Save Our Shores welcomes Laura’s experience including managing professional staff in the areas of finance, MIS, human resources, public and community relations, development, office administration, and technical assistance. In her prior leadership capacity, she was responsible for overseeing all budgeting and purchasing activity for a $14 million organization, assuring adherence to contractual goals, planning and coordinating community events, and overseeing technology and data management applications.

Laura is also well versed in grant writing, funding research, technical assistance, designing of marketing materials and communications, and guiding organizations creatively according to their strategic plan.

Kate Purcell joins the SOS team with more than 12 years experience as a professional volunteer manager. In fact, Kate got her start with SOS in 1998 as the DockWalker program coordinator! She returns to us having honed her skills working with the U.S. Peace Corps and the University of California Master Gardener Program. Kate believes that "Volunteers are the best sector of society" and they deserve a personal approach to volunteer coordination. "I love to get to know everyone of my volunteers and it is important to me that they have a rewarding experience through their volunteer work." Email Address: kate@saveourshores.org

Michelle's background includes an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Sociology from the University of San Diego, and an MBA from the University of Colorado at Denver.  Michelle is from Boulder, Colorado and has always enjoyed the beauty, recreation, and escape that nature provides. She is excited to use the skills she has gained through her professional work experience and education to enhance and support marine conservation.  Email Address: michelle@saveourshores.org

Emily joins the Save Our Shores team with a strong background in grassroots organizing and environmental education. She previously worked for an outdoor environmental education program, a land trust organization, and a green architect. She has a passion for the environment and is excited to use her skills as an environmental educator and community organizer to garner support for our precious oceans. If she's not in the office you will most likely find her down on the beach!

Lauren joins the Save Our Shores crew with a background in marine biology with an emphasis on ocean conservation and marine mammals.  Her passion for the ocean intensified while working on a local whale watching boat where she became familiar with the wildlife of the Monterey Bay and learned all about boats from her great captain. She is a lifelong soccer player, an avid scuba diver and one day hopes to dive in Micronesia or try cave diving.