Christine Rodgers, James Sandler (Treasurer), and Valarie Whiting. A full description of Board of Directors and their affiliations can be found at: http://na.oceana.org/en/about-us/leadership/board-of-directors.
