Savannah, Ga. – December 17, 2019 – The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation welcomes Jody Patterson as chapter director for the Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a chapter of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.  

Patterson, a longtime ocean conservation advocate,  worked with Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary as its events and volunteer coordinator from 2009-2019.  She brings a wealth of experience in public engagement and science communication. Patterson will coordinate the chapter’s southeast regional MATE ROV Competition, an underwater robotics competition and education program, and support the chapter’s biggest fundraising event, the sustainable seafood gala  A Fishy Affair. As chapter director, Patterson will raise funds for education, outreach and science programs that promote stewardship of Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary and strengthen conservation.

Kris Sarri, president and CEO of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, said, “Jody’s expertise and her passion for protecting Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary for future generations make it clear that she will lead the chapter to success.”

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary encompasses 22 square miles in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the Georgia coast. The sanctuary conserves the marine life of the live-bottom  reef, from vibrant sea stars and snapping shrimp to teeming schools of fish, gliding loggerhead sea turtles, and magnificent hammerhead sharks. Gray’s Reef is also important because it is part of the critical habitat for the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Gray’s Reef is a popular destination for recreational anglers, boaters and experienced divers.

Contact: Chip Weiskotten

Director of Strategic Communications

301.608.3040 x 305

chip@marinesanctuary.org

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The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, established in 2000, is the official non-profit partner of the National Marine Sanctuary System. The Foundation directly supports America’s national marine sanctuaries through our mission to protect species, conserve ecosystems and preserve America’s maritime heritage. We accomplish our mission through community stewardship and engagement programs, on-the-water conservation projects, public education and outreach programs, and scientific research and exploration. The Foundation fosters innovative projects that are solution-oriented, scalable and transferable, and develop strategic partnerships that promote the conservation and recovery of species and their habitats. Learn more at marinesanctuary.org.

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, based in Savannah, GA, is a local chapter of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. The chapter’s mission is to inspire the public to protect Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary through outreach and education. Learn more about the chapter at graysreefnmsf.org.